RWC fever is upon us
USA Eagles loose forward JJ Gagiano and his squad mates have arrived in New Zealand for the 2011 World Cup. RWC fever is here, according to rugby365s columnist!
Hi all,
After a few days off we were put through our paces at a four-day pre-World Cup training camp in sunny Santa Barbara, which is just up the coast from Los Angeles. We trained at the University of Santa Barbara (UCSB). The weather was great, fair and sunny.
We fitted in about seven training sessions, and had two or three per day. We had numerous media commitments such as farewells and BBQs and the boys were really excited to get on the plane to New Zealand!
We were scheduled to leave for Auckland on Thursday, September 1. There was a buzz of excitement as whispers of us flying Business Class took hold of the team! We were looked after exceptionally well, ushered through private security and accommodated in Air New Zealand’s Business Class Lounge.
The flight was outstanding as we were in ‘lie-flat beds’ and, thanks to great friendly service from the staff, the 12-hour flight seemed to have whipped by very quickly.
We arrived in Auckland to a very crisp morning, but at least the sun was out, and we were again accommodated in the Business Class Lounge awaiting our departure to Wanganui, our base for the first couple of days in New Zealand. Wanganui is on the North Island on the West coast and it is a picturesque little town.
I can officially say World Cup fever has gripped the Island of the Long White Cloud!
We were greeted by a host of fans wearing USA gear and waving flags. On the tarmac we were greeted and blessed by the local Maori leader, before greeting the Mayor, and were then ushered onto the bus to our hotel.
A first training session in the afternoon helped get rid of jet lag… but it’s a big week ahead for us as we prepare for our first game against Ireland in New Plymouth on Sunday!
Chat soon,
JJ
* Follow the USA Eagles online at www.USARugby.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/usarugby
* UCT loose forward – and Varsity Cup product – JJ Gagiano made his USA Eagles debut in November 2008. Follow his Rugby World Cup story on rugby365.com!
