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The US rugby union team has experienced a challenging period recently, most notably when they failed to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This marked a significant setback, as the team had previously participated in eight World Cups but missed out on the ninth in France. This failure led to the resignation of head coach Gary Gold in December 2023, a position that is currently being filled by interim manager and coach, Scott Lawrence.
This uncertainty was echoed by a patchy European summer tour, where the Eagles gained an early victory against Romania, but suffered two defeats to Portugal and Georgia. The sour taste was ultimately softened with the USA lifting the inaugural La Vila International Rugby Cup in November, having beaten competition from hosts Spain, Canada, and Brazil.
A changing of the guard
The 42-12 win over Spain also saw the retirement of veteran flanker and captain, Nate Brakeley, who had been a stalwart in American rugby since 2016. However, the loss of Blakeley was balanced by the emergence of Joe Mano, who scored a hat-trick in his debut game for the USA against Brazil, going on to be the tournament’s top try-scorer.
Looking forward to 2024 and beyond, the Eagles are preparing for a new chapter in their rugby story. Lawrence announced a 54-player pool for the squad, featuring 19 new prospects. Additionally, there was the launch of the Hawks program, a joint effort by Major League Rugby and USA Rugby to develop domestic talent. These strategies will give the USA a larger pool of players for upcoming rugby games.
A new tournament
This is a well-timed development, as the USA will be competing in another completely new international competition starting in 2024. This competition involving Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA, will be a rebranded version of the Pacific Nations Cup. The tournament, played in August and September, will see teams split into two pools, leading to a finals series. The USA and Japan will alternate hosting the finals, starting in Japan in 2024.
As the USA rugby team looks ahead to the 2027 and 2031 World Cups, there is a resolute determination to surpass previous performances and make a resounding impact on the international rugby stage. While the goal remains to break out of the pool stage in 2027, the anticipation and emphasis are notably heightened for the 2031 tournament. This will be a historic moment for American rugby as the USA is slated to host the World Cup for the first time.
The significance of hosting the tournament goes beyond the pursuit of on-field success; it symbolizes an opportunity to showcase the growth, passion, and prowess of rugby within the United States. With the eyes of the global rugby community turned toward the USA, the team will undoubtedly strive to make a lasting impression, setting the stage for a transformative era in American rugby history.
With these developments, the US rugby union team is actively working towards building a stronger and more competitive team. The focus on developing young talent and strengthening the domestic rugby structure suggests a promising future, especially with the opportunity to showcase their progress on the world stage in 2031. The team’s immediate goals include successful tours and test series, alongside continuous improvement and player development.
