Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The squads for the USA Falcons development 7s squads to take part in the Las Vegas invitational tournament this weekend have been announced, with a number of established players included for both the men and women. Taking place alongside the HSBC Sevens Series event, the tournament runs from March 3-5 with the Cup finals set to be played at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Women’s Eagles 7s Head Coach Jules McCoy reprises her role with the Falcons, a team that includes 2014 World Cup team member Meya Bizer, senior XVs veteran Carmen Farmer, and 2015 Super Series standout Nicole Heavirland. Also selected are six members of the group that participated in Sao Paulo two weekends ago – Ryan Carlyle, Rachel Griendling, Jessica Javelet, Ashley Perry, Naya Tapper, and Kristen Thomas. Griendling and Irene Gardner will act as co-captains.
Meanwhile the men will be coached by Tiger Rugby’s Paul Holmes and former Eagles 7s and XVs international Nese Malifa. The team features two members of the 2015 World Cup XVs side – Shalom Suniula and Thretton Palamo – and senior 7s regular Matai Leuta. Pat Blair returns to the program after featuring in the Americas Rugby Championship, where Aaron Davis also spent time training, though he did not make a match appearance. Ben Leatigaga also lends senior 7s experience to the side.
USA WOMEN’S FALCONS
Meya Bizer, Ryan Carlyle, Carmen Farmer, Irene Gardner (co-capt.), Rachel Griendling (co-capt.), Nicole Heavirland, Jessica Javelet, Ashley Perry, Richelle Stephens, Naya Tapper, Kristen Thomas, Kate Zackary
POOL FIXTURES
Thu, Mar 3 – 08:40 PST, 11:40 EST – vs Brazil
Thu, Mar 3 – 11:20 PST, 14:20 EST – vs Stars Rugby 2
Fri, Mar 4 – 08:40 PST, 11:40 EST – vs South Africa Select
USA MEN’S FALCONS
Pat Blair, Aaron Davis, Seth Halliman, Tua Laei, Ben Leatigaga, Matai Leuta, Peter Malcolm, Jope Motokana, Thretton Palamo, Conroy Smith, Joey Sok, Shalom Suniula
POOL FIXTURES
Thu, Mar 3 – 08:00 PST, 11:00 EST – vs Florida RDA
Thu, Mar 3 – 10:40 PST, 13:40 EST – vs France Development
Thu, Mar 3 – 13:20 PST, 16:20 EST – vs Tumatauenga
