Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The USA will start the 2018-19 HSBC Sevens Series at virtually full strength with Mike Friday naming a 14-man squad to prepare for Dubai. Maka Unufe is the only notable absentee, the center still working his way back from a knee injury.
Madison Hughes continues as captain with chief lieutenant Ben Pinkelman alongside. Perry Baker is fresh off winning his second straight World Rugby Player of the Year award and Carlin Isles is back to provide two world class speed merchants. Playmaker Folau Niua is set to win his 60th cap and star forward Danny Barrett is ready for battle.
There are two new names on the playing roster in All-American additions Maceo Brown and Marcus Tupuola. Another new face is assistant coach Tony Roques, a stalwart both as a player and coach with England who has jumped ship to join the Friday’s USA squad ahead of the Olympic qualifying season.
Dubai kicks off on Friday, late Thursday evening in USA time. The Eagles have been drawn in Pool C along with Spain, Wales, and New Zealand. A live broadcast will be available on ESPN.
USA MEN’S EAGLES SEVENS
Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Maceo Brown, Madison Hughes (capt.), Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Matai Leuta, Cody Melphy, Folau Niua, Ben Pinkelman, Brett Thompson, Steve Tomasin, Marcus Tupuola, Kevon Williams
POOL FIXTURES
Fri, Nov 30 – 09:00 local / 21:00 PT (Thu) / Midnight ET (Thu) – vs Spain
Fri, Nov 30 – 12:00 local / Midnight PT (Thu) / 03:00 ET – vs Wales
Fri, Nov 30 – 18:22 local / 06:22 PT / 09:22 ET – vs New Zealand
