Some changes for the Eagles as the Pacific Nations Cup looms.
USA Men's 15s Head Coach Scott Lawrence has named his player pool for the PNC, which will double as the qualifiers for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. All of this kicks off with Canada on August 22, with the winner almost certainly securing a spot in Australia 2027.
This player pool includes some changes prompted in part by injuries, in part by players recovering from injury, and from ongoing form. Lock sees some big changes. Nafi Ma'afu out of Tempe, Ariz., whose name has been on the lips of rugby observers for some years, has been plying his trade in France and is now healthy and (if you ask him) finally ready to play at this level. Many felt he was ready some time ago. Rick Rose, the #1 draft pick in the MLR in 2023, captained St. Ignatius HS in Cleveland and then St. Bonaventure, helping Bonnies to an NCR D1 title in the fall of 2021.
Both are in the squad for the first time.
Lance Williams, who had been called up to the USA 7s team to provide some veteran leadership, brings his special brand of physicality to the loose forwards. On the wing, Penn HS and Indiana University star Noah Brown, who made the USA 7s team as an undergrad, is called up. Lauina Futi, who got his first cap last year, returns and brings some versatility to the position.
Maliu Niuafe is a new face for the USA at prop. He was in consideration for the New Zealand U20s but did not play due to injury. We have now confirmed he was born in California which qualifies him for the USA.
Lock Jason Damm returns from injury, and so does scrumhalf Ethan McVeigh.
AJ MacGinty is back in the pool and it's worth noting that he is now only 50 points behind Mike Hercus for most test points scored by a USA player. Hercus scored 465 in 48 tests; MacGinty has 415 in 42. Also on the stat sheet is Nate Augspurger, who can break into the Top 10 all-time in Eagle caps with a couple more appearances, and his next try will see him tied for 6th all-time for an Eagle try-scorer.
