Eagles named for Las Vegas

Ben Pinkelman will captain the US Eagles at the Las Vegas Sevens this weekend. With regular skipper Madison Hughes ruled out for several months after knee surgery, Pinkelman will lead the charge for a second straight tournament. Also sidelined with a knee injury in Stephen Tomasin.

There are two changes to the squad that finished 9th in New Zealand. Malon Al-Jiboori returns from Americas Rugby Championship duty to take the place of Nick Boyer. The team has also added a 13th player after competing in Hamilton with only 12. Collegiate All-American 1st team selection Cody Melphy has been named to a senior Eagles squad for the first time.

The Eagles are currently in 7th on the overall 2017-18 HSBC Sevens Series standings. They have been drawn in Pool C for Las Vegas along with Samoa, Australia, and Spain. The three-day tournament begins on Friday with a live broadcast available on ESPN 3.

USA EAGLES 7s
Malon Al-Jiboori, Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Matai Leuta, Chris Mattina, Cody Melphy, Folau Niua, Ben Pinkelman (capt.), Joe Schroeder, Maka Unufe, Kevon Williams

POOL FIXTURES
Fri, Mar 2 – 16:28 PT, 19:28 ET – vs Samoa
Fri, Mar 2 – 19:51 PT, 22:51 ET – vs Australia
Sat, Mar 3 – 13:04 PT, 16:04 ET – vs Spain