Veteran Stephen Tomasin will make his USA Sevens return next week in Australia, as the leadership presence makes his first appearance on the international stage since Paris 2024.
The USA Men’s Sevens are in the early stages of a veteran turnover as most squads experience post-Olympics, with the young prospects chipping away at steady development towards LA 2028. Head Coach Simon Amor will lead his team into his third HSBC SVNS stop since taking over the program last year, with a consistent core of players selected to represent the USA. Perth SVNS kicks off Friday Jan 24 at 1:23am ET against South Africa, LIVE on RugbyPass TV.
Comments from Head Coach Simon Amor, “Since the holiday break we’ve had a really intensive training block with the players, looking to improve our fitness levels that the SVNS series standards require. Our kickoff has similarly been a matter of focus going into Perth, but we’ve covered a lot over the last 10 days. A few guys have been ill recently, which has been a challenge, so we look forward to training with the full squad soon. Ultimately our aim in Perth is to be far more competitive and consistent than we were in Dubai and Cape Town. We know we’re on a journey, it’s going to be a long one, but we’re confident to see step-by-step improvements in our fitness standards and set piece next weekend in Perth.”
Jack Wendling and Will Chevalier will step in as co-captains for the Perth stop, the first time both have taken on the role. Amor and the young squad are keen to grow and develop leadership qualities throughout the wider group in this first year post-Olympics. Special Consultants have also supported the USA Men’s Sevens over the last block with Dan House and Conor McNeill from Team GB and All Blacks Sevens experience, along with international Captains Tom Mitchell and Scott Curry, all supporting the squad’s growth in fitness, attack and culture.
The first two HSBC SVNS stops for the USA Men’s Sevens were an introductory experience for the new generation of players. While the results suffered, there was visible progression over the two weeks and Perth offers another go at continuing to find the team's identity. The USA’s first match against South Africa will be an exciting opener, as the BlitzBoks come off a gold medal win at home in Cape Town. Argentina will meet the Eagles next in Pool A, setting up the first meeting between the Americas rivals this season. The USA will then close pool play against hosts Australia, who they paired well against during Cape Town in a near comeback, 12-19.
Newcomer Jake Broselle will join the trip to Perth as a traveling reserve, where if the occasion arises he could make his National Team debut with older brother Ben Broselle nearby. Returning from injury recovery, Ben is named to his first 2024-25 SVNS tournament.
| Name | SVNS Tournaments |
|---|---|
| 1. Aaron Cummings | 24 |
| 2. Ben Broselle | 18 |
| 4. Adam Channel | 14 |
| 5. Will Chevalier (C) | 4 |
| 6. David Still III | 20 |
| 7. Peter Sio Jr. | 2 |
| 8. Lance Williams | 8 |
| 9. Stephen Tomasin | 60 |
| 10. Faitala Talapusi | 21 |
| 12. Lucas Lacamp | 22 |
| 13. Jack Wendling (C) | 7 |
| 27. Marcus Tupuola | 34 |
| 20. Jake Broselle | Debut |
Simon Amor | Head Coach
Josh Schnell | Strength & Conditioning
Colby Thompson | Athletic Trainer
Fri, Jan 24
USA vs South Africa | 1:23am ET
USA vs Argentina | 6:30am ET
Sat, Jan 25
USA vs Australia | 12:28am ET
Quarterfinals begin Sat, Jan 25 at 3:43am ET
