Serevi™ today officially announced the hiring of Matthew Hawkins as Director of California Operations. As a member of the Serevi™ management team, the South African-born Hawkins will be responsible for building out programming in California, with particular focus on youth rugby development. He will also oversee the sale of Serevi™ apparel in California.

“We are absolutely thrilled to add the most capped sevens player in U.S. national team history to our team,” said Serevi™ Chief Operating Officer Eric Sanderson. “Matt brings a unique combination of elite play, coaching experience and business savvy to a huge market poised to explode. Matt and his team will develop the skills of current players in the California market while also widening the funnel of children playing our sport.” Added Hawkins, “I am thrilled to introduce the game I love to a new swath of kids. To do so alongside the greatest sevens player of all time is exhilarating.”

Hawkins joins Serevi™ from ELITE Rugby Camp USA, a non-profit rugby organization he co-founded several years back. In addition to his work at Serevi™, Hawkins will continue to play for the U.S. national sevens squad and to coach the Aztec Rugby Club men’s squad at San Diego State.