USA Men’s Sevens Golden Eagle Sevens Series Squads

USA Rugby Release

As a culmination of the 2020 residency, USA Men’s Sevens training groups have announced lineups for an intrasquad scrimmage called the Golden Eagles Showdown Series.

Scrimmages take place December 4-5 and 11-12, KO at 12 PM and 3 PM PT daily, with a FREE live stream on USA Rugby’s Facebook Page. The USA Women’s Sevens will play a similar Stars vs Stripes exhibition game on December 4, KO 12:30 PM PT, as a conclusion to their residency.

Men’s team names were selected as the Rampaging Ridgebacks vs the Schnuggle of Schnauzers, originating from fan suggestions that poured in over the weekend. Players who were unavailable for training will serve as General Managers and Chief Advisors for both sides, ensuring all athletes play a role as preseason comes to an end.

Head Coach Mike Friday said:

“It has not been a straightforward process to get to this point but we have worked closely with the USOPC’s Chief Medical Officer to ensure player safety is at the forefront and all protocols are followed. We recognize that the landscape for each city is changing daily and we will continue to liaise with the USOPC and city officials to understand when and how that impacts our Elite sport status.

“The boys have worked hard through this 11-week preseason and we recognize the importance of sharing our work with the rugby community who have missed seeing their pack play most of the year. We are excited and proud to stream what is essentially our final training sessions as this will increase the intensity of our preparation and is something we all need for our mental well-being.

“Our boys are born competitors who live for representing the USA Rugby community in a manner they are proud of.”

COVID-19 Safety Procedures 

USA Men’s Sevens program reassembled in September following rigorous entry testing and quarantine process per local mandates and stringent protocols from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

Programs utilize a robust contact tracing system to identify and minimize any exposure to the virus. All scrimmages are a part of a residency training program that falls within the Elite Athlete Training Center’s professional sports exemption.

Protocols included:

• COVID-19 testing before and after a mandatory 3-day quarantine

• Antibody and echo cardiac testing

• Periodic testing and mandatory ‘Bubble’ re-entry in the event of travel or uncontrolled community exposure

• Daily symptom and temperature checks as mandated by the USOPC and Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

• Additional internal daily wellness checks

• Assigned training groups implemented to reduce unnecessary close contact and limit transmission risk

• Maintain more than 6 ft distance from all staff

• Signed Training Agreement adhering to all safety rules

Team Rosters

RAMPAGING RIDGEBACKS

General Manager: Ben Broselle

Chief Advisor: Pat Blair

SCHNUGGLE OF SCHNAUZERS 

General Manager: Naima Fuala’au

Chief Advisor: Folau Niua