Two mostly-US teams are competing in the Dubai 7s International U19 bracket in the UAE this weekend.

Both the North American Lions and the North American Barbarians opened up their play early in the morning US time. Both teams normally draw from the USA and Canada, but COVID travel restrictions between the two countries made that basically impossible. So these teams have drawn from US sources.

COVID has resulted in a reduced competition at Dubai. Because of the rise of the new Omicron Variant, the United Arab Emirates banned travel from South Africa, which instantly left home 10 teams. So this is a four-team competition with the Barbarians, Lions, the Brussels Seven Developmental team, and the Germany U19 team. The NA Lions were offered a spot in the Men's International Invitational but turned it down in the interests of player safety.

In the opening round Barbarians drew Germany first and lost 29-0, while at the same time the Lions beat Brussels 24-5. 

The Lions and Brussels were both a little rusty and didn't quite connect with their attack in the first half. However, the Lions defense was excellent and they clamped down nicely on the Belgian team.

Next up the Lions faced the Barbarians and won 34-14. Germany beat Brussels 31-7.

Once again the Lions defense was strong, with the two barbarians tries coming in the final two minutes, after several lineup changes, and with the game squarely in hand for the Lions.

The Lions restart was especially effective with kicker Cormac Saint and forwards Siaosi Nauer, Coby Baker, and Eli Palmer all playing key roles in winning ball.

Christopher Biagi set up several of his teammates to score, with the main beneficiary Nathan Leff, who scored a team-leading three tries. Dominic Besag added two, as did Biagi, and Saint, Bradley Kissinger, and Palmer all touched down once on Day One.

Next up will be a clash with Germany, who are disciplined and methodical and well-drilled. Their defense has been even more impressive than that of the Lions. The Barbarians face Brussels.

All four will then move on to the semis.

Full North American Lions Roster:
Conner Grande, Genesis Rugby, Utah Lions
Siaosi Nauer, Kansas City Junior Blues
Sam Dwyer, Eagle HS, Utah Lions
Ian Roudybush, Vienna HS, EIRA
Christopher Biagi, Back Bay, EIRA
Coby Baker, Kuala Lumpur AC, Rock Rugby
Padraic Casey, SFGG, Bay Area and EIRA
Elijah Palmer, Tempe HS, EIRA
Dominic Besag, Danville Oaks, EIRA
Nathan Leff, South OC, San Clemente HS, EIRA
Cormac Saint, Motherlode, EIRA
Bradley Kissinger, North Texas Barbarians, 5785, Gorilla, EIRA
Joe Hamm, Mystic River/Syracuse