For Immediate Release
October 22, 2009
USA Rugby Announces Rugby World Cup Qualifier Player Pool, Ticket Information
BOULDER, Colo. – The USA Men’s National Team Coach Eddie O’Sullivan officially announced the pool of players for the upcoming Rugby World Cup Qualifier matches against Uruguay.
The U.S. will play Uruguay in a home-and-away two match qualifier series starting on November 14 in Montevideo, Uruguay and then again one week later at Broward County Regional Park in Lauderhill, Fla., on November 21 at 2 p.m. (EST).
“We’ve got a very solid pool of players selected for these matches. Almost all of the players have been involved through the summer schedule. This will make it easier to for the team to gel given the limited preparation time before the first Test,” O’Sullivan said. “Uruguay had some very solid performances throughout the summer against tough opposition in Russia, Romania and Scotland. They will be very keen to throw down a marker on home soil.”
Recently promoted to an 18th global ranking by the International Rugby Board (IRB), the U.S. Eagles have a 9-1 win-loss record over Uruguay over the past 20 years, and had to challenge the South American side for their last qualification into the Rugby World Cup four years ago, winning that series by a two-game point total of 75-20.
Even with that record and the solid mix of experience and youth in his pool, O’Sullivan is adamant that the Eagles cannot be complacent and will assemble his team in Florida on Sunday, November 8, before departing for Montevideo the following Tuesday.
Tickets for the U.S.-based event are on sale now and are just $20 for adults and $10 for children. Follow the link to buy now.
For media needing further information, interviews or credentials, please contact Sara John at sjohn@usarugby.org.
RWC 2011 Qualifiers – Eagles Pool
Uruguay Nov. 8th – 21st 2009
Forwards:
Todd Clever (Golden Lions), Pat Danahy (Life University), J.J. Gaganio (FC Roma), Nic Johnson (Denver Barbarians RFC), Will Johnson (Oxford University), Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club), Mate Moeakiola (Pearl City RFC), Alec Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen), Shawn Pittman (Bayside RFC), Hayden Smith (Saracens), Jacob Sprague (Mystic River RFC), Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club Rugby), Phil Thiel (Life University), John Van Der Giessen (Sporting Club Albigeois)
Backs:
Cory Blair (Huntington Beach RFC), Paul Emerick (Parma FC) Mike Hercus (Gold Coast Stingrays), Nese Malifa (Belmont Shore RFC), Taku Ngwenya (Biarritz Olympic), Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club Rugby), Junior Sifa (Midleton RFC), Roland Suniula (Pearl City RFC), Kevin Swiryn (Old Puget Sound Beach RFC), Alipate Tuilevuka (Provo Steelers), Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC), Chris Wyles (Saracens)
Not considered due to injury:
Chris Biller (unattached)
Considered but unavailable:
Colin Hawley (California), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie), Salesi Sika (Castres Olympic)