Under 16
Golden Eagle Rugby U16 - Junior Varsity squad is a competitive development program designed to elevate players of all skill levels. We prioritize player safety through proper tackling techniques, sound break-down skills, and scrum procedures.
We believe that rugby is not just a sport, but a valuable character-building experience and a community of ruggers that support each other in all phases of life. Our dedicated coaches and staff work tirelessly to develop well-rounded players who embody the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and respect.
Golden Eagle U16 - Junior Varsity team begins training in November and builds into the competitive season starting in January. This team takes multiple out of state trips to compete against teams across multiple states
U16 Coaches
Coach John Bellus
Coach John has played rugby for over 30 years (mostly at Hooker) still getting in a few games each year. 1993 started playing rugby at State University of New York at Buffalo (UB), joined the Atlanta Renegades Rugby Football Club in 1994, while a member he has made to Nationals in 7s twice, and multiple trips to Sweet 16 with 15s, including in Final 4 of USARFU Division 1 rugby. Coach Bellus captained the USA South Territorial side, and has represented the USA over 33 rugby side against Canada and British Lions at the World Rugby Classic in Bermuda. Coach Bellus has been coaching youth rugby for the past five plus years.
Coach John is a USA Rugby Level 1 Coach
Coach Derk Hendriksen
Coach Derk started playing rugby at college in the Netherlands as a #12/#13. Coach Derk still plays with his home team of “’t Gooi Rugby” in The Netherlands as a Lock (#4/5) or Flanker (#6/7) and loves rugby’s all-around athletic and physical requirements.
Coach Derk moved to the USA in 2007 where he has coached for 10 years with a focus on leadership, respect, and discipline.
Coach Brian Whitfield
Coach Brian Whitfield started his rugby career in college becoming a 2-time All-American in both 7&15s and won a national title with his USA VII's U23 team in 1998. He continued his rugby career as team captain for both Belmont Shore's Super League 7&15's squads where they were runner up in the 1999 Super League National Championship match. In 2002, Brian joined Atlanta Renegades RFC as a player/coach leading their 7s team to USA Rugby South Region Championship and appeared in USA Rugby National Championship Tournament in 2003 & 2004. In 2019, Brian received University of Florida Rugby's Distinguished Achievement Award and was inducted into the UF Rugby Hall of Fame in 2021.
Brian is in his 5th season coaching with Golden Eagle Rugby and focused on the High School Teams (U16, U19)
Coach Trevor Powell