CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Men’s Eagles Sevens Head Coach Matt Hawkins has selected his team’s roster for the upcoming Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens, the second stop of the 2013-14 IRB HSBC Sevens World Series.
The Eagles shut out Portugal in the Shield Final of Gold Coast Sevens last month, where Hawkins pulled on the Fly Emirates jersey. In Dubai Nov. 29-30, Hawkins will act solely as coach.
Much like the Women’s Eagles Sevens in Dubai – whose squad was announced yesterday – Hawkins’ side is full of youth. Pono Haitsuka and Zac Mizell have travelled with the team and will miss out on the 2013 USA Rugby College 7s National Championship Nov. 23-24 with Oregon State and Arkansas State, respectively.
Pat Blair and Stephen Tomasin return from their appearances in Australia, while Folau Niua will join the team in Dubai following his start against Russia at Allianz Park with the Men’s Eagles Saturday, Nov. 23.
Andrew Durutalo, Nick Edwards and Zack Test are among some of the veterans on the team, with Miles Craigwell, Carlin Isles and Brett Thompson also in tow.
The Eagles are in, arguably, the toughest pool of the tournament with England, Fiji and Canada. Currently 13th in the Series standings with three points, the Eagles will look for a strong start against fifth-place Fiji Friday, Nov. 29, at 2:16 A.M. ET.
Follow live updates from Dubai on Twitter by following @USARugby.
Men's Eagles Sevens | Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens
1. Carlin Isles
2. Nick Edwards
3. Andrew Durutalo
4. Nu'u Punimata
5. Zack Test
6. Brett Thompson
7. Folau Niua
8. Pat Blair
9. Pono Haitsuka
10. Zac Mizell
11. Stephen Tomasin
12. Miles Craigwell
Men's Eagles Sevens | Coaching Staff
Matt Hawkins - Head Coach
Dave Williams - Assistant Coach
Paul Goulding - Performance Analyst
Brian Green - Athletic Trainer
Jeffrey McCarthy - Manager
Dr. Mark Scholl - Team Doctor
Men's Eagles Sevens | Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens
v Fiji - Friday, Nov. 29 - 2:16 A.M. ET
v England - Friday, Nov. 29 - 6:24 A.M. ET
v Canada - Friday, Nov. 29 - 9:02 A.M. ET
