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Competing teams for the upcoming Eagles Sevens intra-squad matches starting this weekend have been confirmed. Both the Men’s and Women’s Eagles will compete against their teammates to bring a positive close to what has been an enormously disruptive calendar year. All eyes now on preparation for the Tokyo Olympics which remains on track for July 2021.
The Women’s XVs camp was recently forced to cancel their final Stars vs Stripes match due to a COVID-19 intervention but the Sevens side will carry on under rigid protocols. A total of 17 players are split into two sides that will play one game at Chula Vista on December 4 at 12:30pm Pacific, 3:30pm Eastern, to be streamed live on the USA Rugby Facebook page.
Three players who took part in the first XVs match at Glendale are included. Kristi Kirshe, Ilona Maher, and Jordan Matyas will all play for the Stars. Meanwhile coach Chris Brown has named three uncapped players to take part. Nia Toliver and Ari Ramsey are with the Stars, and Jaz Gray lines up for the Stripes.
Among those unavailable to play are Alev Kelter, Joanne Fa’avesi, and Eti Haungatau, all of whom appeared at the season’s final tournament in February at Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium.
USA STARS
Lauren Doyle, Nicole Heavirland, Kristi Kirshe, Ilona Maher, Jordan Matyas, Ari Ramsey, Stephanie Rovetti, Nia Toliver
USA STRIPES
Meya Bizer, Kayla Canett, Cheta Emba, Jaz Gray, Abby Gustaitis, Kasey McCravey, Alena Olsen, Naya Tapper, Kris Thomas
The Men’s Eagles will play a full series of eight games spread across four days. Matches will take place at noon and 3pm Pacific (3pm and 6pm Eastern) on the weekends of December 4 and 5, and December 11 and 12. The Golden Eagles Showdown Series will also be broadcast live on the USA Rugby Facebook page.
Mike Friday has split his squad into two groups who have incorporated fan submissions for team names – the Rampaging Ridgebacks and the Schnuggle of Schnauzers. A total of 22 players will take part with another four who are unavailable to play handed managerial and ‘chief advisory’ duties.
Cody Melphy captains the Ridgebacks that also feature two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Perry Baker. Stephen Tomasin, Ben Pinkelman, and Maka Unufe add further experience with one uncapped inclusion in Houston SaberCats winger Malacchi Esdale.
The Schnauzers will be captained by another young playmaker in Faitala Talapusi with regular Eagles skipper Madison Hughes included to add on-field guidance. Danny Barrett, Martin Iosefo, and Matai Leuta pair with three uncapped players in Gavan D’Amore-Morrison, Christian Dyer, and Jake Lachina.
RAMPAGING RIDGEBACKS
Malon Al-Jiboori, Perry Baker, Malacchi Esdale, Cody Melphy (capt.), Ben Pinkelman, Joe Schroeder, Stephen Tomasin, Marcus Tupuola, Maka Unufe, Anthony Welmers, Kevon Williams
Manager: Ben Broselle
Coach: Pat Blair
SCHNUGGLE OF SCHNAUZERS
Danny Barrett, Maceo Brown, Gavan D’Amore-Morrison, Christian Dyer, Madison Hughes, Martin Iosefo, Jake Lachina, Matai Leuta, Faitala Talapusi (capt.), Brett Thompson, Harley Wheeler
Manager: Naima Fuala’au
Coach: Folau Niua
