February 5, 2016
USA Rugby MJAA Team For U20 Trophy Qualifier in Austin
Logo: USA Rugby Junior All-American
JD Stephenson has selected the USA Rugby AIG Men’s Junior All-American squad consisting of 26 young athletes to take on Canada’s under-20s Saturday, Feb. 13, at Dell Diamond in Austin, Texas.
The MJAAs will face Canada in the World Rugby U20 Trophy qualifier which follows the Americas Rugby Championship match between the United States Men’s Eagles against Argentina. The kickoff is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. CT with a live stream available on USA Rugby TV. The winner of this match will represent the region for the World Rugby Trophy in Zimbabwe.
JD Stephenson has selected 14 College players for the side, 13 which play D1A Rugby. From this later group, 4 play at Lindenwood University. “Familiarity of players is a bonus when designing processes and roles for individuals in the side,” Stephenson said. “However, there is also the added pressure to the Lindenwood players of expectations and standards that they need to hold themselves to given they are accountable to them on a daily basis. Nevertheless, we have closely watched and have been in contact with all players in our squad, which allows for familiarity of all players.”
USA Rugby has implemented a system which makes BridgeAthletic’s software available to all USA Rugby members. This software provides strength, conditioning, and skill training program management; test data management; and performance logging.
“As a coaching staff we have leveraged all forms of technology to ensure that a clear message of roles and responsibilities have been conveyed to the players,” Stephenson said. “There has been a considerable amount of prep work done between camps to ensure playbooks, terminology, processes, and outcomes are aligned between player and coaching staff.
“We are fortunate to have a very respectful and diligent playing group that is willing to go the extra mile to be successful.”
The MJAAs are scheduled to arrive in Austin Saturday, Feb. 6. The Austin Blacks will host the MJAAs while in Texas, and will offer controlled scrimmages as a warm-up to the fixture at Dell Diamond.
Forwards: Prop: Connor Cudeback (Cal Poly), Nick Kwasniewski (Grand Canyon), Mason Pederson (Arizona), Roman Salanoa (Kahuku High School), Chance Wenglewski (Lindenwood) Hooker: Steven Branham (Arizona), Zachary Haley (Metropolis); Lock: Sean Coleman (Arizona), Bronson Teles (Katy Barbarians), Joshua Warnock (Peninsula Green) Back-row: Malon Al-Jiboori (Lindenwood), Brennan Falcon (LSU), Hanco Germishuys (Glendale Raptors), Beuki Taumoefolau (Las Vegas Irish)
Backs: Scrumhalf: Ruben de Haas (Little Rock), Louis Mulholland (Bath University) Fly-half: Ben Cima (Rocky Gorge), Duncan van Schalkwyk (Life) Center: William Fifita (Aurora Saracens), Brian Hannon (Arizona), Devin Lim (UCLA), Lorenzo Thomas (Lindenwood) Wing/Fullback: Rodney Giles (Henley Hawks), Deion Mikesell (Lindenwood), Tyler Sousley (Arizona), Mitchell Wilson (Life)
