USA Males’s Eagles journey to Japan for Pacific Nations Cup 2026

The squad will head throughout the Pacific for a 2-Test match the place they are going to open in opposition to the host nation in Osaka on September twelfth. USA followers can catch the Eagles in motion dwell on Paramount+.

Following an intense developmental block in Florida, the Eagles enter the PNC centered on refining execution, testing depth and constructing off momentum from their XV fixture in opposition to Argentina and robust Nations Cup marketing campaign on dwelling floor this summer time.  

Head Coach Scott Lawrence and workers have refined their PNC choice with some personnel shifts following these earlier two assemblies because the Eagles gear up for a excessive depth Test in opposition to Japan. He commented; 

“Japan is a Nations Championship team that will be a big step up for us in terms of their speed of play, physicality, and overall accuracy. Going into this next five-week block, we’re focused on building depth and competition across our squad through intentional improvements in individual and collective performance.”

“Every player has an opportunity to grow, develop, and demonstrate that they can perform at this level, and we’re excited to see how this domestic based group continues to develop through the challenge Japan will provide.”

In the entrance row, Joe Taufete’e rejoins the crew after recovering from damage, including dimension, energy, and worldwide expertise, whereas freshly capped Charlie Abel will miss out following his contract signing with French aspect Oyonnax, maintaining him unavailable till November. Mason Pedersen comes again into the squad, whereas Kaleb Geiger’s return is delayed for additional rehabilitation, whereas veteran Sam Golla returns to the second row after efficiently rehabbing his damage. 

Flyhalf, Chris Hilsenbeck hyperlinks again up with the backline following private go away, bringing tactical management choices to the ten jersey.  

Continuing the progress constructing depth charts in Florida, Davie Coetzer will stay within the touring occasion to additional his long-term developmental pathway, though will probably be unavailable for match day choice. With U20 standout, Spencer Huntley unavailable to rejoin the crew after the Florida meeting because of damage sustained final week, Michael Baska secured his name as much as be a part of the Eagles in Japan.

With an up to date format, the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup will put the Eagles to the check with now solely two-pools and direct knock outs. The Eagles will open in opposition to Japan in Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on September twelfth with Fiji taking up Canada previous to the USA match. All 4 groups will then journey to Tokyo for the third-place play-off and ultimate at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on September nineteenth. USA followers can catch the Eagles in motion dwell on Paramount+.

Keeping a concentrate on growing Eagles depth, choose workers and gamers will stay in Japan following the Final PNC match for a Falcons Tour so as to add further coaching and sport publicity for pathways gamers. The Falcons will probably be examined in two excessive depth opposed classes in opposition to high League One opposition whereas in Japan. The Coaching arrange will probably be joined by Falcons Head Coach Brendan O’Meara and Analyst Declan Oorloff to proceed to develop coaches and gamers throughout the Eagles system.

Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Roster

*Developmental participant

Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Reserves

Players unavailable for choice because of damage or availability

Jack Iscaro

David Ainu’u

Joe Mano

Zion Going

Kapeli Pifeleti

Ezekiel Lindenmuth

Sean McNulty

Rhyno Herbst

Nafi Ma’afu

Cory Daniel

Will Sherman

Jamason Fa’anana Schultz

Charlie Abel

AJ MacGinty

Jack Walsh

Rufus McLean

Wayne Van Der Bank*

Erich Storti

Spencer Huntley*

Conner Mooneyham

Ryan James

Perry Mayo

Peyton Wall

*Developmental participant

Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 schedule

Semi-final: Japan v USA

Saturday, 12 September

Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka | 6:05 AM ET

Finals Day

Saturday, 19 September

Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo 

3:00 AM ET – Third place play-off

6:05 AM ET – Final 

USA followers can catch the motion dwell on Paramount+.

Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Staff & Coaches

Scott Lawrence | Head Coach & General Manager

Agustin Cavalieri | Assistant Coach – Forwards 

Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach – Scrum

David Williams | Assistant Coach –  Transition and Attack 

Nathan Grey | Assistant Coach – Defense 

Steve Brett | Assistant Coach – Attack and Kicking

Andy Friend | Technical Advisor  

Davie Gray | Mindset Coach 

Jimmy Harrison | Head of Analysis 

Jim Molony | Head of Performance 

Rodolfo Broggi | Strength and Conditioning Coach 

Lauren DeLuca | Team Registered Dietician 

Michael Buonopane | Head Athletic Trainer 

Michael Sheridan | Athletic Trainer 

Dr. Sam Akhavan | Team Doctor 

Alana Gattinger | Head of High Performance Operations

Darran Coleman | Assistant Manager

Nick Colling | Team Manager