Durham University is on a tour of the United States and will come up against the NorCal Pelicans this Saturday at Kezar Stadium before taking on the Pacific Western Conference All-Stars next week. The Pelicans are the NorCal representative/All-Star team. Recently there has been more of an effort to get the best players in the region all playing on the same team. Last year it was the Bay Area PRP All-Stars coming together and then the Pelicans played at the LVI. The hope is to get more high level matches for the best players in the area and provide another scouting mechanism for national team coaches.
Some of the players playing this weekend for the team include Patrick Latu, Bubba Jones, Pila Huihui, and Tai Enosa from SFGG, Michael Haley from Olympic Club, and others from around the region. To help get a better understanding of the Pelicans and their goals we spoke with coach Adriaan Ferris about the team.
Take the jump to read more.
TIAR: Who are the NorCal Pelicans?
Adriaan Ferris: The Pelicans is the name of the Northern California All Star side. It is a representative side made up of the players in the region. Players are selected from club sides that participate in the Pacific Rugby Premiership (PRP), DI, DII & DIII leagues.
The Northern California Representative Side, the Pelicans was also formed in 1974 during the administration of President Pat Vincent, the then Coach of St. Mary's College and former New Zealand All Black. Colors, name, and logo were selected by Dan Hickey, Manager of the NCRFU All-Star team and later, NCRFU & PCRFU President. The name "Pelicans" was selected because the bird was indigenous to the San Francisco Bay Area.
There has been a twenty-year hiatus for the side after last playing in the early to mid 1990s. The purpose behind reestablishing the Pelicans brand was in part to honor the men who helped build rugby in this region to what it is today. Northern California is a strong rugby region because of the men like Greg Rocca, Greg Schmidt, Mike Roddy, Jon Spear and Cal Berkeley legend, Jack Clark.
Additionally, the new iteration of the Pelicans is hoping to provide a pathway for players to play at a higher level. The aim is to work closely with Alex Magleby, USAR Director of High Performance to provide local assistance and expertise to assist creating future Eagles.
TIAR: What has been the process (tryouts, camps, etc.) leading up to Saturday's match?
AF: All clubs were asked to nominate players they felt were capable of playing at a higher level. Two talent identification days were used to filter through the nominated players. In addition, we have shoulder tapped a few players who we feel need to be part of the program.
TIAR: NorCal has a very active rugby scene with some intense club rivalries. Do you think players will be able to put rivalries aside on Saturday?
AF: Rivalry is a positive thing in sport; it creates intensity of performance and a desire to succeed. Often we see the opposition as the enemies, with this program, the players from different clubs will get to know one another on a personal level. The aim is to create respect for one another’s differences
If the Texas All Star game in Las Vegas in February was any indication, they will. The come from behind victory became a catalyst for the players to bond well and although we are working with a larger and new group of players for this game, from what we have seen so far in trainings things have progressed well.
TIAR: The Pelicans played in the LVI and have this upcoming match. What other plans are there for the team?
AF: We have games scheduled against the Oregon Loggers, SoCal Griffins, the touring Pretoria Police team and have lined up a potential game against a touring NZ clubs side in December.
We are also actively looking to for opportunities for games. Not just for the Mens side but also our newly formed Womens Team, our Development XV (U20 focus) and age grade sides.
TIAR: What benefits do you think representative rugby has?
AF: Apart from the higher level of play, to me it is the camaraderie of rep rugby that makes a huge difference. Being selected from a wider pool of players than what is available at a club is rewarding. Often playing with a better quality of player improves an individual by them lifting their game to match those around them.
TIAR: What are you expecting from the Pelicans on Saturday?
AF: I expect the Durham University to be bloody tough as they are a side that plays together in the top collegiate league in the UK so they will be a polished outfit. That said, I expect our teams to be up for the challenge. We have some outstanding talent in NorCal, some of which is untapped potential. We have a good mix of players available including a strong contingent of Polynesian players who have a naturalness in the way they play the game, to players who have played in top collegiate programs like Cal & St Mary’s, and guys who have played at PRP level for SFGG or OC.
I expect the players to entertain those supporters who come along to watch. We have an exciting squad.