You guys have a hell of a lot more depth even with only 25 million people.

US and Canada have very little. The US has 10 more contracted 7s players back in San Diego, but there is a reason barely any of them traveled all year. Its just a big drop off after those first 12 guys (before Leuta/Augsperger showed up, I'd say 10 guys). And all 12 of those guys could at least get a run out for the national 15s training camp, even if Isles and Baker would get snapped in half.

Now that being said, there is clearly crazy potential and hopefully with the good structure and good people (especially Friday and Co, but also Alex Magleby and his development role) we will start getting the opportunity to build depth.

Matai Leuta is the poster boy for the US potential. Not a crossover athlete, just a huge guy playing rugby at one of the hundreds of college teams that aren't really "on the radar". Never had "high performance training" and probably lacked some fitness (he says he was fat...) and fundamentals training. Went to tryout / combine for the national team, coaches saw the size/speed and he moved into the national training squad. Within 2 months he was fit enough to make the 12 and good enough to start the cup final. There was another guy from that tryout (Ahmad) who didnt move to California, so isnt in the squad, but had similar physical traits.

If the better national structure remains, in a few years, I think the US will have a lot more depth. Possibly guys on the USA 7s today will be squeezed out of their spot, which sucks for them, but is good for the program.

Perfect world would be if the US is able to create a semi-pro league locally for 15s, but maintains deference to 7s and works around the 7s schedule to make sure the top guys are playing professional 15s locally + 7s for USA. I know that sounds sacrilegious to most people, but I definitely see the US mainstream consumer embracing the 7s world series. 10 big weekend festivals a year, all the national pride/rivalry, less complex viewing, etc.