With AJ MacGinty out, Bryce Campbell has been named Captain. Campbell first debuted in 2016 against Romania and has since made 32 test appearances for the United States. Most recently, the center played in Rugby World Cup 2019, scoring the Eagles lone try against England in the opening match.
Titi Lamositele, Connor Mooneyham and Chance Wenglewski are also out with Christian Dyer, Matt Harmon, Dino Waldren and Calvin Whiting coming in. Waldren is a veteran with the squad while Dyer, Harmon and Whiting are all exciting prospects who have an opportunity to shine as the new cycle officially begins. Dyer recently competed with the USA Men at Quest for Gold Sevens as part of his contention for the Tokyo Olympics.
The 30-player squad assembles today in London ahead of its match on Sunday with No. 3 world-ranked England. Ireland currently sit at No. 4 in the world giving the United States men a hugely challenging task over the coming weeks.
Following July, the Eagles will assemble again in September for a two-part Rugby World Cup qualification series against rivals-Canada. The Eagles will host the second match on Sept 11 with details for the first match on Sept 4 to be confirmed.
A final qualification series against a team from South America will follow suit in October, ahead of the USA’s next battle with Ireland on Halloween weekend.
Coach Gold said:
“After months of planning, we’re looking forward to finally getting back together as a squad. Losing AJ, Titi, Conner and Chance is disappointing but we have no doubt the other guys will rise to the challenge of the hugely difficult battles we have in front of us.
“Bryce has certainly earned his role as Captain for this tour and has made considerable strides as a person and a player through his career. We’re excited to hit the ground running and maximize every opportunity we have in the short buildup to Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.”
