Columns | Goff Rugby Report

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11.16.2014Eagles

A Simple Reason Tonga Won

So what do we want to say about the USA’s 40-12 loss to Tonga?

Easy - don’t turn the ball over.

That’s it. Yes the USA scrum was shoved around by Tonga’s scrum, which isn’t that good. Yes the Eagles had the ball in the Tonga 22 for long periods and didn’t score.

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11.11.2014Eagles

USA v Romania Breakdown

Goff Rugby Report tracked the USA's 27-17 victory over Romania to see how each possession started and finished.

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11.08.2014Eagles

Eagles Do Enough

The USA defeated Romania 27-17 Saturday in Bucharest to claim the first-ever Pershing Cup, the new challenge trophy between the two nations.

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11.05.2014Eagles

What Was Tolkin Thinking?

So what is USA Head Coach Mike Tolkin thinking with his selections against Romania?

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11.05.2014Int'l News

Big Rugby Crowd Brings Big Business

It’s easy to bemoan when a sport becomes a business, but business in sports can be a good thing. Certainly any athlete who is paid a lot of money to play a game has to think that when a sport becomes big business, that athlete benefits.

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Photo Galleries

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01.19.2026HS Action Around the USA

Dom Besag vs Arizona 2026. Photo Rebecca Harper.

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Saint Mary's vs Grand Canyon Jan 10 2026. Photo J. Dalton Photography.

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Spotlight

Dom Besag

Position: Center

Team:Saint Mary's Men

De La Salle HS

Saint Mary's (Rudy Scholz Finalist)

USA U20s (Captain)

USA Men's National 15s Team (Debut vs Georgia 2023 at age 20)

Dom Besag vs Arizona 2026. Photo Rebecca Harper.

Spencer Huntley

Position: Scrum Half

Team:Cathedral Catholic Boys

As a 17-year-old Spencer Huntley required a waiver to play for the USA U20s, an indication of how he was rated in the USA age-grade pathway. He got that waiver and impressed for the USA U20s, and then moved up to the USA U23s. He led the San Diego Mustangs to a national HS Club championship in 2024.

He also played in the SoCal single-school league for Cathedral Catholic.

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Hope Rogers

Position: Loosehead Prop

Hope Rogers began playing rugby at age 16 in high school and continued to compete during her time at Penn State University. There, she won four National Championships, was crowned MVP on two occasions, was named to the USA Under-20s and earned Collegiate All-American honors for four years. Rogers was also an impressive discus player during her senior year in high school where she broke a school record and won Gold at Districts for the sport.

Hope Rogers is mobbed by her teammates after scoring the game-winner vs Australia in 2024. Photo World Rugby.

Michael Siano

Position: Wing Forward

Mike played for Life College, Philly-Whitemarsh and played for the USA National 7s and 15s teams in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was also part of the Atlantis touring side, playing 7s for the team in several around the world.

Siano & 1988 Hong Kong Plate Champions

Nathan Caruso

Position: Fly Half

Team:Villanova Univ Men

Nathan Caruso is a steady, smart fly half who drives Villanova’s attack with calm decision-making and a reliable skill set. He’s been central to Villanova’s success in the MARC, controlling tempo and keeping the team organized under pressure.

Villanova Flyhalf Nathan Caruso vs. UMBC

Tonga Kofe

Position: Prop

Team:Utah Warriors Men

Tonga Kofe is one of the most promising young front-rowers to come out of the American rugby pathway. A powerful and hard-working prop, he rose through the Utah Warriors development system.

Tonga Kofe for the Utah Warriors. Photo Utah Warriors.

Ray Santiago

Position: #8

Team:Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Men

Ray Santiago has emerged as one of RPI’s most influential forwards, a player whose size, athleticism, and rapid development make him stand out in the Division II landscape.

ray santiago rpi 2023 rpi rugby 2

Christy Ringgenberg

Position: Fly Half

Christy Ringgenberg is one of the most accomplished and versatile players to wear the USA jersey, earning recognition on the Goff Rugby Report All-Time American list for her impact on both 15s and 7s.

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Dakota Southworth

Position: Wing Forward

Team:Iowa Central Community College Men

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