USA Men’s Sevens 2019 Singapore Sevens Squad

The USA Men’s Eagles left Hong Kong with their sixth medal of the season, a Bronze. The team is ranked first in the world and will compete in the eighth round of their Olympic qualifying season at HSBC Singapore Sevens 2019, April 12-14. Based on their performance in Singapore, the USA could qualify for the Olympics ahead of the Series conclusion. Matches are broadcast LIVE on ESPN+.
Head Coach Mike Friday has kepto his 13-player roster intact for the third straight tournament. Captain Madison Hughes surpassed Waisale Serevi in all-time points scored and is in the top 10 in that category. He is also the highest point scorer this season.

Ben Pinkelman and Folau Niua have created team scoring opportunities. Carlin Isles set a Series record with 9 tries at Hong Kong. Maceo Brown, Marcus Tupuola, Joe Schroeder and Ben Broselle have all contributed when in the match.

Martin Iosefo and Stephen Tomasin continue to be key contributors, with Matai Leuta, Kevon Williams, and Brett Thompson being important members of the team.

The United States are in Pool C and will face Wales, Kenya and England. Wales has proven to be a difficult opponent, despite its 15th ranking. They beat the USA last week in Pool play 21-19. England, who is ranked 5th, has also been a challenge. They are 9 points behind 4th place and will look to have a strong performance in an effort to move to a top 4 spot. Kenya are also a physical team and can not be underestimated.

Head Coach Mike Friday

On our ability to remain resilient amidst injuries…
“We had to absorb some more injuries in Hong Kong which further tested the depth of our squad and also provided opportunities and valuable big game experience for some of the boys. It’s these types of times where young men learn at the coal face and all players have to have those ‘get it wrong to get it right’ moments in big games. This way they have the battle scars to make them better come the next big game, which are coming thick and fast at we hit the end of season business.”

On the competition in pool play…
“It’s another very tricky pool as Hong Kong was and proved to be. Wales hurt us with their guilt and determination and they are fighting for their lives right now in a relegation dog fight. Kenya are also sucked into that dog fight and we saw signs of the power and physicality we associate with Kenya in full flow in Hong Kong. This is a team who raise their game when they face the USA and we will need to match them physically. As for England, we lost narrowly in that game in Hong Kong having gift-wrapped a 21 point start so accuracy and possession are crucial against them as they have their talisman captain Tom Mitchell back this weekend.”

MEN’S EAGLES SEVENS ROSTER

PLAYER NAME POSITION HSBC TOURNAMENTS TO DATE
1. Carlin Isles Wing 48
2. Ben Pinkelman Prep/Hooker 30
3. Joe Schroeder Prop 7
4. Matai Leuta Prop 33
5. Brett Thompson Prop 30
6. Kevon Williams Halfback/Wing 18
7. Folau Niua Halfback 66
8. Maceo Brown Center 7
9. Stephen Tomasin Hooker 28
10. Madison Hughes (C) Halfback 44
11. Marcus Tupuola Wing 3
12. Martin Iosefo Center 40
13. Ben Broselle Wing/Prop 2

MEN’S EAGLES SEVENS STAFF

Head Coach | Mike Friday
Assistant Coach | Phil Greening
Strength & Conditioning Coach | Jon Hood
Athletic Trainer | Brian Green
Team Manager | Scott Novack

HSBC SINGAPORE SEVENS 2019

Pool C | Broadcast LIVE on ESPN +

vs Wales | Fri, Apr 12 – 11:06 PM ET
vs Kenya | Sat, Apr 13 – 2:34 AM ET
vs England | Sat, Apr 13 – 6 AM ET

VIEW LIVE POOL DRAW FOR UPDATED MATCHUPS 

Other Articles

DJCoil Rugby articles by Doug Coil are also available on Facebook. Other Social Media sites to follow or subscribe include Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for interviews.

About Author

North American Rugby News With A USA Slant