Fortivus Pathways · Elite Pathway
Midwest Thunderbirds
The Elite Pathway
At Fortivus, our mission is to develop complete rugby players and provide clear routes to the highest levels of the sport. The Midwest Thunderbirds Youth Rugby program serves as a premier high-performance select side. It is a critical developmental pathway designed to identify elite young athletes and advance them directly into the USA Rugby national pipeline.
More coming soon
Full program details are coming soon. In the meantime, here is what the Thunderbirds pathway means for Fortivus players.
Why it matters
- Premier high-performance select side
- A direct route into the USA Rugby national pipeline
- Selection earned from Crusaders, Warriors & Academy
- Exposure to collegiate & professional scouts
A Proven Track Record of Success
The connection between our clubs and regional excellence is stronger than ever. Numerous players from both the Crusaders and the Warriors have earned selection to the Thunderbirds rosters. They consistently test themselves against top-tier competition nationwide. Furthermore, Fortivus Academy players actively attend these high-performance camps to sharpen their skills alongside the region's best.
Our pathway is proven to elevate players to the national radar. Most recently, our own Braeden Carlson represented our clubs at the prestigious Major League Rugby (MLR) Showcase. This milestone highlights the direct line from local dedication to professional-level exposure.
From local to pro
“Our own Braeden Carlson represented our clubs at the Major League Rugby (MLR) Showcase: a direct line from local dedication to professional-level exposure.”
Our Strong Recommendation
Participation in the Thunderbirds program accelerates player development through elite coaching, intensive training environments, and exposure to collegiate and professional scouts.
We strongly recommend and encourage any and all Fortivus players selected for the Thunderbirds to accept the invitation and participate.
Succeeding at this level requires immense dedication. We are incredibly proud of the Crusaders, Warriors, and Academy players who continue to represent our community on the regional and national stage. Keep working hard, and aim for the next level!
Selected, or want to learn more?
If your athlete has been invited to the Thunderbirds, or you'd like to understand the pathway, we'd be glad to help.