Junior Eagles set to take on u20 Trophy

The USA are set to play their first match of the World Rugby u20 Trophy tournament in Edinburgh on Tuesday. A squad of 28 players have been selected by a staff led by Head Coach Neethling Gericke. All but two took part in the two-match series sweep over Canada in the North American qualifier last month.

Headlining the squad is twice-capped senior Eagles center Dom Besag, who is named co-captain along with hooker Cade Crist. It’s Besag, however, who represented the USA at the traditional captain’s photocall and who is expected to lead on the pitch, with Houston SaberCats tyro Seth Smith also contesting the starting No2 shirt.

Smith is joined by three other forwards with Major League Rugby experience, all with the Charlotte-based Anthem RC which doubles as a development side for USA Rugby. Hard running No8 Dylan Fortune is joined by lock or blindside flanker Braemar Murray and versatile loose forward Graeme Pedegana. The latter pair did not play in the qualifier due to injury.

Players based abroad include Randwick prop Thomas Wagner and a pair of speedsters who play in England, Hartpury’s Corbin Smith and Keelan Farrell from Esher. The remainder of the selections come from American collegiate rugby. Six are eligible to play at u20 level again next year.

First up for the Americans on their Pool B opponents are the Netherlands, followed by Uruguay and finally Kenya. Only one round of knockouts will be played, with the winner of each pool contesting the Championship Final. The USA finished 7th last year, with their lone victory over Hong Kong.

All matches will be streamed live on RugbyPass.

POOL FIXTURES

07/02 – 11:45 PT / 14:45 ET – vs Netherlands
07/07 – 03:45 PT / 06:45 ET – vs Uruguay
07/12 – 06:30 PT / 09:30 ET – vs Kenya

ROSTER