Captains of the Carmichael Hawks Rugby 7s teams are, from left: Charlotte Brown, Kylie Shaltes, Bella Chong, Cash Lazard, Ronan Curry and Seti Perona. 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - The Carmichael Hawks Rugby Club is looking to build on the success of last season’s historic run to the Boys High School National Championships. After winning the Norcal High School Championship last spring, the Hawks Boys Varsity squad made an impressive showing at Nationals in May, finishing second. While the main rugby season won’t begin until 2027, the Hawks Boys and Girls 7s teams have been practicing hard for the upcoming fall tournament season.

Rugby 7s features seven players on a team compared to 15 players in classic rugby union. Both 7s and 15s are played on the same size field, which results in 7s being a faster paced game with more open space. Rugby union features a longer, more strategic and physically intense game.

Ronan Curry carries the ball during practice on Sep. 17.

While some Hawks players seemed to prefer the more traditional 15s game, they all agreed that the 7s game added important creative and training benefits to their rugby skills.

“I like the creativity of 7s” said Kylie Shaltes, one of the captains of the Girls 7s team. Boys captain Seti Perona added, “Out here in 7s, you can just be yourself and just show your skills.”

That speed and creativity was a key part of the Boys Varsity team’s success on their way to Nationals. The Boys 7s captains, Ronan Curry, Seti Perona and Cash Lazard all learned a lot from that experience and are confident the team can replicate that success next year.

Coach Miles Brown speaks to the Girls 7s at practice on Sep. 17.

“We got our guys from JV coming up, and they're dogs!” said Ronan Curry, adding “so, you know, train them up a little bit, get them used to the bigger guys. I have no doubt that we’ll be even better than last year.”

That confidence comes from proven results, gained trust in one's teammates and the friendships formed from playing Carmichael Hawks Rugby.

Girls 7s captain Bella Chong shared what she loves most about playing for the Hawks. “It's absolutely just the bonds and the friendships, and the brotherhood-sisterhood between both teams as well,” said Chong. “We're all friends, guys and girls. The connections that you make and get out of it are really good.”

Ben Ratu practices his drop kick.

Boys 7s Coach Kellen Fisch was a member of the inaugural Carmichael Hawks middle school team in 2010. He went on to Sacramento State where he won a National Championship in 2023 with Miles Brown, who coaches the Hawks Girls 7s team. Coach Fisch brings a fun and fluid style to 7’s practices. “Seven is all about having fun. It's stress-free…having a smile on your face. I just want them to make the most out of it.”

The Hawks Boys 7s are looking forward to the first leg of 2026 West Coast 7s tournament series in Los Angeles on Sep 26. They will play at Stanford on Oct.10 and then San Diego on Oct. 17-18. The Hawks Girls 7s will also be competing at the West Coast 7s at Stanford on Oct. 10. All games will be streamed live. For more information about the Hawks schedule visit: https://www.westcoastsevens.com/our-events

For more information about the Carmichael Rugby Football Club visit: https://carmichaelrugby.com/

The Hawks Boys 7s display their focus and teamwork during practice drills as Gavin McLean passes the ball to Seti Perona.