The USA U-19 team has added Barb Fugate and Ron Laszewski to its coaching roster just a month out from the 2002 U-19 Junior World Championships.

Both coaches bring international experience to the team, Fugate a former capped Eagle and Laszewski a former player for Auckland Marist in New Zealand.

Currently Fugate is the head coach of the U-23 Women's National team and the Minnesota Valkyries club side. A member of the 1991 World Cup team, she also has territorial experience, coaching the Midwest senior and collegiate sides and is a certified instructor with USA Rugby.

"Barb is an excellent addition with her tactical sense in both attack and defence. Her international halfback experience will dovetail well with Mike Tolkin's work with the three-quarters," U-19 head coach Rick Humm said. "We' re fortunate to have Ron join in - his record with the West in developing ball retention and defensive skills will be a nice compliment to Don Farrell 's excellent forwards work."

Humm is pleased with the make up of the coaching staff, "This is a diverse group with varied experience. Each coach brings a unique quality to the effort. The championship is an excellent developmental opportunity for the entire coaching staff."

Laszewski led the West Rugby Football Union Senior Men to victories in the USA Rugby Territorial championships seven of the last eight years. As a player, he captained the West to its first Territorial Championship and was also selected to the Eagles squad, which toured Ireland in 1989.

After camps in Canada and Colorado, the squad will begin its work on March 13th in Italy in preparation for a March 16th "friendly" against Russia and the March 20 World Championship opening match against Holland