Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
In a surprise move, USA Eagles Captain Chris Wyles has retired from International play effective immediately. The 32 year old has been capped 54 times for the Eagles since making his debut in 2007. The most capped fullback in USA history, Wyles was capable of playing every position in the backline and quickly became a valuable member of the squad after his debut. He appeared in three World Cups for the USA (2007, 2011, and 2015) and scored 222 points (16 tries) during his international career.
Prior to being capped by the Eagles, Wyles starred for the USA 7s team, scoring 54 tries in 13 tournament before signing an overseas contract to play 15s. Wyles returned to 7s, for a short time, in 2015 as he was drawn into the USA side that qualified for the Olympics at the NACRA 7s. Wyles ambitions to play in the Olympics has been cited as the reason for his retirement from international duty. Wyles is expected to make a run at the Olympic team after the completion of his Aviva Premiership season with Saracens.
Wyles has been a stalwart for Saracens since joining the side. Since signing with the team in 2008, Wyles has made 186 appearances for the current table leaders in the Aviva Premiership.
“I feel extremely indebted to USA Rugby for the opportunities and experiences it has given me.,” said Wyles in a release from USA Rugby. “My time playing for the Eagles is filled with amazing memories but the thing that I will treasure the most are the great friends I’ve made throughout the years. I wish the team all the success in the future under [new Head Coach] John Mitchell.”
New Eagles Head Coach John Mitchell will be hard pressed to find a replacement to fill the shoes of Wyles, whom is considered one of the top players to ever wear the Eagles jersey. Current Cardiff back, Blaine Scully appears next in line for the fullback duties. The two players switched back and forth between fullback and wing during the 2015 World Cup.
Wyles retirement also leaves a vacancy for the Captain position for the Eagles. Wyles was appointed Captain prior to the World Cup after previous Captain Todd Clever was unceremoniously sacked after a rift formed between Clever and former Head Coach Mike Tolkin. Along with the recent retirement of Scott LaValla, the Eagles are primed for a massive change in leadership roles in 2016.
