Rugby's rising star: sherman's legacy forged in loss
Will Sherman isn’t just carving a path as a potential cornerstone of US rugby; he’s walking a lineage steeped in American heroism and resilience. The Anthem Rugby Carolina second-row forward, poised to become a pivotal figure for the national team, carries a story as compelling as his on-field prowess – a story intertwined with the tragic events of 9/11.
From bondi beach to the american gridiron
Sherman’s rugby journey, a whirlwind of international exposure and relentless physical development, began with an almost accidental encounter. His father, Wade Sherman, a former Cal Berkeley rugby player, discovered the sport during a teenage trip to Australia. “He and his buddies were at Bondi,” recounts Sherman, speaking from Charlotte, North Carolina. “They saw these guys playing, tackling, just having a blast, and they jumped right in.” That impromptu initiation sparked a lifelong passion, leading Wade to play at Cal and BYU before becoming his son’s first coach.
The weight of his father's past, however, adds a profound layer to Sherman’s narrative. Wade was a teammate of Mark Bingham, one of the courageous passengers aboard Flight 93 who fought back against the hijackers. “There's a picture, an old one, my dad pulled up,” Sherman explains. “The first time I heard the story, he pointed to a guy standing next to him and said, ‘That’s an American hero.’”
Forged in utah's rugby crucible
Sherman’s early development was shaped by Utah’s surprisingly vibrant rugby scene. He credits the region’s strong Pacific Islander community for fostering a culture of dedication and physicality. “The rugby roots run deep there,” he notes. “Most of my friends and teammates growing up were from that background.” This environment instilled in him a toughness that belies his 6ft 4in frame – a physicality he honed through years of tackling and hard contact, a stark contrast to his early days when, he admits, “I was getting beat up every weekend.” That early adversity, he insists, was invaluable. “It’s important to play that physically hard sport,” he says, “to get beat up a little, learn what you’re made of.”
The transition to UCLA, despite the Bruins’ formidable club rugby program, presented another challenge. “You don’t realize the commitment it takes,” Sherman says. “It’s like a varsity sport, but without the privileges.” But the experience, guided by Australian coach Harry Bennett, proved crucial in his development, ultimately leading to a summer tour of South Africa with the US under-23 team, under the tutelage of Argentinian coach Agustin Cavalieri.
A new chapter with anthem and a record-breaking tackle
Now, as a key player for Anthem Rugby Carolina, Sherman is helping to build a new foundation for American rugby. Last weekend’s victory over the California Legion, snapping a 32-game losing streak, marked a significant turning point. Sherman contributed 19 tackles in the match, a testament to his relentless work rate. While that number pales in comparison to the 36 he recorded in a single game with Randwick in Sydney, Australia – a performance he wryly recalls as leaving him “pretty sore the next day” – it underscores his commitment and burgeoning talent. Friends back in the States have affectionately nicknamed him “Wreck-It Will,” a nod to the cartoon character Ralph.
Anthem, backed by World Rugby, is focused on developing American talent ahead of the 2031 World Cup, and Sherman's presence is a crucial element of that strategy. He's not just playing; he’s embodying a lineage of American grit and determination, a living legacy of those who came before. The road ahead is long, but with players like Sherman leading the charge, the future of US rugby looks significantly brighter.