Will Sherman: The Future of US Rugby with Deep Roots in the Game's Past

Will Sherman: The Future of US Rugby with Deep Roots in the Game's Past

Will Sherman, the rising star known as 'Wreck-It Will,' made his highly anticipated Major League Rugby debut for Anthem Rugby Carolina last week. The 22-year-old lock forward represents a crucial piece in the puzzle for the United States Eagles as they aim to make a significant impact on their home World Cup in 2031. Sherman's journey is not just about his promising future; it is deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of American rugby history.

A Legacy of Rugby and Heroism

Sherman's connection to rugby runs through his father, Wade Sherman, who played for the champion Cal Berkeley team. That team included Mark Bingham, who on September 11, 2001, became an American hero as one of the passengers on Flight 93 who fought hijackers, preventing the plane from reaching Washington. Sherman recalls his father showing him an old photograph and telling him, 'That guy standing to my left is an American hero.' This story is a foundational part of Sherman's identity, illustrating how rugby and valor are interwoven in his family narrative.

Sherman senior discovered rugby during a trip to Australia as a teenager, where he saw players at Bondi Beach and was captivated by the sport. Upon returning to northern California, he joined a high school team, played at Cal Berkeley for two years, and continued at Brigham Young University in Utah. He later became his son's first coach, introducing him to the game with a kids' team in Salt Lake City.

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Developing Toughness in Utah's Rugby Scene

Sherman's early rugby education took place at East High School in Utah, a state with a long-established rugby culture heavily influenced by Pacific Islander communities. 'The rugby roots run deep with that community,' Sherman noted, explaining that most of his friends and teammates growing up were of Pacific Islander descent. This environment helped shape him into a versatile player; at 6 feet 4 inches, he may lack the height of some second-row giants, but he compensates with hard hits and the ability to play flanker.

Initially, Sherman did not enjoy rugby as a young player because he often got 'beat up every weekend.' However, he now sees value in those experiences, stating, 'It's important to play that physically hard sport and go through those trials and tribulations, get beat up a little bit, skin your knees. You learn the qualities of rugby. You need to be tough to play, which is a big reason I love it.' This toughness, coupled with the respect inherent in rugby culture—where players often break bread together after matches—has become a core part of his ethos.

College Challenges and International Exposure

After high school, Sherman attended UCLA, where he faced the challenges of playing for a club team without varsity status. 'You don't realize how much of a commitment it is,' he said, highlighting issues like worse practice times and field priority. Despite these hurdles, coach Harry Bennett, a former MLR player, helped Sherman develop his skills, leading to a spot on the US under-23 tour to South Africa last summer. There, he played under Agustin Cavalieri, an Argentinian coach now in charge at Anthem RC, who was instrumental in Sherman's decision to enter the MLR draft, where Anthem selected him as the No. 1 pick.

This tour was pivotal, allowing Sherman to gauge the development of his peers, many of whom are targeted by USA Rugby for the 2031 World Cup. At 22, Sherman already has 14 years of rugby experience, giving him a significant advantage over many American players who start later in life.

Proving Himself in Australia and MLR Debut

Sherman's rugby journey also included a brief but impactful stint with Randwick, a storied club in Sydney, Australia. Arriving with little time to spare, he quickly integrated into the team, playing across multiple grades and earning respect through his performance. In one memorable game, he made 36 tackles, a testament to his defensive prowess. 'I was pretty sore the next day,' he recalled with a smile.

Back in the US, his tackling earned him the nickname 'Wreck-It Will,' inspired by the cartoon character Ralph. In his MLR debut against the California Legion, Sherman spent about 50 minutes on the field, making 19 tackles and receiving a yellow card for persistent infringements. More importantly, he helped Anthem RC secure their first-ever win, snapping a 32-game losing streak with a 39-26 victory. 'These guys are family now,' Sherman said, emphasizing the team's motivation to build on this success, with upcoming matches against teams like the Chicago Hounds.

Looking Ahead to 2031

As Anthem RC, backed by World Rugby, focuses on developing American talent for the 2031 World Cup, Sherman's role becomes increasingly vital. His blend of experience, toughness, and deep-rooted connection to the sport positions him as a key figure in US rugby's future. With each game, he and his teammates are writing new chapters, driven by the goal of making history on home soil in 2031.