After winning four matches, including three test matches, in a row this year the USA Men’s Eagles enters the second half of its season.
Coming up will be a Pacific Nations Cup semifinal (the competition has been reduced to a semifinal-final format with Tonga and Samoa not playing, and the Eagles taking on Japan and Fiji playing Canada in Osaka September 12.
The 3rd-place game and the final will be played September 19 in Tokyo.
Following on that will be non-test matches against an Australia XV (Nashville October 24 and October 30 in New Jersey).
And they're not done, as the USA has now received confirmation that they will wrap up the Nations Cup in Europe in November. They play Hong Kong China November 8 in Bourg-en-Bresse in Eastern France, about 50 miles north of Lyon. Then it's off to Bucharest to play Romania November 14 (this would also be a Pershing Cup match), and they wrap up the season November 21 in Tbilisi against Georgia.
The Nations Cup will crown two champions, a Pool A winner and a Pool B winner. The USA leads their pool at 3-0 with Chile at 2-1.
Overall, then, that would end 2026 with eight test matches plus three non-test games. Last year Head Coach Scott Lawrence said that the reduced Major League Rugby season would afford his program more time in assembly, and that is exactly what is happening.
Then there will also be a Falcons tour, with Head Coach Brendan O’Meara and Analyst Declan Oorloff in camp now to get further acquainted with the Eagles system.
Some of that vaunted World Rugby RWC money is paying for that.
Japan on the Horizon
“Japan is a Nations Championship team that will be a big step up for us in terms of their speed of play, physicality, and overall accuracy," said Lawrence. "Going into this next five-week block, we’re focused on building depth and competition across our squad through intentional improvements in individual and collective performance.”
“Every player has an opportunity to grow, develop, and demonstrate that they can perform at this level, and we’re excited to see how this domestic based group continues to develop through the challenge Japan will provide.”
In the front row, Joe Taufete'e rejoins the team after recovering from injury, adding size, power, and international experience. Taufete'e has 23 tries for the USA, which is the most by a USA forward, and three behind Vaea Anitoni for the all-time Eagle test try record.
Freshly capped Charlie Abel will miss out following his contract signing with French side Oyonnax, keeping him unavailable until November. Mason Pedersen comes back into the squad, while Kaleb Geiger’s return is delayed for further rehabilitation, while veteran Sam Golla returns to the second row after successfully rehabbing his injury.
Flyhalf, Chris Hilsenbeck links back up with the backline following personal leave, bringing tactical leadership options to the 10 jersey.
