To reach 50 test caps is a special achievement. And to do that in a Rugby World Cup only enhances the milestone.
Now entering the third match of his second Rugby World Cup campaign, No. 8 Cam Dolan will become the eleventh USA Men’s National Team XVs player to earn his 50th cap. And unlike any of the Men’s Eagles before him, Dolan reaches the benchmark in only six years.
Native of Fort Myers, Florida, Dolan began playing rugby at 17 in high school where he quickly earned All-American selection and became embedded in USA Rugby’s age-grade pathway. In college at Life University, he played for both the USA Under-20s and Collegiate All-Americans before making his senior national team debut in 2013 against Fiji.
Since his debut, Dolan has contributed a number of prolific performances. In test matches, he’s scored 16 tries and built an overall record of 27-2-20 (W-D-L) for a 57% win percentage. He appeared in his first Rugby World Cup in 2015 in England and served as a key figure in the Eagles’ historic 2018 season which included a second straight Americas Rugby Championship title, first ever wins over then No. 6 Scotland and Samoa, as well as a 9-1 record in tests.
Through the peaks and valleys of his journey as an athlete and a man, Dolan credits the culture and brotherhood he’s experienced in rugby for helping him achieve success.
“Earning my 50th cap, it just seems like yesterday I got my first one here in Japan and it’s kind of bittersweet to get number fifty back in Japan,” he says. “From the teammates I had from my first camp to the teammates I have now, I’m fortunate to be able to have those guys on my journey and to be there for their journey as well.
“Without fifteen guys on the pitch for eighty plus minutes every game, it’s impossible to win. That’s the most important part for me, the brotherhood and the friendships you build off the field more so than you do on the field.”
"Personally, I’m very proud of Cameron,” said Captain Blaine Scully. “He’s grown a lot as a man and as a player. To be a part of his journey has been special. Being a teammate, captain and most of all a friend - to be a part of this journey and share this experience with people you really respect and care about is what makes it extra special. To be able to see someone you care about reach a personal milestone like that is hugely rewarding.'
Fans can watch No. 8 Cam Dolan make his 50th international test appearance against Argentina tomorrow at 12:45 AM ET on NBCSN and NBC Sports Gold.
Cameron Dolan Career Stats
Test Matches
Overall appearances | 50 (including Argentina)
Overall record | 27-2-20
Total tries | 16
Win percentage | 57.14
Men's Eagles over 50 caps
Cameron Dolan | 2013- present
Blaine Scully | 2011-present | 52 caps
Todd Clever | 2013-17 | 76 caps
Mike Petri | 2007-15 | 57 caps
Lou Stanfill | 2005-15 | 56 caps
Chris Wyles | 2007-15 | 54 caps
Mike MacDonald | 2000-12 | 67 caps
Paul Emerick | 2003-12 | 53 caps
Alex Parker | 1996-2009 | 58 caps
Dave Hodges | 1996-2004 | 53 caps
Luke Gross | 1996-2003 | 62 caps
*Ordered by most recent year of appearance.
