For the first time ever the USA Men’s Eagles enter an HSBC Sevens Series as the highest ranked team in the world. After back-to-back silver finishes, the team has gold in their minds in Hamilton this weekend as they drive towards Olympic qualification.
There are two notable returnees named in the squad. Pat Blair and Anthony Welmers are both part of the Army’s WCAP program and come in to boost the forward options. For Welmers it’s been a long road back having last appeared in an Eagles shirt at Singapore in April 2017.
Otherwise it’s business as usual with two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Perry Baker the headliner and an all-star cast with captain Madison Hughes, Ben Pinkelman, Danny Barrett, and Carlin Isles all named. Stephen Tomasin has cemented his name in the run-on side and Martin Iosefo will run off the creativity of Folau Niua.
The Eagles have been drawn in Pool B along with Tonga, Samoa, and England. All matches will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
USA MEN’S EAGLES SEVENS
Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Pat Blair, Maceo Brown, Madison Hughes (capt.), Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Folau Niua, Ben Pinkelman, Brett Thompson, Stephen Tomasin, Anthony Welmers, Kevon Williams
POOL MATCHES
Fri, Jan 25 – 17:06 ET – vs Tonga
Fri, Jan 25 – 20:54 ET – vs Samoa
Sat, Jan 26 – 01:06 ET – vs England