As has been the habit for the last couple of tournaments, the Pan-American Games will be a testing ground for some younger players for the USA Men's 7s team in November.

The Pan-AM Games have held a rugby competition since 2011, with the USA taking bronze in each of the three men's events behind Canada and Argentina. And while Head Coach Mike Friday usually finds some playing time for experienced Eagles, he also has chosen to rest some players and bring in those who are looking to break into the main SVNS (World Series) squad.

This time around the USA team is almost entirely newer players. The most experienced is captain Faitala Talapusi, who made his USA debut in 2018, or Lucas Lacamp, who has been a fixture in the USA team for the past year or so. The oldest is Lorenzo Thomas, who was out of rugby for four years due to a PED suspension. This is what we wrote about Thomas in August:

And there’s been a Lorenzo Thomas sighting. 

Thomas was on suspension for using a banned substance that was in a pre workout supplement he used without checking the ingredients. Capped in 15s and 7s, the former Lindenwood standout was suspended for four years, and his suspension ended July 24. During his time off Thomas has been working hard to get into shape for international rugby. That’s not an easy thing to do basically on your own.

“He’s been working the last six to nine months to get ready,” Friday told GRR. “A long way to go but he is hungry and he’s been putting the work in behind closed doors. He is a tough lad.”

“I am really excited to see how this young exciting squad operates, which is predominantly 23 years old and under," said Friday. "We want to provide an opportunity for this group to experience multi-sport games and get exposed to representing Team USA as we start building toward LA 2028, whilst we expect a few of these individuals to force themselves into the Paris 2024 conversation. The challenge for the boys is fierce as we expect a near full strength Argentina, Canada, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil to be representing. This group of young men are excited for the opportunity and the responsibility and are under no illusions how competitive this tournament will be to medal in. We can't wait to see them take the field and compete.”

The Pan-Am Games tournament kicks off November 3 and will wrap up November 4. The USA will be joined by Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, Mexico, and Uruguay. The USA is in Pool B with Mexico, Brazil, and Canada. Pool A will include Argentina, Chile, Jamaica, and Uruguay.