Experience Matters as Men's Eagle 7s Target Olympic Qualification
Experience Matters as Men's Eagle 7s Target Olympic Qualification
While we have heard the big BIG news about World Rugby’s new SVNS branding and the return of the LA 7s (SVNS LAX!), before we get caught up in all that the USA Men’s 7s team has two pretty important tournaments to deal with.
World Sevens Circuit Reborn, Reimagined as HSBC SVNS
SVNS LAX: Los Angeles Back as Host on Sevens Circuit
Pan-Am Games
In October in Santiago, Chile, the Pan-Am Games will be held. For the USA Men’s 7s team this has traditionally been a tournament in which Head Coach Mike Friday tests out some younger players. This will be the case this year also.
So everyone who has been in camp, whether they feel they’re in the top 12 or 13 or not, will likely have a chance to show what they can do with their play.
With Argentina, Chile, and Canada all fielding strong sides, the USA will be hard-pressed to win this. But they can—they always can—but it will take some of those younger players producing a special effort.
And That Other Thing
Meanwhile, there’s the little matter of Olympic qualification. While the USA women have already wrapped up a spot at Paris 2024 by finishing 3rd in last year’s World Series, the men will have to win the Rugby Americas North (RAN) qualifier August 19-20 in Langford, BC.
This won’t be easy. Despite the fact that the Eagles have had the measure of Canada in recent years, it would be foolish to assume qualification is a done deal. Canada showed some flashes late last year and finished 4th in Toulouse, a tournament where the USA finished tied for last, and then won the playoff final in London which ensured they will return for the streamlined SVNS! Season.
That win, actually, was even more important for Rugby Canada as it also removed any doubt that Vancouver would remain a host city.
So Canada is on the rise, and will no doubt bring their best in Langford. The USA? Well they had just about everyone healthy for camp, with some familiar names returning, including a bit of a prodigal son.
RMA: Ben Pinkelman Plays Through It
Ben Pinkelman has returned from retirement ready to try for a place and his return is certainly welcome. He joins the regular names we’ve known for many years:
Kevon Williams
Perry Baker
Stephen Tomasin
Joe Schroeder
Marcus Tupuola
In camp also are players who have emerged this last season or so. Lucas Lacamp is healthy and he is joined by:
David Still
Aaron Cummings
Naima Fualaau
Tala Talapusi
Ben Broselle
Malachi Esdale
Pita Vi
Also in camp are Lance Williams, Sam Walsh, Adam Channel, and a welcome return for West Point star Jake Lachina.
Mateo Brown and Cody Melphy are still dealing with injuries, while Ryan Santos, Jack Wendling, and Darrell Williams were in the program training remotely.
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.”
So what that means is there will be more experience, and healthier experienced players in the team that goes to Langford. And it’s that mental edge that they have needed.
Qualifier Schedule Confirmed
The schedule for the winner-takes-all rugby sevens Paris 2024 Qualification Event being hosted at Starlight Stadium in Langford, BC August 19-20 has been confirmed.
There will be both a women's and men's tournament, but the USA is only in the men's tournament because the women achieved qualification already.
The women’s competition will feature one pool of Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the top two teams following pool play progressing to the final.
The men’s competition is divided into two pools, with Canada playing Barbados, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The pools will then cross over for play-offs, with the top two teams from each pool playing in the semifinals.
Tickets start at C$40 (about US$30) for a full weekend pass and $25 (about US$19) for a single day ticket and are available for purchase at rugby.ca/en/tickets.
Here's the schedule (all times Pacific Time):
August 19
10:30AM MEN Mexico vs Bermuda
10:52AM MEN St. Vincent & Gren. vs Canada
11:14AM MEN Jamaica vs Barbados
11:36AM WOMEN Canada vs Jamaica
1:14PM MEN USA vs Bermuda
1:36PM MEN St. Vincent & Gren vs Jamaica
1:58PM MEN Canada vs Barbados
2:20PM WOMEN Canada vs St. Lucia
2:42PM WOMEN Mexico vs Jamaica
3:58PM MEN Mexico vs USA
4:20PM MEN Barbados vs St. Vincent & Gren.
4:42PM MEN Jamaica vs Canada
5:04PM WOMEN St. Lucia vs St. Vincent & Gren.
5:26PM WOMEN Jamaica vs Canada
August 20
11:25AM MEN PLATE Playoff
11:47AM WOMEN Mexico vs St. Vincent & Gren.
12:09PM WOMEN Jamaica vs St. Lucia
12:41PM MEN Semifinal
1:08PM MEN Semifinal
1:47PM MEN PLATE Playoff
2:14PM WOMEN St. Vincent & Gren. vs Canada
2:41PM WOMEN St. Lucia vs Mexico
3:37PM MEN Bronze Final
4:09PM MEN PLATE Playoff
4:38PM MEN Final
5:03PM WOMEN Bronze Final
5:32PM WOMEN Final
