Key Players Out as Eagles Start World Series

The HSBC World Sevens Series kicks off this coming weekend in Dubai and with it, the start of a historic 7s season that culminates with the 2016 Rio Olympics. The USA Eagle squad is used to being under pressure to perform, but this season brings a whole new level of pressure. In the past, the squad were underdogs and any perceived pressure was in shedding the dreaded label of potential.

The Eagles finished the 2014/2015 World Series in 6th place, their highest ever standing, and won the London 7s to close out the season. Now comes the enviable task of entering the season with the pressure to match and improve upon a record season.

The squad kicks off the season in Dubai and follows with a trip to Cape Town, South Africa for the 2nd round of the World Series. The Eagle roster is loaded with not only talent, but experience. A number of players came of age during the 2014/2015 season and now is the time for the group to make their mark leading up to the Olympics.

Madison Hughes returns to Captain the squad and is a pivotal player in the USA’s fortunes. Hughes finished 2nd in overall points scored last season on the World Series and the USA needs more of the same from the playmaker. Hughes, Folau Niua and Maka Unufe are responsible for creating the space for finishers Perry Baker and Carlin Isles.

The USA has taken a hit in the forwards as Danny Barrett and Martin Iosefo will both miss the opening tour due to injuries. Andrew Durutalo is also unavailable for selection. On the back of a very strong World Cup, Durutalo has reportedly been offered a professional contract overseas. Barrett and Durutalo were the squad’s grinders and became a duo capable of physically putting a stamp on games.

Garrett Bender had a breakout season in 2014/2015 and needs to step into Barrett’s shoes in his absence. Matai Leuta showed promise last season before an injury forced him to the sidelines. He is another player with the ability to physically dominate the contact area. Brett Thompson sat on the fringe of the lineup last season and the absence of key players in the forwards puts him in the hot seat as well.

After being through the ups and downs during his 7s career, Zach Test should provide additional leadership to the group.

Returning to the roster is Will Holder, another strong forward contributor that has seen some action on the World Series. After retiring a few years back, Kevin Swiryn also makes a return to the World Series. Swiryn lit up the World Series during one of the few Eagles’ short lived runs of success. He parlayed that into a role on the Eagles 15s squad and into a contract in France. His return brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability.

The USA opens up their 2015/2016 World Series season against Portugal in Pool C in Dubai. They follow against France and then finish with New Zealand, a side that the Eagles have yet to defeat. The Eagles come in as favorites over Portugal and France, but as the World Series has reminded fans repeatedly… nothing is guaranteed. As notoriously slow starters, it is key for the USA to get off to a good start and get the jitters out early.

USA 7s Team for Dubai & Cape Town

1. Carlin Isles
2. Matai Leuta
3. Brett Thompson
4. Garrett Bender
5. Zack Test
6. Kevin Swiryn
7. Folau Niua
8. Maka Unufe
9. Nate Augspurger
10. Madison Hughes (C)
11. Perry Baker
12. Will Holder