Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I need experience to play?
A: NO! Our club is open to players with any skill level.
Q: Who are the Tornados?
A: The official name of the Illinois All State team
is the Tornados and we trust our team will earn the recognition
synonymous with this natural occurrence that is found in our State and
become a powerful force within Interstate and International competition
circles. There is a U17 and a U19 team.
The IYRA All State Select Side rugby team for boys was established to create an environment for individual youth girls to compete and excel at higher levels of competition.
The All State Select Side coach selects high school club players who display special talent for the game of rugby for the Select Side team which receives special coaching and training to enable the team to compete against other All State teams and international teams that visit this country. It is the aim of the IYRA to take the Illinois All State team on annual tours to foreign countries to compete against other international teams.
The current coach of the Tornados is Nolan Day: twoday@sbcglobal.net
Most of the Tornadoes activities occur after the regular high school season ends. The regular training hour with the Tornadoes will be low contact to minimize the possibility of having a player injured and unable to participate in his regular high school season. For more information see the iYRA Tornados webpage.
Q: How can I try out for the National Team?
A: You should first tryout for your LAU Select Side. From there
if you are selected for your TU’s Select Side then you will
compete in the National All-Star Championship Tournament, where
the National Team Coaches will be present observing the matches
and selecting players for upcoming training camps. If you are
selected for a National Team Training Camp, then you will have
the opportunity to try-out for a spot on the National Team.
National Team Coaches are also observing matches at College and
Club Championships. Players may also submit game film, coach
recommendations, and other material relating to their rugby and
athletic play. All film will be reviewed by the appropriate
coaching staff.
Q: What are TU's and LAU’s?
A: TU stands for Territorial Union and LAU stands for
Local Area Union. For more information on Territorial Unions and
Local Area Union's please visit the following link:
www.usarugby.org/goto/Territorial_Unions. You may
access TU and LAU websites and administrative contact
information from this page.