Head Coach Mike Friday announced today the USA Men’s Sevens traveling roster for 2023 RAN Sevens as they continue their journey to Olympic qualification.
Thirteen men head to Langford, British Columbia, where they will begin their tour with Mexico and Bermuda in Pool A. 2023 RAN Sevens kicks off Saturday, August 19, live and free on The Rugby Network.
Ben Pinkelman rejoins the USA Men’s Sevens squad for the first time since 2021. Recovered from a back injury, the 2016 Olympian and on-field leader has worked his way back to the international stage through a stint with PR7s this summer. Perry Baker, who sat out the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series finale tournament, is back to full health following a shoulder surgery and will make an appearance in Langford. The roster also features Utah Warriors Flanker, Lance Williams, who made his sevens debut last fall.
Friday’s carefully selected squad will be the driving force behind the team’s ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The squad will play Mexico and Bermuda in Pool A to qualify for the knockout stages. The winner of 2023 RAN Sevens will earn a spot in Paris. This is the first time the USA will face Mexico and Bermuda in recent history. With every team’s sights set on qualification, the ultimate goal will be the gold medal match.
"We are very much looking forward to the challenge at the home of Canada Rugby this coming weekend in Langford.
We have all made personal sacrifices for this mission and have prepared well these last 12 weeks as a group. For the first time since Dubai, we are also able to have a full squad to select from.
I am extremely pleased with the players' attitude and commitment to the mission. We have worked extremely hard to be physically prepared for the challenge and as a group worked hard daily on our skills, decision making and tactical acumen under pressure and fatigue.
I am excited to see the boys perform this weekend as they strive to play our game accurately with a sense of collective enjoyment and responsibility to punch the ticket to Paris."
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| 1. Aaron Cummings | Forward |
| 5. Joe Schroeder | Forward |
| 6. Kevon Williams (C) | Halfback/Wing |
| 7. Naima Fuala'au | Halfback |
| 8. Malacchi Esdale | Wing/Center |
| 9. Stephen Tomasin | Forward |
| 10. Faitala Talapusi | Halfback |
| 11. Perry Baker | Wing |
| 12. Lucas Lacamp | Center |
| 14. Marcus Tupuola | Haflback/Center |
| 16. Adam Channel | Forward |
| 24. Lance Williams | Forward |
| 28. Ben Pinkelman | Forward |
Saturday, August 19
Bermuda | 4:14pm ET
Mexico | 6:58pm ET
Sunday, August 20
Knockouts begin at 2:25pm ET
