Pacific Nations Cup history
Number of tournaments: 6
Best finish: 2nd (2014)
Most points in a match: 47 (47-19 v Canada in 2019)
Biggest win: 28 (47-19 v Canada in 2019)
Did you know...? In July, USA recorded a clean sweep of wins over Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain on home soil in the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 – leaving them top of Pool A.
Kit colour: White/Blue/Red
Nickname: Men’s Eagles
Current form
World Ranking: 14
Form: LWWWW
Head coach: Scott Lawrence
A former number eight, Lawrence became acting head coach in May 2023, when Gary Gold stepped down after the Eagles missed out on France 2023, and was handed the job full-time the following January.
He’s the architect in place for Moonshot 2031 – an ambitious plan to get USA to the quarter-finals of their home Rugby World Cup and one that, from its name to the stages involved, is inspired by the race to the Moon. This tournament, therefore, will be the latest small step for USA on that mission.
Lawrence’s men go into the Pacific Nations Cup brimming with confidence after successive World Rugby Nations Cup wins against Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027-bound sides Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain.
In brief
There is a feelgood factor surrounding Lawrence’s squad, which is solely domestic-based, and not just because of their three straight wins in the World Rugby Nations Cup.
While it was a non-capped match, an Eagles-heavy USA XV side also recorded a recent thrilling win over an Argentina XV 25-24 at Inter Miami FC Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Key player: Joe Taufete’e
The experienced hooker has not represented USA since appearing as a replacement against Romania in August 2023.
Since then, 33-year-old Taufete’e has often struggled with injury, but he was first-choice hooker for the California Legion this past season and now looks set to add to his 36 test appearances.
Taufete’e has an impressive pedigree, having been shortlisted for the 2019 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year with England flanker Tom Curry, All Blacks back-row Ardie Savea, Springboks flyer Cheslin Kolbe, Wales great Alun Wyn Jones, and award winner Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Legend: Kort Schubert
Pioneer back-row Schubert was the first American player to go from college directly into professional rugby, playing for Northampton Saints in 2003/04 and Cardiff from 2004-06. He won 49 caps for the Eagles, between 2000-08, went to Rugby World Cup 2003, and captained his country 18 times.
Squad:
Lawrence has selected a 32-player squad, while another 14 have been listed as reserves. Reigning Major League Rugby (MLR) champions Chicago Hounds are the most-represented club with eight, while there are seven Eagles from the Legion.
Fly-half Chris Hilsenbeck is back in the squad following personal leave, bringing tactical leadership options to the 10 jersey, with fellow playmaker Davie Coetzer of Seattle Seawolves included as a developmental player.
Mason Pedersen comes back into the squad and veteran Sam Golla returns to the second row after successfully rehabbing his injury.
Forwards: Ma’ake Muti, Faka’osi Pifeleti, Payton Telea-Ilalio, Shilo Klein, Campbell Robb, Joe Taufete’e, Tonga Kofe, Alex Maughan, Mason Pedersen, Jason Damm, Nathan Den Hoedt, Sam Golla, Brandon Harvey, Makeen Alikhan, Benjamín Bonasso, Marno Redelinghuys, Paddy Ryan, Lance Williams.
Backs: Michael Baska, Ruben de Haas, Ethan McVeigh, Luke Carty, Chris Hilsenbeck, Davie Coetzer, Dom Besag, Tavite Lopeti, Cassh Maluia, Tom Pittman, Noah Brown, Mark O’Keeffe, Julian Roberts, Mitch Wilson.
Schedule
Semi-final v Japan on Saturday, 12 September – Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka
Final day v Fiji/Canada on Saturday, 19 September – Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
They said
“We’re focused on building depth and competition across our squad through intentional improvements in individual and collective performance.
“Every player has an opportunity to grow, develop, and demonstrate that they can perform at this level.” – Head coach Scott Lawrence
