One more update today on the USA U19s playing in the Rugby Americas North Championships.
Head Coach Todd Thornley and his staff, which includes Colton Cariaga and Zach Mizell, has chosen his captains, with Utah Warriors Academy player Papa Matelau and Brown standout Marco Lapierre putting on the mantle of leadership.
Matelau was a USA U18 selection when he was with East HS last year. He forewent college rugby to enlist directly in the Warriors Academy and has seen time with the Warriors. A big, powerful No. 8, Matelau is also a very well put-together leader by example.
Lapierre, meanwhile, was a standout for Monarch HS in Colorado and impressed at Brown this last season both on the rugby field and in the classroom. Tall for an outside back at 6-3, Lapierre is quick, smart, and can handle himself physically. His ability to see the entire field will make him very valuable as a leader in the backs.
Twenty-four players are on the playing squad for Day One, but that doesn't mean the players not selected won't get playing time. This is a pretty grueling tournament, and it's highly likely that those four players not named in the 24-man squad for Wednesday will be needed.
