(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
USA Rugby: Men’s Eagles Target Strong PNC 2025 Performance
The USA Men’s Eagles are preparing for Pacific Nations Cup 2025, aiming to build on last year’s fourth-place finish and take another step toward Moonshot 2031 — the ambitious plan to reach the quarter-finals of the 2031 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Quick Facts – USA Rugby
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PNC Tournaments Played: 5
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Best Finish: 2nd (2014)
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Most Points in a Match: 47 (47-19 vs Canada, 2019)
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Biggest Win: 28 points (same match)
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Kit Colours: White / Blue / Red
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Nickname: Men’s Eagles
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Playing Style: Versatile, competitive, physical rugby
Did You Know?
In November 2024, the USA Men’s Eagles recorded a clean sweep of wins over Portugal, Tonga, and Spain — their first three-test winning streak since 2019.
Current Form & World Ranking
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World Ranking: 16
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Recent Form (tests only): W W W L L
PNC 2025 Pool Matches
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22 August: Canada vs USA – McMahon Stadium, Calgary
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6 September: USA vs Japan – Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Head Coach: Scott Lawrence
A former number eight, Lawrence became acting head coach in May 2023 after Gary Gold stepped down. He was appointed full-time the following January. Lawrence is the architect behind Moonshot 2031, aiming to position USA as a global rugby contender while building a strong player base for future World Cups.
Key Player: AJ MacGinty
Veteran fly-half AJ MacGinty is a cornerstone of the Eagles’ attack. With 40 caps, two Rugby World Cups, and age 35, MacGinty brings experience and leadership to guide younger players. Emerging talents like Christopher Hilsenback and Tom Pittman are expected to support him in shaping the next generation.
Legend: Kort Schubert
Kort Schubert, a pioneer back-row player, was the first American to go directly from college to professional rugby. Schubert earned 49 caps, played in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and captained the Eagles 18 times.
Extended Squad for PNC 2025
Coach Lawrence has combined experienced internationals with fresh talent:
Forwards
Makeen Alikhan, Benjamin Bonasso (captain), Jason Damm, Cory Daniel, Pono Davis, Kaleb Geiger, Viliami Helu, Jack Iscaro, Shilo Klein, Tonga Kofe, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Nafi Ma’afu, Alec McDonnell, Tevita Naqali, Maliu Niuafe, Kapeli Pifeleti, Christian Poidevin, Payton Telea-Ilalio, Marno Redelinghuys, Rick Rose, Paddy Ryan, Jake Turnbull, Lance Williams
Backs
Nate Augspurger, Dominic Besag, Tommaso Boni, Noah Brown, Ruben de Haas, Toby Fricker, Lauina Futi, Chris Hilsenback, Tavite Lopeti, AJ MacGinty, Rufus McLean, Ethan McVeigh, Tom Pittman, JP Smith, Erich Storti, Mitch Wilson
Several players, including Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz and Sam Golla, are missing from the July test call-ups, while newcomers such as Nafi Ma’afu and Alec McDonnell could earn their first international caps.
Coach’s Vision
“We’re grateful to the tournament organisers for providing this year’s competition in North America. We look forward to seeing growth in the team and performing well on home soil this September.” – Scott Lawrence
What to Watch
The Eagles will aim to improve on last year’s PNC performance with a mix of veteran experience and rising talent. Key players to follow include AJ MacGinty, Christopher Hilsenback, Tommaso Boni, and Rufus McLean, as the USA seeks victories over regional rivals Canada and Japan.
