Ohio Bash Brothers in USA 7s Camp

Imposing Ohio Aviators wing duo Alex Elkins and Spike Davis have been included in Mike Friday’s first post-Olympic Eagles 7s training camp for the upcoming 2016-17 HSBC Sevens Series. The pair are joined by San Francisco Rush flanker Alec Gletzer and San Diego Breakers loose forward Chris Turori to make four PRO Rugby representatives in the 25-strong group at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.

A number of veterans are present but interestingly only half the team that traveled to Rio are found in the ranks. Nate Ebner has returned to NFL duties with the New England Patriots while Chris Wyles is back in England with Saracens. Ben Pinkelman has been ruled out for several months with impending shoulder surgery, while Andrew Durutalo looks set to continue his adventure with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby. Zack Test and Garrett Bender are conspicuous absentees, with the former named to a group to prepare for the 2017 Maccabiah Games along with Kevin Swiryn.

Other squad members who have moved on include Swiryn and Aviva Premiership recruit Thretton Palamo. Nate Augspurger appears to be focused solely on the 15-a-side game with Old Blue after being selected as first choice scrumhalf by John Mitchell in June, with Shalom Suniula captaining Seattle Saracens in the CDI Premier League.

Of a host of new names, some notable inclusions are AIC playmaker Jihad Khabir, two-time Junior All-American flanker Zach Bonte, and former UCal Golden Bears halfback Nick Boyer. The week-long session concludes tomorrow, with two more camps scheduled before the first stop on the new series in Dubai kicks off on December 2.

USA EAGLES 7s
Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Zach Bonte, Nick Boyer, Spike Davis, Walt Elder, Alex Elkins, Brady Gent, Alec Gletzer, Will Holder, Madison Hughes, Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Jihad Khabir, Matai Leuta, Folau Niua, Don Pati, Gabriel Ruflin, Bailey Stringer, Brett Thompson, Stephen Tomasin, Chris Turori, Maka Unufe, Anthony Welmers, Kevon Williams