Tolkin names USA Squad for Training

USA captain Todd Clever

The new USA Eagles coach, Mike Tolkin has named a squad of 36 players to prepare for next months test rugby which will see the United States of America face Italy, Georgia and Canada in official international matches. The squad includes 16 players who played in Rugby World Cup 2011 while six players from the tournament have not been considered with five having retired and a sixth, Blaine Scully being injured. As such the training camp is all about making  a fresh start with an eye to the future as planning for Rugby World Cup 2015 starts now. Tolkin has seen that potential future international players will get their chance to impress as he has named six players who have come through the USA collegiate ranks. All six players played in the 2012 Division 1A competition and featured in the post season matches. Of the 26 players it is the first training camp for 14 of them.

The camp is to be staged at West Point, New York over three days from May 31 to June 2. Following the completion of the training camp Tolkin will reduce the squad to 28 players. There is no place in the squad for World Cup players John van der Giessen, Kevin Swiryn, Tim Usasz, Phil Thiel and Brian McClenahan who have all retured from international rugby. Inform Ospreys winger, Hanno Dirksen has not been selected, suggesting the former USA age grade player is abandoning the USA in search of representing Wales instead. He will become eligible to play for Wales in 2014. 

USA Eagles Training Squad

Forwards

Mike MacDonald (Unattached)

Mate Moeakiola (Park City)

Shawn Pittman (London Welsh, England)

Dave Ryan (Lazio, Italy)

Chris Biller (Northampton, England)

Derek Asbun (Oxford, England)

Andrew Cook (St. Mary’s College)

James Hilterbrand (Manly, Australia)

Eric Fry (Old Boys University, New Zealand)

Tim Paulson (Chicago Griffins)

Ray Forrester (BYU)

Tolifili Liufau (Uson, France)

Brian Doyle (NYAC)

Kris Headlee (Life University)

Tom Katzfey (Life University)

Todd Clever (NTT Communications Shining Arcs, Japan)

Lou Stanfill (NYAC)

Scott LaValla (Stade Français, France)

Cam Dolan (Life University)

Taylor Mokate (Old Boys University, New Zealand)

Andrew Durutalo (USA Rugby Sevens)

Hynie Leaaetoa (BYU)

Backs

Mike Petri (NYAC)

Mose Timoteo (San Francisco Golden Gate)

Shaun Davies (BYU)

Roland Suniula (Chicago Griffins)

Will Holder (Army)

Toby L’Estrange (NYAC)

Paul Emerick (London Wasps, England)

Andrew Suniula (Cornish Pirates, England)

Alipate Tuilevuka (Old Puget Sound Beach)

Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)

James Paterson (Glendale Raptors)

Colin Hawley (USA Rugby Sevens)

Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)

Luke Hume (Old Blue) 

Source: USA Rugby