Investigating shared leadership in elite sport: a social network study of USA Rugby 7s

This chapter presents findings from rugby within the US. In the US, the state has no active or direct supporting role. Elite sport is mainly organised by a network of schools, colleges or private commercial clubs. The chapter explores the pattern of formal and informal leadership found within the squad and draws attention to the emergence of leaders from among the ranks of peers to complement and supplement those in formal leadership positions. Women’s rugby 7s is illustrative of a sport and context where leadership is the product of both structure and organic peer interaction.