Under bright lights and a theatrical atmosphere at The O2 in London, the USA Men’s and Women’s Eagles Sevens competed in the first-ever RugbyX tournament.
The new five-on-five concept was designed to incorporate the same style of high scoring without contested scrums, lineouts or conversions and played on a half-sized pitch.
On the men’s side, the United States went 1-3, falling to Argentina (20-40) and France (15-25) in the pool stages, only to defeat the Barbarians (35-15) and conclude with a loss to Ireland (20-25) on the final play.
The USA women played only two matches, defeating Ireland 30-15 and losing to England in the new one-vs-one tiebreaker. After the English scored a try on the final play to tie it up, each team was given up to three chances for one player to match up with one opposing player and attempt to score a try. The first team to reach three tries was the winner.
USA Men’s Coach Mike Friday said: “It's been an interesting experience and from an event and concept perspective, this is fun and enjoyable for television and spectators. From a rugby perspective, there are some kinks to resolve in terms of clarifying law application in crucial areas as we were confused at times. Nonetheless, the boys enjoyed the evening and we have come through unscathed and ready to prepare for the last piece of preseason ahead of Dubai.”
USA Women’s Coach Warren Abrahams said: “I am absolutely proud of the girls and loved how they represented their country during this tournament. It’s been a great experience playing in front of a packed O2 arena and of course a massive honor for us being part of the first-ever RugbyX finals.
“Most importantly, we’ve learned incredible lessons this week which will serve us well as we continue with our preparation for the World Series and ultimately the Olympics.”
The USA Women’s and Men’s Sevens teams will next compete in Dubai stop of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2020, December 5-7. Dubai serves as the second of eight tournaments on the women’s side and first of ten on the men’s side. All matches are broadcast LIVE on NBC Sports Gold.
For more information on the structure and format of RugbyX, visit rugbyx.com.
USA Women's Roster
1| Cheta Emba
2| Emily Henrich
3| Fane Haungatau
4| Alena Olsen
5| Alev Kelter (C)
6| Saskia Morgan
7| Naya Tapper
8| Lauren Thunen
9| Stephanie Rovetti
10| Kayla Canett (C)
11| Kasey McCravey
12| Kayla Lawson
USA Women's Staff
Head Coach | Warren Abrahams
Athletic Trainer | Hilary Stepansky
Director of High Performance | Emilie Bydwell
USA Men's Roster
1| Carlin Isles
2| Danny Barrett (C)
4| Pat Blair
5| Maceo Brown
6| Maka Unufe
8| Harley Wheeler
9| Stephen Tomasin
10| Naima Fualaau
11| Perry Baker
13| Kevon Williams
17| Marcus Tupuola
18| Ben Broselle
USA Men's Staff
Head Coach | Mike Friday
Assistant Coach | Phil Greening
Strength & Conditioning Coach | Jon Hood
Athletic Trainer | Brian Green
Team Manager | Scott Novack
