Today, USA Men’s National Team XVs Captain Blaine Scully will earn his 50th test cap.
As only the 10th Men's Eagle in history to reach the milestone, Scully joins the likes of notable USA greats including Luke Gross, Mike Macdonald, Mike Petri and six others who wore the jersey with pride and represented the growth of American rugby worldwide.
Native of Sacramento, California, Scully first played rugby for UCLA after lettering in basketball, swimming and water polo in high school. After two years, he transferred over to the University of California where he helped the Bears win two national championships and was a four-time Collegiate All-American.
Following his national team debut in 2011 against Russia, Scully has appeared in two Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015, taking over as Captain for Todd Clever in 2016. Since then, he’s built a 13-5 test match record and 72.2 winning percentage.
Scully owns 13 career tries in tests, and an overall test record of 22-1-26.
Through his years as Captain, Scully has helped lead the Eagles to two Americas Rugby Championship titles, first ever wins over Argentina XV (uncapped), then-No. 6 Scotland and Samoa, as well as an all time high world ranking of No. 12 at the conclusion of the 2018 season.
“Blaine Scully epitomizes what it means to be a USA Eagle,” said General Manager Dave Hodges. “Selfless, accountable, unbreakable, making those around him better - he is a true leader of men and a pillar of the Men’s National Team.
“From his years as a Collegiate All-American at UCLA and Cal, Blaine has made an impact on his teammates, his coaches and on American rugby. As now the 10th Men's Eagle to earn his 50th cap, Blaine adds not only more honor and pride to the jersey, but serves as an example of what all young athletes can aspire to become.”
And as monumental as it is to be one of only 10 Men's Eagles to reach 50 test caps in XVs, Scully recognizes the efforts of teammates, coaches and family to reach the benchmark.
“It feels more like an opportunity to say thank you to some of the people who supported me along the way; my wife and my parents, my teammates and coaches,” said Scully. “Especially my coaches at Cal who continue to have an impact on me. For me, no man stands alone, especially as part of a team sport.”
As Scully takes the field against Canada, his focus won’t be on 50 caps. It won’t be about individual benchmarks or milestones or reaching a point of success categorized by a number.
It’ll be about the flag embellished on his jersey, worn by all 23 men on the pitch that day and represented equally by those back home.
“What comes next is a positive team performance. I’m very grateful and appreciative for all the well wishes and support,” he said. “It's not about me and it's not about how many caps I have, it’s about the team and what we’re trying to do collectively.”
The Men’s Eagles and rival-Canada kick off at 10 PM Eastern Time with a LIVE stream available on florugby.com.
BLAINE SCULLY CAREER STATS
TEST MATCHES
Overall appearances | 50
Overall record | 22-1-26
Total tries | 13
Win percentage | 45.91
TESTS AS CAPTAIN (2016 AND AFTER)
Record | 13-5
Test appearances | 18
Win percentage | 72.2
MEN’S EAGLES OVER 50 CAPS
Blaine Scully | 2011-present | 50 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.
