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USA back row stalwart Scott Lavalla suffered a fractured elbow in training thus forcing Head Coach Mike Tolkin to replace him on the Eagles World Cup Roster. Less than two weeks out from the big event, the loss of Lavalla is a blow to the USA’s lineup. Expected to play a large role in the USA’s back row, the loss of Lavalla will be felt by the squad. Matt Trouville replaces Lavalla on the Eagles’ World Cup Roster.
Since breaking into the USA lineup in 2010, Lavalla has been a mainstay. A consistent performer and immensely well respected around the rugby world, Lavalla amassed 33 caps for the USA. Lavalla also recently ended his career in France after making 82 appearances for Stade Francais in the Pro 14.
There is not any official word from Lavalla regarding his future, but rumors have circulated for some time that Lavalla was set to retire from rugby following the Rugby World Cup. Statements in a release regarding Lavalla’s injury seem to back up those claims.
“Scott has been a fantastic Eagle and has done so much to raise the level of play of the Eagles program,” said Head Coach Mike Tolkin. “He has represented the national team with pride and distinction from age-grade through to the senior level.
“All of the players and staff feel for Scott, and our hearts go out to him during this unfortunate turn of events.”
“Scott LaValla’s involvement in this team is nothing short of invaluable,” Eagle Louis Stanfill said. “On top of being one of our top performers, he brought a level of professionalism, energy, and leadership that fueled this team to be better both on and off the field; from the bottom of the roster to the top. He holds his quality of play to a standard that is near perfection, but a standard that he expected himself to attain from training to games, and that mentality has helped us to push each other and the team culture to gain that winning edge.
“It is with great pain and grief that this injury occurred so close to such a great sporting event, and also during a time when our men’s national team has been working day and night to put our best foot forward, and has been doing so in the right direction. Scott has been all in since he first started with the national team, and his legacy will help to carry us to continue a winning tradition as the USA men’s national team.”
If this is indeed the end of Lavalla’s career, it is an unfortunate end for the back row forward. One last shot at the World Cup would have been a fitting end to a great career.
