Interview: U-20 Fly-half Will Magie

Magie holds the Junior World Rugby Trophy with the captain of Japan.

Will Magie was a mainstay of the Junior All-American team that won the Junior World Championship last year in Utah and is looked at as a future prospect at flyhalf for the Eagles. We were fortunate enough to have Magie make time in his schedule to answer a few questions. He talks about what it's like playing for Leeds, getting minutes with Otley, and what the future may hold. Take the jump to read more.

This Is American Rugby: For those who unfamiliar, tell us a little about the Leeds University rugby team?

Will Magie: Leeds University Rugby Club is one of the largest clubs in the world we have 6 men's sides along with our intra-mural and women's side. The 1st XV, who I have the privilege of captaining this year, play in BUCS Prem A North, the top league of university rugby (equivalent of D1A) alongside Loughborough, Durham, Leeds Metropolitan etc. On the 3rd of October we will face our biggest rivals Leeds Metropolitan in the annual Varsity fixture at Headigley Stadium in front of 10,000 people.

TIAR: You recently went on loan to Otley. How did that move come about and will you have the chance to play for them again?

WM: I've been training with Leeds Carnegie Academy since the start of August and Otley are one of the feeder clubs. This year I am registered to play for Otley and the weeks when I'm not playing for Leeds University I will be playing for Otley. This provides a high standard of rugby in National 2 North different to University rugby. It is men's rugby and therefore a bit more physical which is only going to help my rugby learning curve. Otley is a great club and I've really enjoyed my start to the season there!

TIAR: Last year you had a training stint with Doncaster. What was that like and what was the biggest thing you took away from that experience?

WM: Training at Doncaster was a really good experience playing with professionals who have been playing at that level for 5-10 years showed me the level required in my play to get to the next level. I was frustrated that it had to come to an end due to injury but I needed to get my back sorted in order to play in the JWRT.

TIAR: Are you concerned that your status as a U.S. player could hinder your chances of getting a professional contract in the future?

WM: I don't think it will hinder my chances of gaining a pro contract as I have British residency and citizenship. However I'm not going to worry about that until an offer comes my way!

TIAR: What was it like winning the JWRT in front of a home crowd?

WM: Winning the JWRT in America was the best moment of my life. The year before in Georgia we only had 8-10 fans there where as this year we had 4000 every game cheering us on! It really made a difference and gave it such an extra feeling than had we won abroad. It was also the support in between games and pre-tournament that made us so prepared to give our best. Training with the senior team was an amazing experience and I'd like to say thanks once again to Coach Tolkin for giving us that opportunity!

TIAR: Living and playing in England, how do you stay in touch with your teammates? How do you make sure you are a part of U.S. assemblies in the future?

WM: We had such a great team and we all keep in touch mostly through twitter and Facebook! I follow the guys and what they're up to. It's great to see so many of the guys doing well! Guys like Kingsley McGowan and Mike Teo training with the senior 7s is great to see! Speaking with my coaches throughout my age grade development, playing in England is only helping my chances of playing for the Eagles one day. Getting the chance to play in a professional environment is something that will only make me a better player. I have to trust the coaching staff to keep an eye on my progress overseas and if the opportunity arises to join up with a national team assembly I'd grab it with both hands.