DALLAS – The USA Men’s Eagles are stringing together wins on the pitch this summer, and Major League Rugby athletes are helping the team find success. In all, 27 active players from MLR Rosters received appointments to the 2026 USA Men’s Eagles Nations Cup Squad’s first three matches.

MLR’s takeover of the Eagles roster is poised to continue into this month’s non-test match against Argentina in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. More than 90 percent of the 31 roster spots will be taken by MLR players, including 22 players who were part of the Nations Cup roster. These MLR players will take to the pitch on Aug. 15 for the Eagles’ first match in Florida since 2016.

After the 2025 season, MLR reduced the number of foreign spots per match day roster, which increased the number of domestic players competing in 2026, resulting in 68 percent of its players holding U.S. eligibility for selection this summer, with 73 percent eligible by the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Since the league’s formation in 2018, 156 USA Eagles have played within MLR’s ranks, with a total of 942 Americans having had an opportunity to play professional rugby through the MLR during that time.

“Major League Rugby is committed to growing both the depth and breadth of talent across the United States, and this year’s Nations Cup squad is a testament to the level of play across our league,” said MLR Co-President Alex Magleby. “We’re focused on growing and developing the game across our nation, and we’re proud of the effort and skill that the MLR players have shown while representing our country.”

MLR talent helped propel the Eagles to a victory in their first Nations Cup fixture against Portugal, as Cory Daniel (Old Glory DC) and Paddy Ryan (Seattle Seawolves) scored tries, while Christopher Hilsenbeck (Chicago Hounds) scored 15 points from the tee, including a game-winning penalty kick. 

Conner Mooneyham (Anthem RC and the first-ever number one pick in Major League Rugby Draft history), Nathan Den Hoedt (Chicago Hounds) and Daniel scored tries to lead the Eagles over Zimbabwe a week later, while Luke Carty (Anthem RC) converted three penalty kick goals in the win. In the team’s match against Spain, Ryan, Julian Roberts (Anthem RC) and Mitch Wilson (New England Free Jacks) each scored tries to keep the Eagles perfect pool play run intact. 

"The increase in MLR player representation across our Men's Eagles talent pool is an encouraging statistic as we continue building a stronger rugby footprint in the United States,” USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren added. “It’s exciting for MLR fans to watch their favorite players represent USA Rugby on home turf in a competition like the Nations Cup, and perform well for their country. Creating a brand around these players, their stories and successes - both on the MLR and international pitch - is key to cultivating a rugby product American sports fans know and love."

For more information on MLR, visit majorleague.rugby/.

For more information on the USA Eagles, visit eagles.rugby/mens-eagles/.