"I am delighted to be here on behalf of the Seawolves," said Head Coach Clarke, who is coaching the team for the third time. The Northern Irishman has a massive respect for the militaries of both the UK and the USA and is quick to state that. "And I want to emphasize how privileged I am. The big challenge is bringing the group together, but super pleased with the connection on the field and off the field. You've got to recognize that these players come from all branches of the US Military from all over the USA. They self-funded themselves to be here. It shows you their commitment and we've seen that commitment in how they've come together as a group."
This is essentially an international and the players have had to be dialed in at an international level as Clarke and his staff including former Eagle Rob Randall, USNA Veteran Murph McCarthy, and Scottish international Mark Bennett unleash a detailed but clear game plan.
"It's really helpful to have a percentage of the squad with an understanding of the language, which has been consistent even with the games played in the US last year," said Clarke. "That adds to the clarity and the connection."
The veteran players, said Clarke "have been excellent."
USA Military Team Starting 15 to Face British Army Masters:
Prop: Fred Tafuna, US Army Veteran, White Plains
Hooker: Koikoi Nelligan, West Point, US Army Reserve, Old Glory DC
Prop: James Irey, US Navy Veteran, frmr NOLA Gold
Lock. Lucas Gramlick, US Army, frmr Anthem
Lock. Trevor Langeland, US Army Veteran, Detroit RFC
Flanker. Collin Gross, West Point, US Army Reserve, Seattle Seawolves
Flanker. David Lindsey, US Navy, Seattle RFC
No. 8. Pita Qiovelu, US Air Force, Marist Fiji
Scrumhalf. Shane Palmer, US Army Veteran, NYAC
Flyhalf. Moliki Molitalo, US Army National Guard, Amer. Samoa 7s
Wing. Jason Bland, US Air Force Reserve, Rocky Gorge RFC
Center. Brandon Tupufia, USMC Veteran, Seattle RFC
Center. Mattie Tago, US Army Veteran, All-Army
Wing. Dominic Keith, US Army Veteran, Life University, Frmr Brazil 7s
Fullback. Noah Cooper, USMC, Washington RFC
Additional Players Slated to Play:
Prop: Mike Fletcher, US Navy Veteran, NOVA
Prop: Mike Bressler, USNA, USMC
Prop: James Kuahiwinui, US Air Force, Seattle RFC
Hooker: Kevin Harrison, US Army
Lock: Jackson Bristol, USAFA, US Air Force
Lock/Flanker: Garrett Sytsma, US Army Reserve, Valley Rugby Club
Flanker: Ben Richards, West Point, US Army, Fairbanks Rugby Club
Scrumhalf: Craig Ogden, US Navy Veteran, Seattle RFC
Flyhalf: Jackson Mitchell, USAFA, US Air Force, Las Vegas Irish
Flyhalf/Fullback: Jonathan Haley, West Point, US Army, Austin Blacks
Center: Ryan Barry, Purdue, US Navy, Patuxent River RFC
