Interim Head Coach Scott Lawrence has made a few changes to the Match Day 23, as the USA Men’s Eagles vie for one more win to close out their 2023 season.
Captain Nate Brakeley will play in his final international test match as he announces his retirement from the USA Eagles. Set to start in his 34th game, Brakeley made his debut in 2016 against Canada. USA v. Spain kicks off Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2pm ET, live on RugbyPass TV.
Brakeley on his final match: “I love rugby and I love my country. To wear the jersey even once is unforgettable, to wear it for eight years has been the greatest honor I can imagine. The nature of sport is that your time is finite, so I couldn’t be more pleased to go out playing for a championship alongside some of the same boys I started this journey with.”
Jake Turnbull is moved to the starting squad at loosehead. David Ainu’u will start at tighthead, while Nate Augspurger and Joe Mano switch jersey numbers from last week. On the bench, Bailey Wilson can earn his first international cap. The Utah Warriors flanker played with the USA against Toulouse in Salt Lake City for an uncapped tournament. He will again step alongside his brother, Mitch, who is named to the replacements.
The USA and tournament hosts Spain will meet on the Finals pitch at the Vila International Rugby Cup for the first time in recent history. The USA is ranked just one spot above Spain in the World Rugby international rankings, so fans are expected to see a great matchup. Spain have shown they can be contenders in the European rugby scene in the last few years, with some striking capabilities in the back line that put up 42 points on Canada last week.
Interim Head Coach Scott Lawrence on USA v Spain: “This is an intriguing match up of different styles. It’s what makes our sport so exciting to watch. We’re focused at doing the things we’re good at but doing them better this game. That has been our focus since July, a little bit more time each game in zero-G.”
| Name | Club | Caps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Jake Turnbull | Seattle Seawolves | 4 |
| 2. Dylan Fawsitt | New York Ironworkers | 26 |
| 3. David Ainu’u | Toulouse (FRA) | 21 |
| 4. Nate Brakeley (C) | New York Ironworkers | 33 |
| 5. Cam Dolan | NOLA Gold | 66 |
| 6. Sam Golla | Dallas Jackals | 4 |
| 7. Paddy Ryan | Coventry (UK) | 4 |
| 8. Luke White | Chicago Hounds | 4 |
| 9. Nick McCarthy | Chicago Hounds | 4 |
| 10. Luke Carty | Chicago Hounds | 15 |
| 11. Joe Mano | Utah Warriors | 1 |
| 12. Tommaso Boni | Old Glory DC | 3 |
| 13. Tavite Lopeti | Seattle Seawolves | 11 |
| 14. Nate Augspurger (VC) | San Diego Legion | 40 |
| 15. Chris Mattina | Chicago Hounds | 4 |
| 16. Peter Malcolm | Seattle Seawolves | 13 |
| 17. Nate Sylvia | San Diego Legion | 1 |
| 18. Alex Maughan | MLR (Los Angeles) | 1 |
| 19. Bailey Wilson* | Utah Warriors | Debut |
| 20. Siaosi Mahoni | Houston SaberCats | 9 |
| 21. Thomas Tu’avao | Utah Warriors | 3 |
| 22. Mitch Wilson | New England Free Jacks | 4 |
| 23. Bryce Campbell | Chicago Hounds | 43 |
*indicates uncapped player
Scott Lawrence | Head Coach
Alama Ieremia | Assistant Coach - Attack
Nick Easter | Assistant Coach - Forwards and Defense
Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach - Scrum
Elvis Seveali’i | Assistant Coach - Individual Skills Development
Alex Ross | Head of Athlete Performance
Jimmy Harrison | Head Analyst
Kristen Douhan | Head Physiotherapist
Jenn Roney | Athletic Trainer
Daliah Hurwitz | Sports Massage Therapist
Matt Schmitz | Team Doctor
Oscar Alvarez | Team Manager
Match 1 - USA v Brazil | 48-3 (W)
Match 2 - Spain v Canada | 42-20 (ESP)
2:00PM ET - USA v Spain (Final)
