Full strength Men’s Eagles named for Tokyo

Mike Friday has unveiled his final Men’s Eagles roster for the Tokyo Olympics. It’s a full strength group of 12 at his disposal with two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Perry Baker and star playmaker Folau Niua both recovering from serious injuries in time to make the trip.

Baker and Niua are among five players who have received year-end HSBC Dream Team honors. The others are starting forwards trio Ben Pinkelman, Stephen Tomasin, and Danny Barrett. Madison Hughes is captain of the group that includes 9 players with 30+ World Sevens Series events.

Carlin Isles joins Pinkelman, Barrett, Niua, Hughes, and Baker in returning from the team that finished 9th at the Rio Olympics. Naima Fuala’au and the uncapped Malacchi Esdale are named traveling reserves with Brett Thompson nominated as the alternate.

The USA has been drawn in Pool C for the three-day tournament that begins on July 26. They will play against South Africa, Kenya, and Ireland. A match schedule is yet to be confirmed.

USA MEN’S EAGLES
Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Maceo Brown, Madison Hughes (capt.), Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Matai Leuta, Folau Niua, Ben Pinkelman, Joe Schroeder, Stephen Tomasin, Kevon Williams

TRAVELING RESERVES
Malacchi Esdale, Naima Fuala’au