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The USA Maccabi rugby team is beginning their preparations for the 2015 Pan Am Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile. The squad, comprised of players of Jewish decent, has participated in the World Maccabi Games for a number of years, medaling at each event. The side won Gold in 7s at the 2013 World Games. In recent years, a number of Eagles and Eagle Pool players have taken the field for USA Maccabi including Zach Test, Kevin Swiryn, and Dallen Stanford.
Stanford has moved from a playing role into an assistant coaching position with the squad as they begin to take shape ahead of the 2015 Pan Am Games which are scheduled for December 26, 2015 – January 5, 2016. Aaron Davis, who played in three World Maccabi Games for the USA serves as the Head Coach of the squad.
“The Maccabi family has been such an important part of my Rugby career and I’ve made lifelong friendships that have transcended the pitch. I’m honored to have been chosen to help continue the tradition of growing this program and competing at the highest level,” said Davis in a press release from USA Maccabi.
“Since the program’s inception, we have rarely played outside Israel. This has put us at a significant disadvantage, as the nations of Israel, Australia, South Africa, England, and Chile are able get on the pitch together with much more frequency, due in large part to geography. I believe this tour plays an important role in our overall goal to achieve program success. The intention in Chile is to create a bit of continuity in our program, have fun, and win,” added Davis.
USA Maccabi will be participating in both 7s and 15s at the Pan Am Games in December which requires the squad to travel with about 40 players. Interested players are encouraged to apply for consideration. The coaching staff is looking for player referrals and input from coaches as they begin to put together their squad to represent the USA.
