The USA Men’s Eagles regroup in Sacramento today, preparing for the weekend’s Pacific Nations Cup match against Japan, Sep 6th at 9pm ET from Heart Health Park.
Following a loss to Canada in Round One, the return to home turf is a welcomed setting as the USA continue through the Rugby World Cup qualification tournament. Japan land in the US for the first time in nearly a decade, setting up a marquee fixture in Pool B that will finalize the semifinal positions in Denver next weekend.
USA vs Japan kicks off Saturday Sep 6 at 9pm ET with live coverage on Paramount+ and tickets still available for Northern California rugby fans a usa.rugby/tickets.
The Eagles fly into Sacramento following their Pacific Nations Cup bye week, with Head Coach Scott Lawrence commenting on the break, “We took a few days away connecting with loved ones, to recharge our batteries and get back to work on the challenge ahead of us.”
Backrower Jason Damm steps into the Captain’s role as Benjamin Bonasso sits out Sacramento. Paddy Ryan and Luke Carty also join camp for the first time this year, while Ruben de Haas returns to the starting scrumhalf position.
Japan hosted Canada during the bye week, defeating them 57-15 before boarding the overseas flight to Sacramento. To reach the PNC Semifinals, the USA will need a bonus point victory over Japan with a +15-point margin. While a challenge given Japan’s recent result, it is in no way an insurmountable mission with USA friends, family and fans in the seats of Heart Health Park.
Lawrence said on the energy boost of a home match, “The return has reminded us of the roots of home. Our national mammal is the Buffalo; the Buffalo charges into storms that roll across our great nation. Energy and perseverance to charge are a choice, we want to show both to our home fans.”
USA Men’s Eagles Roster | USA vs Japan
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth | Houston SaberCats |
| 2. Kapeli Pifeleti | Provence (FRA) |
| 3. Kaleb Geiger | New England Free Jacks |
| 4. Marno Redelinghuys | Houston SaberCats |
| 5. Jason Damm (C) | CA Legion |
| 6. Paddy Ryan | CA Legion |
| 7. Christian Poidevin | CA Legion |
| 8. Makeen Alikhan | Anthem Rugby Carolina |
| 9. Ruben de Haas | Unattached |
| 10. Chris Hilsenbeck | Chicago Hounds |
| 11. Toby Fricker | Anthem Rugby Carolina |
| 12. Tavite Lopeti | CA Legion |
| 13. Dominic Besag | Saint Mary’s College |
| 14. Rufus McLean | Houston SaberCats |
| 15. Erich Storti | Anthem Rugby Carolina |
| 16. Shilo Klein | CA Legion |
| 17. Payton Telea-Illalio | CA Legion |
| 18. Pono Davis | Houston SaberCats |
| 19. Tevita Naqali | Oid Glory DC |
| 20. Viliami Helu | CA Legion |
| 21. Ethan McVeigh | Oid Glory DC |
| 22. Luke Carty | Unattached |
| 23. Mitch Wilson | Anthem Rugby Carolina |
USA Men’s Eagles Coaches & Staff | Pacific Nations Cup
Scott Lawrence | Head Coach
Alama leremia | Backs & Attack Coach
Steve Brett | Skills Coach
Nick Easter | Forwards & Defense
Blake Bradford | Scrum Coach
Rodolfo Broggi | Lead Performance Coach
Jimmy Harrison | Head of Analysis
Matoko Noudehou | Performance Coach
Michael Sheridan | Lead Athletic Trainer
Jennifer Roney | Athletic Trainer
Willie Berlanga | Sports Massage Therapist
Matt Schmitz | Team Doctor
Nick Colling | Team Manager
Calder Cahill | Media Manager
USA Men’s Eagles Schedule | Pacific Nations Cup
Canada vs USA
Aug 22 | 34-20 (L)
Calgary, AB, Canada
USA vs Japan
Sep 6, 7pm ET | Sacramento, CA
Watch Live on Paramount+
GET TICKETS »
Pacific Nations Cup Semifinals
Sep 14 | Denver, CO
Watch Live on Paramount+
GET TICKETS »
Pacific Nations Cup Finals
Sep 20 | Salt Lake City, UT
Watch Live on Paramount+
GET TICKETS »