US 'Select' their XV
Fri, 23 May 2008 15:13
US Rugby has officially announced the Select XV squad set to compete in two matches against the England Counties XV on Friday, June 6 and Monday, June 9, at Columbia University's Baker Field Athletic Complex.
The developmental squad includes 16 players from the Rugby Super League, the premier level of rugby competition in the US, as well as a handful of Division One Senior Men's Club and Collegiate Club players who impressed selectors during the spring season.
This addition to the men's schedule provides a prime opportunity for the US team to develop an expanded player pool leading up to the summer competition season.
"Increasing the size of the elite player pool from which the Eagles will be selected makes competition for places more intense and develops a healthy rivalry within the squad," said US Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville.
"It's important that all of our elite players have an opportunity to compete against elite opposition from other countries and the visit of the England Counties will ensure a larger group of athletes are challenged to play in June," added Melville.
The Select XV will be led by head coach Mike Tolkin, along with assistant coaches Ron Laszewski (forwards) and Chris Osentowski (scrum) and Lex Maccubbin as the manager.
Cal Berkeley's Gary Golding was initially chosen for the Select XV squad, but following a strong showing at the College Club Play-offs, he will now join the recently named Barclays Churchill Cup team for its June competitions.
Rugby Week will culminate in the inaugural Mayor's Cup at Baker Field Athletic Complex on June 7, where more than 24 teams from around the New York City area will compete.
Select XV squad:
Forwards: Mark Kernan (Belmont Shore), Chris Moreno (Denver Barbarians), Phillip Thiel (Life University), Mike Bunce (Pearl City), Will Vavoa (San Francisco Golden Gate), Will Johnson (Olympic Club), Samuela Manoa (San Francisco Golden Gate), Brian Doyle (NYAC), Jared Wolfgramm (Belmont Shore), Rikus Pretorius (Cal), Pat Quinn (Denver Barbarians), Dan Laprovette (San Francisco Golden Gate), Peter Dahl (Belmont Shore), Justin Stencel (Charlotte).
Backs: Tim Usasz (Nottingham), Chris Mayo (NYAC), Maximo DeAchaval (University of Colorado), Scott Peterson (Chicago Lions), Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore), Nathan Rodgers (Life University), Justin Boyd (Dallas), James Gillenwater (Belmont Shore), Jone Naqica (San Francisco Golden Gate), Mike Graham (Glendale), Justin Hundley (NYAC).
