The USA Men's Eagles are gearing up for a crucial showdown against Romania, and the stakes couldn't be higher! This match isn't just about a win; it's about setting the stage for the 2027 Rugby World Cup! On Saturday, November 15th, in Bucharest, the Eagles will face off in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to their 2025 season. This marks the third consecutive year of the Pershing Cup, a cross-continental rivalry, so both teams know each other well.
Kick-off is at 10:00 AM ET, and you can catch all the action live on Paramount+!
Coach Scott Lawrence has made a few strategic adjustments to the roster, with key players like Jason Damm returning to the No. 8 position and Tonga Kofe getting his first start of November at Prop, due to recent injuries. The team is aiming to build on their performance, focusing on the kicking accuracy and attacking pressure they displayed against Georgia. The goal is to maintain momentum and secure a victory. The Eagles are just a few spots above Romania in the World Rugby rankings, making this match critical for their seeding in the upcoming Rugby World Cup pool draw. A win here is vital for better positioning in 2027.
Here's the roster for the USA Men's Eagles vs. Romania match:
- Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Unattached)
- Kaleb Geiger (New England Free Jacks)
- Tonga Kofe (Leicester Tigers)
- Tevita Naqali (Old Glory DC)
- Marno Redelinghuys (Unattached)
- Paddy Ryan (Unattached)
- Cory Daniel (Old Glory DC)
- Jason Damm (C) (CA Legion)
- Ruben de Haas (Unattached)
- Luke Carty (Anthem Rugby Carolina)
- Rufus McLean (Unattached)
- Tavite Lopeti (Chicago Hounds)
- Dominic Besag (Saint Mary's College)
- Mark O'Keefe (Chicago Hounds)
- Toby Fricker (Bristol Bears)
- Mikey Sosene-Feagai (CA Legion)
- Payton Telea-Ilalio (Unattached)
- Maliu Niuafe (CA Legion)
- Nafi Ma'afu (Montauban (FRA))
- Viliami Helu (Unattached)
- Makeen Alikhan (Anthem Rugby Carolina)
- Mitch Wilson (New England Free Jacks)
- Michael Baska (Chicago Hounds)
Coaching and Staff:
- Scott Lawrence | Head Coach + GM
- Nick Easter | Assistant Coach - Defense
- Steve Brett | Assistant Coach - Attack & Skills
- Agustin Cavalieri | Assistant Coach - Forwards
- Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach - Scrum
- Jimmy Harrison | Analyst
- Declan Oorloff | Analyst
- Rodolfo Broggi | Athletic Performance Coach
- Matoko Noudehou | Strength and Conditioning
- Michael Sheridan | Lead Athletic Trainer
- Delaney Cassidy | Assistant Athletic Trainer
- Willie Berlanga | Massage Therapist
- Matthew Schmitz | Team Doctor (Scotland & Georgia)
- Marc Kowalsky | Team Doctor (Romania)
- Nick Colling | Team Manager
Autumn Internationals Results:
- Scotland vs USA: (L) 85-0 Scottish Gas Murrayfield | Edinburgh, SCO
- Georgia vs USA: (L) 43-30 Adjarabet Arena | Batumi, GEO
- Romania vs USA: November 15, 10:00 AM ET Arcul du Triumf | Bucharest, ROM
Watch LIVE on Paramount+
But here's where it gets interesting... The Eagles are facing a team they know well, and a win is crucial for their World Cup aspirations. What do you think will be the key to the USA's success in this match? Will their focus on kicking and attacking pressure be enough? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
