Collegiate All-Americans named for historic Canada match

USA Rugby has confirmed the names of 26 Collegiate All-Americans who are in preparations for the historic match against the Canadian University All-Stars as part of the double-header at Infinity Park on Saturday. It will be the first time the two sides will face off in what will be a new annual fixture.

There are 10 players included who were named as honorary All-Americans in 2018, including four first teamers – Lindenwood back row Wesley White, Saint Mary’s scrumhalf Sean Yacoubian, and Life backs Duncan van Schalkwyk and Mitch Wilson. Cal Golden Bears hooker Jack Manzo suited up for the Junior All-Americans against Canada in the u20 Qualifier last month.

van Schalkwyk is one of two players confirmed for the 2020 Major League Rugby season, with the halfback signing for expansion side Rugby ATL along with Life teammate and prop Julian Montes. With 13 senior of fifth-year players included there will be keen eyes MLR franchises fixed on potential recruits.

The coaching staff is led by Dartmouth’s James Willocks, with interim Houston SaberCats coach Paul Emerick one of three assistants. Former USA Selects utility back and current Penn State coach Justin Hundley is another with Life’s Blake Bradford, who will coach the forwards at ATL, completing the quartet.

Of note is that 11 players originate from outside the USA, with Australia, England, Scotland, South Africa, and Spain all represented. Iona College eightman Santiago Mascolo hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Kickoff is set for 3pm local time, 2pm Pacific, 5pm Eastern. Tickets are available now on the USA Rugby site. The match will be broadcast live by NBC Sports Gold.

FORWARDS
Alec McDonnell (Lindenwood), Julian Montes (Life), Kareem Odeh (Life), Tanner Pope (Arkansas State), Payton Telea (Saint Mary’s), Robert Irimescu (Penn State), Jack Manzo (Cal Berkeley), Tommy Clark (AIC), Matt Gordon (Mary Washington), Bronson Teles (Arizona), Michael de Waal (Lindenwood), Santiago Mascolo (Iona College), Nic Mirhashem (Cal Berkeley), Ronan Murphy (Saint Mary’s), Wesley White (Lindenwood)

BACKS
Harry Masters (Mary Washington), Sean Yacoubian (Saint Mary’s), Mike Dabulas (Penn State), Duncan van Schalkwyk (Life), Tavite Lopeti (Saint Mary’s), Thorne O’Connell (Kutztown), Mitch Wilson (Life), Calvin Gentry (Arkansas State), Conner Mooneyham (Life), Cristian Rodriguez (Lindenwood), Troy Lockyear (Cal Berkeley)