News

Johnson announces first Eagles squad

Thursday 22nd May 2008

Takudzwa Ngwenya: A chance to shine against the Saxons

Former Wales and Australia Coach Scott Johnson has announced his first US Eagles squad, ahead of the Churchill Cup in June.

There are several familiar faces in the team, including Sevens star Todd Clever and World Cup speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya who will be free now Biarritz have failed to qualify for the Top 14 semi-finals.

"In terms of development, this tournament is very, very important to us as it gives us the opportunity to play against top players from around the world," USA Rugby's CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said.

"The way to develop teams is to play against the best players in the world and in this tournament the U.S. play against teams hosting full-time professionals. It is just a great opportunity for our players."

The tournament opener pits the eagles against the English Saxons, which will be a stiff test indeed for the new team and coaching staff.

"This first match should be an interesting test for the U.S. Team," Melville said.

"The Saxons boast a very tough squad with several players possessing a lot of international experience. The U.S. squad also includes a number of players with international experience, in addition to a few fairly new names. We expect it to be another tough match."

Of the 26 players named to this year's squad, 16 represented the U.S. in the last Barclays Churchill Cup tournament in England and an impressive 18 were a part of the USA's 2007 Rugby World Cup squad that went to France.

US Eagles squad:

Forwards: Mark Aylor (Life University), Henry Bloomfield (Belmont Shore), Todd Clever (Old Mission Beach Athletic Club), Mark Crick (Potomac Athletic Club), Saimone Laulaupealu (San Francisco Golden Gate), Jason Lett (Boston Irish Wolfhounds), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie) , Matekitonga Moekiola (Pukekohe New Zealand), Alec Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen), Kort Schubert (Olympic Club) , Chad Slaby (Chicago Lions), Louis Stanfill (University of Cal Berkeley), John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians), Jon Vitale (Chicago Lions), Ben Weidemer (Belmont Shore).

Backs: Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club), Mike Hercus (IBM Japan), Valanese Malifa (Belmont Shore), Paul Emerick (Newport Gwent Dragons), Salesi Sika (Beziers France), Albert Tuipulotu (Beziers France), Vaha Esikia (Las Vegas Blackjacks), Mike Palefau (Petrarca Italy), Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz France), Chris Wyles (Old Mission Beach Athletic Club), Gavin DeBartolo (Eastern Suburbs - Australia).