(usa rugby release) — U.S. Men’s 15-Man Head Coach Scott Lawrence and staff have named 55 players to the 2024 Expanded Player Team (EPS) with eligibility and participation on two confirmed tours scheduled this year. A dynamic pool of possible players was identified.
15 new prospects will aim to make their USA Eagles debut. The Eagles men’s international season begins in July with a two-game tour as part of the American Series, then takes a break for the Major League Rugby playoffs before reconvening in August for the Pacific Nations Cup.
St. Mary’s College’s Dominique Bessag and Eric Storti will aim to be part of this summer’s traveling squad, with two college standouts qualifying. Besag will debut in 2023, and both players will be on the field this weekend in Houston for the D1A National Championship.
Also on the list are Lukas Gramlick, Jake Turnbull and Connor McManus, representing Major League Rugby’s newest team, Anthem Rugby Carolina. Anthem is a development program created in partnership between MLR, USA Rugby and World Rugby and is halfway through its first year. Another young talent to draw attention is Cardiff Met full-back Stephen Crimp, who last wore a USA shirt for the men’s U20s in the 2023 World Rugby Trophy qualifiers.
Head coach Scott Lawrence said of the player selection: “EPS is the current selection of male players who we think can compete for a place in the Test team and the number of players we introduce along the way to becoming Eagles.” The staff considers many factors when selecting his EPS. Significant playing time, physical ability, work ethic, professional habits, and the energy you bring to the game all play important roles in the selection process. ”
Lawrence will play in the first of 2024 in Chicago ahead of the game against Romania on July 5th at SeatGeek Stadium, followed by the Premier League game against Scotland on July 12th in Washington DC. We are planning to select expedition members for the tournament. Tickets for each game are available now.
Prior to the American Series tour, team staff and leadership group players will gather for a conditioning camp in June. This is the program’s annual meeting to connect and strengthen program goals for the upcoming international season.
Lawrence said of the team’s connection: “Teams are staying connected through monthly Zooms, one-on-ones with coaches, and match day domestic visits. Ultimately, starting times at each club will be adjusted between the Pacific Nations Cup and November. We are the closest to where we can help bridge the gap to testing rugby through our tours. Our goal is to be able to unite and connect with the energy that can only come from an international environment. Our goal is to be a trusted resource to help our players perform at their best.”
