Backrower Kort Schubert leads the United States to this month's Super Cup tournament in Japan, the first competition of the Eagles 2005 international season.
In his second season as skipper, Schubert is joined by veteran internationals Mike MacDonald, Mike Hercus, and Paul Emerick. The 26-man roster also includes eight uncapped players, evidence of preparations for next year's World Cup qualifiers.
"We've selected from those players whose performances merit selection to compete for international honors," USA head coach Tom Billups said in announcing the squad. "Four days in Japan will not make us a precise team, so our objectives have everything to do with being tough, hard-nosed Americans."
"Looking further, we are continuing to search for and evaluate players who can contribute to the 2007 World Cup campaign," Billups said.
The USA's first match is against archrival Canada on Wednesday, May 25, in Tokyo. The other two competitors are first-time entrant Romania and host Japan. The Canadians are highest ranked, 13th according to the International Rugby Board standings, while Romania are 14th, the Eagles are 16th, and Japan are 17th.
In the forwards, Super Cup front row candidates include props Mike French, Chris Osentowski, Jacob Waasdorp, and MacDonald. Newcomer French has been an OMBAC and Southern California standout, while Osentowski earned his first cap against Italy last November. The hookers are Mark Griffin, the Old Blue veteran with seven international appearances, and uncapped Mike Hobson.
None of the second rowers have international experience. James Lik, of New York Manhattan and a former all-ACC tight end, was named to the National Team player after a noteworthy performance at the 2004 National All-Star Championship; Louis Stanfill has helped the
University of California to two national collegiate championships; and Seattle's Brian Schoener played for the Pacific Coast, winners of the 2004 all-star title.
The backrowers comprise Todd Clever, an All-American and 2003 World Cup squad member now playing in New Zealand; uncapped Collegiate All-American Jon Hartman; 2004 Midwest All-Star Mike Mangan of the Chicago Lions; 16-cap veteran Fifita "Tasi" Mo'unga; uncapped Andrew Ryland of New York Athletic Club; and Schubert.
The halfbacks are veteran Mose Timoteo and Doug Rowe, who is uncapped but has played international 7s and appeared for USA 'A" against Russia and Scotland. The flyhalves are international veterans Mike Hercus (Sale Sharks) and Matt Sherman (Golden Gate).
The midfield backs are San Mateo's Albert Tuipulotu, Scott Jones of the Chicago Lions, and Emerick, while the wings are David Fee and Mike Palefau (with the veteran Emerick able to cover wing and fullback). All five toured Europe last fall, although Jones and Palefau did not seeing playing time and Tuipulotu's four international tries belies his six caps. Palefau was among the USA's best performers at the 2005 7s World Cup in Hong Kong.
The fullbacks are Washington's Francois Viljoen and Peter Galicz, a former All-American who also has played halfback for Belmont Shore and Southern California.
In addition to Billups, the coaching staff includes a noteworthy addition in Dave Hodges. The most capped captain in USA history, Hodges was a player-coach for Celtic League side Llanelli Scarlets before his injury-enforced retirement this past winter.
United States:Forwards: Todd Clever (Mahurangi), Mike French (OMBAC), Mark Griffin (Old Blue), John Hartman (Springfield / Aachen), Mike Hobson (Air Force Academy), James Lik (New York Manhattan), Mike MacDonald (Golden Gate), Mike Mangan (Chicago Lions), Fifita Mo'unga
(San Fernando Valley), Chris Osentowski (Belmont Shore), Andrew Ryland (New York Athletic Club), Brian Schoener (Seattle), Kort Schubert (captain, Cardiff Blues), Louis Stanfill (University of California), Jacob Waasdorp (Back Bay).
Backs: Paul Emerick (Amatori), David Fee (Back Bay), Peter Galicz (Belmont Shore), Mike Hercus (Sale Sharks), Scott Jones (Chicago Lions), Mike Palefau (University of Southern Utah), Doug Rowe (Denver Barbarians), Matt Sherman (Golden Gate), Mose Timoteo (Hayward
Griffins), Albert Tuipulotu (San Mateo), Francois Viljoen (Washington).
Management: Tom Billups (head coach), Brett Taylor (assistant coach), Dave Hodges (assistant coach), Kevin Sinabaldi (manager), Mike McAdam (physician), R.C. Edwards (physiotherapist).