MLR talent included in USA High Performance camp

Nine players affiliated with Major League Rugby sides have been named in a 27-strong training group that have convened for a nine-week High Performance camp under the USA’s Pathways Academy program. The camp is funded by World Rugby and hosted by the National Training Center at Glendale’s Infinity Park.

New Dallas Jackals signing Mike Matarazzo and a pair of flankers – LA’s Cyrille Cama and Old Glory’s Cory Daniel – all appeared during the 2021 MLR season. Utah prop Elijah Hayes, Free Jacks hooker Nick Hryekewicz, and ATL wing Jalen Tatum are uncapped inclusions.

Also named is New England draft pick Zach Bastres, a center, and two members of the SaberCats Academy side Rugby HTX – second row Max Wilson and fullback DJ Selby. There is one high school player selected in Salt Lake East flyhalf Mosese Kauvaka.

The group is coached by former Eagles international Paul Emerick with former Glendale Raptors Head Coach Pete Borlase overseeing the forwards. Exhibition matches have been arranged against Pathway 404, Seattle Rugby Club, and Saint Mary’s College that will be played in October.

FORWARDS
Brian Flamenco (Fort Hunt), Elijah Hayes (Utah Warriors), Alex Lopeti (Life West), Nick Hryekewicz (New England Free Jacks), Luke Rizzo (Woodlands), Zion Ah You (Kahuku), Javon Camp-Villalovos (Rhinos), Mike Matarazzo (Dallas Jackals), Max Wilson (Rugby HTX), Mikaea Wynyard (SFGG), Fred Apulu (Marist Hawai’i), Cyrille Cama (LA Giltinis), Cory Daniel (Old Glory DC), Lincoln Draper (Utah Valley), Shemar Lewis (Mount St. Mary’s), Jeremiah Noaese (Tacoma Tsunami), Tevita Otuvaka (Kalihi Raiders)

BACKS
John Lefevre (NOVA), Irae Savaiinaea (Tacoma Tsunami), Mosese Kauvaka (Salt Lake HS East), Kahanu Koi (Rhinos), Zach Bastres (New England Free Jacks), Mika Lomano (SFGG), Cameron Garlick (Chico State), Jalen Tatum (Rugby ATL), Atticus Mikles (Belmont Shore), DJ Selby (Rugby HTX)