The USA Men's Sevens National Team had another difficult day at the International Rugby Sevens in England. While the event is a competitive training at its core, designed for teams to test strengths and try new things ahead of the Olympic Games, Head Coach Mike Friday and the squad are unhappy with performances after another two losses to Ireland and Team GB.
"Another day of frustration for us,' said Friday.
"For all the good pieces of play we are putting together both sides of the ball, we are making too many possession errors and gifting points back to both Team GB and Ireland. There is nothing major to fix here, just some attention to basic execution behaviors.'
The Eagles Sevens will return tomorrow for two more matches against Ireland (5a ET) and Team GB (11a ET). Both games are streamed LIVE on England Rugby's YouTube. Disappointing as they are, the results of this weekend's training have delivered a true measuring stick for the USA Men to fine-tune in the months ahead of the Games in Tokyo.
USA vs Ireland | 14-31 (L)
Ireland were on the front foot early and often, building a 31-0 lead with a dominance in possession. When the U.S. did have the ball, they moved it quickly across the line, nearly scoring through Carlin Isles who leaped over the line in the corner but fell to touch before he could dot down. The Irish kept the ball in hand despite losing strength for a couple minutes with a player in the sin bin. In the second half, the USA sparked when an offload from Martin Iosefo met Kevon Williams who was tackled inches ahead of the tryline. The Eagles Sevens recycled the ball quickly to the opposite edge where Malacchi Esdale made it 31-7. Harley Wheeler added his own right at full time, bringing the final tally to 31-14.
TRIES | Malacchi Esdale, Harley Wheeler
CONS | Madison Hughes (2)
USA vs Team GB | 14-24 (L)
Frustrations clearly mounted against Team GB. The U.S. showed an early grit in defense while penalties allowed the Eagles Sevens and Great Britain to each get one over the line in the opening minutes, 5-7. The match was relatively back and forth for all 14 minutes with Great Britain remaining one step ahead. Tom Mitchel sprinted to the line to claim the lead just before halftime and his side added another immediately after when play resumed. In the end, Kevon Williams fought his way across the line against a polished Dan Norton to edge the deficit, 17-14, but Norton made quick work of answering back on the final drive to win the game.
TRIES | Maceo Brown, Kevon Williams
CONS | Madison Hughes (2)
Quest for Gold Sevens
The USA Men's and Women's Sevens National Teams will compete in one final training event before the Olympics at Quest for Gold Sevens from June 25-26. Held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, CA, fans can see their Olympic squads play on Saturday (6/25) with tickets starting as low as $25 (plus fees). Broadcast details TBC.
USA Men’s Sevens Roster
| PLAYER NAME | POSITION | HSBC TOURNAMENTS |
| Maceo Brown | Utility | 14 |
| Malacchi Esdale | Center / Wing | Uncapped |
| Naima Fuala'au | Halfback | 7 |
| Madison Hughes (C) | Halfback | 52 |
| Martin Iosefo | Center | 46 |
| Carlin Isles | Wing | 57 |
| Matai Leuta | Forward | 40 |
| Joe Schroeder | Forward | 12 |
| Faitala Talapusi | Halfback | 3 |
| Stephen Tomasin | Utility | 37 |
| Marcus Tupoula | Center/Wing | 8 |
| Anthony Welmers | Prop | 5 |
| Harley Wheeler | Utility | 1 |
| Kevon Williams | Halfback/Wing | 27 |
USA Men’s Sevens Traveling Staff
Head Coach | Mike Friday
Assistant Coach | Phil Greening
Performance Analyst | Dave Gardner
Athletic Trainer | Kevin Ng
Team Manager | Scott Novack
Men’s International Rugby Sevens Schedule
All times U.S. Eastern; Watch LIVE on England Rugby YouTube
Saturday, May 15
- Ireland v GB – 5 AM
- *Ireland v USA – 8 AM
- *GB v USA – 11 AM
Sunday, May 16
- *Ireland v USA – 5 AM
- *GB v USA – 8 AM
- GB v Ireland – 11 AM
Monday 17 May
- *Ireland v USA – 5 AM
- GB v Ireland – 8 AM
- *GB v USA – 11 AM
