Callum Black’s Eagles career has ended before it started. Just days after being named in Gary Gold’s 30-man roster for the June test series, the Ulster prop has done an about-face and withdrawn his availability for the USA. Born in Washington DC but raised in England and an Ireland age-grade rep, the 32-year-old had been earmarked by Eagles selectors to add experience to their scrum ahead of the World Cup.
Eagles head coach Gary Gold expressed his frustration in conversation with Pat Clifton of Rugby Today and will now have to alter his plans. Joining the team in the short term is Titi Lamositele, who was initially due to be rested for the series after only recently returning from a long-term neck injury.
Returning to the Eagles roster is 41-cap test loosehead Eric Fry, with San Diego Legion veteran Tony Purpura another option on the left side. Glendale’s Australian loosehead Luke White, more recently forced to play lock due to Ben Landry’s suspension, qualifies on residency in January and should come into contention. Munster prop Jeremy Loughman, an Ireland u20 representative, was born in Nevada and could be a target in the future.