The USA Men’s Sevens National Team finished 6th at HSBC Canada Sevens in Edmonton, the final round of the 2021 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Carrying 7 newly capped players, the United States showed spirit and promise across the two days, despite a few work ons on both sides of the ball. Edmonton marked the end of the 2021 season which sees the USA claim 5th Place overall, just two Series points behind fourth-place Canada who hosted both events.
Head Coach Mike Friday said:
“This was a weekend of highs and lows for us as a pack.
"Some great learnings and passages of quality play both sides of the ball, mixed with some tough lessons which we need to take on board and learn from. Our debutants have shown some real promise that we can build on in these coming months and a huge well done to our senior boys who led the way in helping them find their feet. It’s a shame we picked up injuries to Adam and Malacchi and we hope they are not too serious.
“It’s time now for us to recover and reset before a big pre-season block as we build toward the start of a new 2022 season in Dubai at the end of November.”
Edmonton Recap
Were it not for a few missed tackles against Great Britain in the Quarterfinal — a close 19-21 loss — the USA might be leaving Edmonton in a very different position. The squad started with an unbeaten run in group play that demonstrated a tenacity, work ethic and grit that needed to be at 100% in order to match the level of competition on Day Two. When the group was firing, passes were quick, support play was strong and players had no trouble moving the ball through contact. And when it wasn’t, handling errors paired with defensive miscues to create a cocktail that mixed well for the opposition.
After a strong performance against Ireland in the 5th Place Semis, Adam Channel and Malacchi Esdale both suffered injuries in what became a notably intense 5th Place Play Off against Germany. Channel’s injury delivered a huge momentum shift, after which penalties allowed the Germans to control the game. Tied at full time, Esdale’s injury came off the back-end of a high tackle; and although Naima Fuala’au seemingly scored at final whistle, the score was called back and Germany won it in sudden death.
Of all six games, two harsh results against Great Britain and Germany delivered key learnings to new players. And while the ruthlessness of the World Series prevails, the program’s bright future was evident in strong individual performances.
Captain Kevon Williams led the group extremely well, communicating key targets on and off the field while scoring a number of blistering runs that showed the same speed that’s born and bred in American rugby. Joe Schroeder was impressive at set piece and defense, leading the team in tackles (20) on the weekend. Malacchi Esdale finished the two-leg World Series second overall in tries scored (12) and is tied for third in line breaks (11).
View World Series Stats | View Final Standings
Next Tournament
The official HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will begin its next season with back-to-back weekends in Dubai on November 25-26 and December 3-4. Both events will count as part of the 2022 season which is on track for a full schedule to be confirmed by World Rugby. As the new season commences, teams also look ahead to Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, South Africa, taking place in early September after the World Series. More information will be announced by World Rugby in due course.
Edmonton Scores
vs Spain | 29-17 (W)
Tries: Kevon Williams (3), David Still (2)
Cons: Naima Fuala’au, Jerome Name
vs Chile | 33-5 (W)
Tries: Joe Schroeder, Malacchi Esdale (2), Martin Iosefo, Jerome Name
Cons: Naima Fuala’au (3), Jerome Name
vs Kenya | 19-14 (W)
Tries: Malacchi Esdale, Kevon Williams, Martin Iosefo
Cons: Naima Fuala’au, Jerome Name
vs Great Britain | 19-21 (L)
Tries: Malacchi Esdale, Joe Schroeder, Gavan D’Amore
Cons: Naima Fuala’au (2)
vs Ireland | 19-0 (W)
Tries: Kevon Williams, Adam Channel, Joe Schroeder
Cons: Jerome Name, Naima Fuala’au
vs Germany | 19-24 (L)
Tries: Adam Channel, Malacchi Esdale (2)
Cons: Jerome Nale (2)
USA Men’s Sevens Roster | Edmonton
| PLAYER NAME | POSITION | HSBC TOURNAMENTS TO DATE |
| 1. Jack Wendling | Forward | 1 |
| 2. Christian Dyer | Forward/Center | 1 |
| 3. Gavan D'Amore | Forward | 1 |
| 4. Matai Leuta | Forward | 41 |
| 5. Joe Schroeder | Forward | 13 |
| 6. Kevon Williams (C) | Halfback/Wing | 28 |
| 7. Naima Fuala'au | Halfback/Flyhalf | 9 |
| 8. David Still | Wing | 1 |
| 9. Adam Channel | Center/Forward | 1 |
| 10. Marcus Tupuola | Center/Wing | 8 |
| 11. Malacchi Esdale | Wing | 1 |
| 12. Martin Iosefo | Center/Prop | 47 |
| 13. Jerome Nale | Halfback | 1 |
USA Men’s Sevens Traveling Staff
Head Coach | Mike Friday
Strength & Conditioning | Jon Hood
Performance Analyst | Dave Gardner
Athletic Trainer | Danielle Mah
