The roster for the USA U23 men to tour South Africa has been confirmed.
The lineup of players includes four from D1A champs Cal and five from D1A runners-up Life University. Anthem RC Academy also contributes four players.
The team includes freshman prop Oliver Kirk, who spent two rugby seasons at Nelson College in New Zealand, the first as part of the US Rugby Foundation's scholarship program, and the second when he was invited back. That rugby education helped Kirk get accepted to Cal where he started as a freshman prop in the D1A final, and scored a try in Cal's victory.
Also on the team is Cornish Pirates player Tomiwa Agbongbong, who is USA eligible because he was born in New Jersey. Keelan Farrell, who was a try-scoring sensation for the USA U20s last year, and is now at Durham University in England, is also on this team. There is one high-schooler on this team. Spencer Huntley, who enjoyed an excellent season with the San Diego Mustangs and, before that with Cathedral Catholic HS, is on the U23 team. Huntley required a waiver to be put on the USA U20s last year because he was too young. Now ar 18 he's with the U23s.
The roster includes Rudy Scholz Award candidates John Wilson of Saint Mary's, Solomon Williams of Cal, Campbell Robb of Central Washington, Bastian Brunello of Mount St. Mary's, and Coby Baker of Cal Poly.
The U23s will play Boland Cavaliers in Wellington in the Western Cape on July 8, and the Stellenbosch University Maties at famous Danie Cranve Stadium on July 12.
