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Teams from San Francisco and New York are in the Ireland preparing for the Limerick World Club 7s this coming weekend. The tournament brings together twelve of the top club sides from around the world. Both San Francisco and New York have produced some surprises since the World Club 7s tournaments began a couple years ago. The squads will face stiff competition in their quest to claim hardware.
Coached by former USA 7s stalwart Jone Naqica, San Francisco lands in Pool B alongside invitational side Samurai, the Canadian Maple Leafs, and the legendary Irish side Munster. San Francisco brings a roster that could come in under the radar and surprise their opponents in Limerick. They don’t have any current Eagles on their roster, but have some up and comers and steady performers at their disposal. Eagle pool player Tim Maupin will be looked upon to set the tone and should get plenty of support from experienced players like team Captain Bubba Jones, Don Pati, Taylor Howden, and Neil Barrett.
San Francisco’s first match of the tournament is against invitational touring 7s side Samurai. Samurai is a threat at any tournament in which they participate. English 7s star John Brake leads the squad that includes international 7s players from England, Scotland, Portugal, and Italy.
The Maple Leafs played in last year’s tournament as the Vancouver Bears and lost in the championship so they’ll be formidable competition. The Maple Leafs boast some of Canada’s very best 7s players including Sean White, Sean Duke, Mike Fuailefau, Justin Douglas, Matt Mullins, Admir Cejvanovic and Lucas Hammond. Each of those players played a role in Canada’s recent Gold Medal at the Pan Am Games.
The home side Munster rounds out the pool and is backed by improved support of 7s play in Ireland. The Munster side includes four players that have been playing for the Ireland 7s National Team this Summer.
“Irish rugby has embraced sevens and so has Munster Rugby,” said Munster 7s Coach Alan Miller. “It is very exciting as four of our squad members have been playing recently with the Ireland sevens team.”
New York has gotten an even tougher pool draw as they fall into Pool A in Limerick. Last year, New York boasted current USA 7s stars Garrett Bender, Carlin Isles, and Maka Unufe. They won’t have that type of firepower this year, but field a strong side that has had a busy Summer and is coming off a good run at the SEREVI Rugbytown 7s last weekend. Team Captain Nate Augspurger and Pono Haitsuka are the only current Eagle 7s players on the roster, but there are some budding stars in the squad.
New York opens up against French powerhouse Stade Francais and will need a good start to the tournament. They follow with Irish side Leinster in what should prove to be a pivotal pool play matchup.
Their final pool opponent are the returning champs Daveta from Fiji. The explosive Fijian side has a star studded roster of proven 7s players and young talent. They will be on the hunt for another title in Limerick.
“For both players and coaches alike, the opportunity to play in the famed Thomond Park is always going to be a highlight in our careers,” said Stephen Lewis, Northeast Academy Director of Coaching and Head Coach of the touring sides.
“The World Club 7’s in Limerick is the highlight of the Academy’s summer, coming after the intensity of Club Nationals in Iowa and a week at the Rugbytown 7’s in Glendale, CO. Playing against quality international opposition (as the New York City 7’s) in one of rugby’s most iconic stadia, Thomond Park, is a thrill for players and coaches alike.”
Pool C rounds out the competition and includes Buenos Aires, Golden Lions from South Africa, and Irish sides Connacht and Ulster. The Limerick World Club 7s kicks off this weekend in Limerick, Ireland.
