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Men’s Eagles commemorate the Nation’s 250th with Independence Day fixture

USA Men’s Eagles Head Coach Scott Lawrence and staff have named the Match day squad to take on Portugal in the opening fixture of the inaugural Nations Cup competition.

Jennie Burke, USA Rugby

The Eagles will run out in Denver’s Dick Sporting Goods Park in the red white and blue on the 4th of July donning a commemorative 250 year anniversary patch paying tribute to the history that has helped pave the way for our country and the USA Eagles. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM MT with fireworks promised post match. Fans can purchase tickets here with action available live on Paramount+.

 

Closing out just their ninth day together in camp in Colorado’s high altitude environment the USA Eagles are eager to get their 2026 campaign underway as they target a peak performance at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. 

 

This will be the Eagles first time hosting Portugal after sealing a 21-17 win in their 2024 encounter thanks to Kapeli Pifeleti’s match-winning try just two minutes before full time.

 

Named to start Pifeleti joins an Eagles pack featuring one USA debut in Chicago Hounds lock, Nathan Den Hoedt. In the backline, Ruben de Haas and Chris Hilsenbeck fill out the scrumhalf and flyhalf positions, bringing the MLR Championship halfback pairing to the international stage. Perry Mayo will run out for his first time in a USA jersey on the wing with Mason Pederson and Julian Roberts ready to make their impact from the bench. 

 

Ready to get the campaign underway, Head Coach, Scott Lawrence commented: 

 

“July is always a shotgun start for us as we bring the team together from across the world. The men have been diligent in their detail of the basics we are rapidly putting in place. The nation’s 250th is a special day and we are grateful to have the opportunity to represent our country’s rugby community on Saturday.” 

 

With Portugal claiming the Rugby Europe Championship title earlier this spring, the recently assembled Eagles will be looking to halt the visitor’s momentum and kick off the Nations Cup proceedings with a bang.

 

The match against Portugal will kick off the first round of the USA’s Nations Cup campaign before they travel to North Carolina to take on Zimbabwe followed by Spain. Tickets for all matches are available here

 

Fans can get closer to the action with USA Eagles Experiences at https://usaeagles-experiences.com or catch every minute of the action live on Paramount+.

 
 
USA Men’s Eagles Roster v Portugal

1 Jack Iscaro Stade Francais
2 Kapeli Pifeleti Provence Rugby
3 Tonga Kofe California Legion
4 Nathan Den Hoedt* Chicago Hounds
5 Jason Damm (C) California Legion
6 Benjamin Bonasso Old Glory DC
7 Cory Daniel Old Glory DC
8 Paddy Ryan Seattle Seawolves
9 Ruben De Haas California Legion
10 Chris Hilsenbeck Chicago Hounds
11 Perry Mayo* USON Nevers
12 Dominic Besag St.Marys College
13 Tavite Lopeti Chicago Hounds
14 Rufus McLean Seattle Seawolves
15 Mitch Wilson New England Free Jacks
16 Shilo Klein Zebre Parma
17 Ezekiel Lindenmuth Seattle Seawolves
18 Mason Pedersen* Seattle Seawolves
19 Brandon Harvey Chicago Hounds
20 Nafi Ma'afu Union Sportive Montalbanaise
21 Ethan McVeigh New England Free Jacks
22 Luke Carty Anthem Rugby Carolina
23 Julian Roberts* Anthem Rugby Carolina
*Debut
 

2026 USA Men’s Eagles Match Schedule

July 4th | USA vs Portugal

DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Denver, CO - 9:00pm ET

July 11th | USA vs Zimbabwe

American Legion Memorial Stadium, Charlotte, NC - 7:30pm ET

July 18th | USA vs Spain 

First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC - 7:30pm ET

<<Buy Tickets Here>>

 
 
2026 USA Men’s Eagles Coaches & Staff
  • Scott Lawrence | Head Coach
  • Agustin Cavalieri | Assistant Coach - Forwards 
  • Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach - Scrum
  • David Williams | Assistant Coach -  Transition and Attack 
  • Nathan Grey | Assistant Coach - Defense 
  • Steve Brett | Assistant Coach - Attack and Kicking
  • Andy Friend | Technical Advisor  
  • Davie Gray | Mindset Coach 
  • Jimmy Harrison | Head of Analysis 
  • Jim Molony | Head of Performance 
  • Rodolfo Broggi | Strength and Conditioning Coach 
  • Lauren DeLuca | Team Registered Dietician 
  • Michael Buonopane | Head Athletic Trainer 
  • Michael Sheridan | Athletic Trainer 
  • Willie Berlanga | Massage Therapist 
  • Dr. Matthew Schmitz | Team Doctor 
  • Dr. Corey Wells | Team Doctor 
  • Alana Gattinger | Head of High Performance Operations
  • Nick Colling | Team Manager