USA Men's 7s Coach Mike Friday confirmed with Goff Rugby Report that Carlin Isles remains injured and in fact the speedy USA winger has returned back to the USA for treatment.

Nate Ebner remains with the Eagles squad, and it's likely we will see him on the field for the first time when the USA plays in the Singapore 7s this weekend.

"We were looking after Ebner first and foremost," Friday explained after naming the New England Patriot defensive back to replace Isles, and then not using him in Hong Kong. "He had had a very tough two-day tournament in the Hong King 10s, and it would have probably been too much physically for his body to cope with, after only being with us for three weeks, to ask him to go again."

The Eagles did fairly well without him, going 3-0 in Pool Play and then losing in the Plate Final. It wasn't all about "not playing" and "not suiting up" though. Friday said being with the team was valuable for Ebner.

"Being integrated into the 12 and around the squad; getting familiar with our routines and what actually goes on in the sheds as we prepare - he will be good to go this week in Singapore."

Meanwhile, the Eagles have another change, as Ben Pinkelman is returning to the USA to finish up some exams. Pinkelman had what Friday called "another impressive tournament" and in fact continues to improve. Pat Blair has joined the USA team.

Friday will need all hands on deck for this tournament, as the World Series becomes more and more demanding every year, and the second tournament of the two-week bloc is usually a difficult one if teams start to pick up little injuries. Depth, then, is important. 

"The pool is a tough one and will be an extremely physical one," warned Friday, whose team plays France, Canada, and New Zealand. "The other consideration is the weather conditions, which will play a role as dealing with the humidity will be a huge part of this. It will be draining for all and the resilience of the squad will be tested to the maximum in every way in every game."

The weather report for Singapore calls for highs in the 90s, with lows in the 80s, scattered thunderstorms, and a humidity approaching 70%.