Eagles RWC Qualification Squad Named

GLENDALE, Colo.—USA Men's 15s Head coach Gary Gold has selected 31-players for the opening stage of Rugby World Cup qualification against rivals Canada. 

The first match takes place on Sept 4 (KO 1:30 PM ET) in St. John’s, NL, with the second on Sept 11 (KO 9PM ET) at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO. Broadcast info will be confirmed closer to date. Tickets for the Glendale match are available at www.usa.rugby/tickets. 

A total of 24 players will return from the Eagles’ July tests against England (L 29-43) and Ireland (L 10-71) with flyhalf AJ MacGinty returning as Captain. MacGinty recently healed from an injury that forced him to miss the aforementioned summer fixtures. The 2020-21 Fans Player of the Year for Sale will be a massive addition to the USA team.

Additional roster highlights include:
Ryan Matyas who last featured in 2018 against Romania
Nate Augspurger, Dylan Fawsitt and Chance Wenglewski who last featured at Rugby World Cup 2019 
Luke Carty and Christian Dyer return after promising performances in July
Benjamin Bonasso and Moni Tonga’uiha could earn their first cap 
Will Hooley remains out to continue rehab from injury 

Assistant Coach Shawn Pittman is back with the squad after being named MLR Head Coach of the Season with Utah Warriors 

“We’re looking forward to picking up where we left off in July with the bulk of our players from that group and some returning faces to compliment the squad," Gold said. "Obviously, we’re all excited to have AJ back and to see him lead the team as Captain. Bryce did an excellent job as Captain against England and Ireland, as well, so having them both to guide this group will be a huge benefit.

“Canada has certainly improved as a team, they are a well-coached and formidable opponent that we need to respect. It is extremely important for us to be efficient and effective in our training so we can execute effectively, gain success on the field and hopefully progress. Overall, I’m excited to get this group back together and hit the ground running.”