International Rugby News
Martin Iosefo came into this spring/summer USA 7s team assembly in the best shape of his life, and he is poised to make a big impact in Tokyo.
The Flyn’ Hawaiian was forced, like his teammates, to take time off during the COVID pandemic in 2020. For Iosefo, that time off coincided with his desire to re-format his training, and also support his wife’s career.
Following his red card against Ireland, USA flanker Riekert Hattingh has been suspended four weeks by World Rugby.
Hattingh, who was cited and exonerated for a challenge in the air against England, was red-carded against Ireland for a dangerous tackle.
Like the USA men’s 7s team, the USA women had a long travel from Chula Vista, Calif. to Mimasaka, Japan, lasting about a day and a half, but the goal at the end of all that makes handling it easier.
Traveling to Japan was a big long slog for the USA 7s teams getting ready for the Olympics, but they’ve made it.
The trip from San Diego to LA to Seoul (where they took COVID tests) to Tokyo and then on the Mimasaka took 36 hours. Grueling, for sure, but worth it.
(This is an Opinion Column by Alex Goff)—Was it a waste of time to send the USA Men's 15s team to England and Ireland?
A simple yes-or-no question that begs a less simple follow-up: Why or why not?
Well, here goes:
No, it wasn't a waste of time. Why? That's where there's more to write.