Landing on North American soil for the only time this year, the USA Men’s Eagles will gather at Americas First Field on Sunday for an exhibition match against French club champions, Stade Toulousain.
The deep French club side travel to Sandy, UT for the high-flying game as a number of fresh faces on the USA end will see their first opportunity to play in the USA shirt. Head Coach Scott Lawrence and staff have selected 26 names to the match day roster, with both competing teams agreeing to an extended bench for Saturday. Initially named to the player pool ahead of travel, veteran Cam Dolan and recent debut Lauina Futi will be absent due to illness and injury recovery. USA vs Stade Toulousain kicks off Saturday, September 16 at 9pm ET, live on FS2.
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When asked about the goals of this match, Head Coach Scott Lawrence noted, "We've been focused on getting the newly joined players up to speed with the basics of what we do as a team, getting them connected into the squad. We're looking forward to playing against a really good opponent, it's going to be highly skilled and a fast game that will hopefully be entertaining for our home fans."
While Saturday’s match won’t count as a test match or international cap, the competitive dynamic will still rise to the level of quality international rugby as the centralized depth of Stade Toulousain will present a unique growth opportunity for the young USA squad. Competing as a familiar and cohesive unit will be a strength for the French side, and one to coach the Eagles on adapting and playing fast. More than anything however, the USA will have an opportunity to perform with home support in the stands and take in a special evening in front of friends, family and fans.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s roster, five homegrown Utah Warriors will take the field as their local crowd descends on Americas First Field. Bailey Wilson, (brother to starting Full Back Mitch Wilson), Keni Nasoqeqe, Devin Short, Line Latu and Joe Mano will all pull on the USA shirt for the first time. An incredible opportunity for these prospective players to find inspiration on the international stage and put their hands up for selection to test match tours going forward. Much of the touring squad from August returns, while Bryce Campbell and CC Mahoni will jump back into the mix for the first time this year.
"Everyone's excited to have friends and family at the game, in front of an opponent like Toulouse that should be an exciting game. There are a lot of boys who are here for the first time in this environment, first time playing for the US at home, it's exciting and we're looking forward to putting on a great game."
USA Men's Eagles Roster | USA vs Stade Toulousain
NAME | CLUB |
---|---|
1 Jake Turnbull | Seattle Seawolves |
2 Dylan Fawsitt | New York Ironworkers |
3 Paul Mullen | Utah Warriors |
4 Nate Brakeley | New York Ironworkers |
5 Greg Peterson | Unattached |
6 Viliami Helu | Unattached |
7 Bailey Wilson | Utah Warriors |
8 Luke White | Chicago Hounds |
9 Nick McCarthy | Chicago Hounds |
10 Luke Carty | Chicago Hounds |
11 Nate Augspurger | San Diego Legion |
12 Bryce Campbell | Chicago Hounds |
13 Tavite Lopeti | Seattle Seawolves |
14 Christian Dyer | Houston SaberCats |
15 Mitch Wilson | New England Free Jacks |
16 Peter Malcolm | Seattle Seawolves |
17 Nate Sylvia | San Diego Legion |
18 Takaji Young Yen | Utah Warriors |
19 Kaleb Gieger | New York Ironworkers |
20 Siaosi "CC" Mahoni | Houston SaberCats |
21 Keni Nasoqeqe | Houston SaberCats |
22 Devin Short | Seattle Seawolves |
23 Thomas Tu'avao | Utah Warriors |
24 Michael Baska | Chicago Hounds |
25 Line Latu | American Raptors |
26 Joe Mano | Utah Warriors |
USA Men's Eagles Staff | USA vs Stade Toulousain
Interim Head Coach | Scott Lawrence
Assistant Coach - Attack | Alama Ieremia
Assistant Coach - Defense | Blake Bradford
Head of Athlete Performance | Alex Ross
Analyst | Jimmy Harrison
Technical Advisor | Grant Keenan
Head Physiotherapist | Kristen Douhan
Sports Massage Therapist | Daliah Hurwitz
Assistant Athletic Trainer | Jenn Rooney
Team Doctor | Derek Hatfield
Team Manager | Oscar Alvarez