A number of new names are set to make their senior international debuts for the USA on the World Sevens Series in Canada this coming weekend. Both the Women’s and Men’s Eagles feature a host of uncapped players as the post-Olympic search for the next batch of stars begins.
Four players with Sevens Series experience are named in the Women’s squad. Kayla Canett and Nia Toliver were part of the Olympic squad, though the latter is yet to make her World Series debut. Joanne Fa’avesi, Stephanie Rovetti, and Lauren Thunen are the others.
With Chris Brown recently stepping down as Head Coach, it will be High Performance Director Emilie Bydwell who guides the team in Vancouver and Edmonton. The Women will compete in a ‘Fast Four’ round-robin against Great Britain, Mexico, and hosts Canada at both events.
USA WOMEN’S EAGLES 7s
Sui A’au, Kayla Canett, Joanne Fa’avesi, Emily Fulbrook, Jazmine Grey, Summer Harris-Jones, Sarah Levy, Stephanie Rovetti, Alex Sedrick, Rachel Strasdas, Salote Tausinga, Lauren Thunen, Nia Toliver
Men’s Head Coach Mike Friday will have six players with Sevens Series experience at his disposal. Martin Iosefo, Matai Leuta, Cody Melphy, Joe Schroeder, and Kevon Williams were in the Olympic squad. Traveling reserves Malacchi Esdale, who remains uncapped, and Naima Fuala’au are also included.
Among the new names is Christian Dyer, who jumps straight into the squad having just played test rugby against Canada in the World Cup Qualifying series. Among the new names are Major League Rugby pair Adam Channel and David Still of the LA Giltinis and Austin Gilgronis respectively.
USA MEN’S EAGLES 7s
Adam Channel, Gavan D’Amore-Morrison, Christian Dyer, Malacchi Esdale, Naima Fuala’au, Martin Iosefo, Matai Leuta, Cody Melphy, Jerome Nale, Joe Schroeder, David Still, Jack Wendling, Kevon Williams