A secondary squad of USA Men’s Falcons have arrived in Montevideo, Uruguay this week for the 2022 Uruguay Conference, a Men’s fifteens development tournament hosted at Estadio Charrua.
Head Coach Shawn Pittman has selected 26 Men’s Eagles prospects to travel and compete across two matches, the first against Uruguay XV on Thursday, October 13 and the second against Argentina XV on Tuesday, October 18. Traditionally the Americas Pacific Challenge, this yearly assembly of North and South American development squads has been a key growth and identification opportunity for the Men’s Eagles pathway. Live streaming details have yet to be confirmed by event organizers, but will be shared on @usarugby social media channels as soon as they are known.
Thursday, October 13 | 6:40PM ET | Charrúa Stadium
Tuesday, October 18 | 6:40PM ET | Charrúa Stadium
Pittman noted ahead of the two-match set, “I think it will be a positive experience for these young guys. As a group, we spoke about what success looks like and I feel like we have some serious buy-in to what we’re trying to achieve on this short tour.”
The tournament also acts as an extension of the development partnership between USA Rugby and Major League Rugby (MLR) as the large majority of those selected are currently competing or committed with MLR clubs for the upcoming 2023 season. Chris Bauman and Jason Damm will bring senior national team experience and leadership to the squad as capped USA Eagles, while Ethan McVeigh joins right after his invite to Gary Gold’s senior squad camp in Glendale, CO last month.
Pittman continued, “MLR has provided a foundation to the development of American players within the League. 15 of the 26 players here with us in Uruguay are currently playing in MLR with more joining either through the Draft this spring or the USA Rugby Academy.”
Last month, USA Rugby hosted a multi-week academy as part of the strategic partnership with World Rugby at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, composed of 29 players who came through the USA Rugby Talent IDs Camps and Combine, Junior National Teams, and MLR recommendations. A camp that culminated in an exhibition win over the American Raptors, 35-21.
| NAME | POSITION | CLUB |
|---|---|---|
| Shane Barry | Flyhalf | Seattle Seawolves Draftee |
| Zachary Bastres | Wing | New England Free Jacks |
| Christopher Bauman | Prop | San Diego Legion |
| Jason Damm | Back Row | Rugby ATL |
| Jonah Dietenberger | Lock | Utah Warriors |
| Mikaele Felix | Prop/Hooker | Sydenham Rugby Club (NZL) |
| Willis Goodwin | Wing/Fullback | USA Rugby Academy |
| Collin Grosse | Back Row | USA Rugby Academy / Old Glory DC Draftee |
| Dominick Iacovino | Center | San Diego Legion |
| Karl Keane | Halfback | Saint Mary's College / Seattle Seawolves |
| Line Latu | Flyhalf | American Raptors |
| John LeFevre | Halfback | Old Glory DC |
| Alex Lopeti | Hooker | NOLA Gold |
| Michael Matarazzo | Lock | Dallas Jackals |
| Aaron Matthews | Center | NOLA Gold |
| Ethan McVeigh | Halfback | American Raptors |
| Patrick Medina | Center | Unattached |
| Ronan Murphy | Back Row | American Raptors |
| Darby Nelligan | Hooker | USA Rugby Academy / San Diego Legion Draftee |
| Mason Pedersen | Prop | Austin Gilgronis |
| Owen Sheehy | Fullback | Old Glory DC |
| Devin Short | Back Row | NOLA Gold |
| Lincoln Sii | Prop | Rugby ATL |
| Tavius Sykora-Matthess | Lock | American Raptors |
| Jake Turnbull | Prop | Austin Gilgronis |
| Pita Vi | Wing/Fullback | USA Rugby Academy |
Shawn Pittman | Head Coach
Elvis Seveali'i | Assistant Coach
Brendan Keane | Assistant Coach
Matoko Noudehou | Strength & Conditioning Coach
Santiago Aguirre Noriega | Physiotherapist
Jared Laudmirault | Performance Analyst
Darran Coleman | Team Manager
