The USA men’s 7s team has a couple of changes ahead for the next tournament in Cape Town.

Nate Augspurger, who played well for the Eagles in Dubai, is back in Minnesota because he is the best man at his brother’s wedding. 

“We are really pleased with him as he has moved into residency and is fully benefitting from a conditioning and rugby environment around the boys,” said USA Head Coach Mike Friday. “Nate is a consummate professional, always pushing himself and has worked tirelessly in the preseason on his conditioning and skills, not to mention his speed work. What you are seeing are the fruits of his labour and commitment as he made real impact and showed great leadership qualities. There is more to come from Nate I am sure of that.”

Coming into Cape Town are two players - Mike Te’o and Thretton Palamo. Te’o most likely will fill that halfback role that Augspurger was filling. 

Meanwhile, several other players are carrying injuries - both Brett Thompson and Garrett Bender saw reduced action on the second day in Dubai, and Palamo, who has started very nicely with London Welsh, is now in with the 7s team to cover should one of those injured players be unable to play.