Opening Kick

Opening Kick is a segment devoted to bringing you all Eagles and USA rugby related news in one location.

Sorry for the lack of posts of the last couple of days. Like everyone else, I have to work in order to make a living and where I went did not have consistent internet.

Eagles:

Eddie O'Sullivan has released his 50-man preliminary squad for the World Cup. One name on that list that hasn't gone un-noticed is James Paterson who plays with Otago Highlanders of Super Rugby.

Alex Goff has broken down who was the hardest working Eagle at the recently completed Churchill Cup. He used several measures to judge who put in the most effort.

Buzz McClain looks at the result against Russia, especially the play of captain Todd Clever.

The city of Wanganui, the home of the Eagles during the World Cup, is planning on giving the Eagles a grand welcome.

And for those of you travelling to see the Eagles at the World Cup, the U.S. Embassy in New Zealand has prepared a little info on the Eagles first venue, New Plymouth.

Imagine retiring but still trying to make the national team. Well, that is something that Wallaby Phil Waugh is trying to do.

Italy have announced their latest World Cup training squad. It includes a surprising omission.

The highest tournament for the Eagles Select XV is the Americas Rugby Championship. After changing and toying with the format over the last two years, is it about to change again? This article says that the Newfoundland Rock will compete is something called the North America 8 League.

7's:

Is the U.S.A. 7's programme close to professionalizing the game? That is what U.S.A. Rugby CEO Nigel Melville says. This Is American Rugby will have more on this later today.

After the success of recent Gridiron cross-over athletes like Miles Craigwell, Al Caravelli is once again reaching out to players who would like to play rugby. He has given out some names of his latest crossovers.

There will be a major change to the IRB Sevens Series this next year as England stalwart Ben Gollings has not had his 7's contract renewed.

College:

The DI collegiate conferences have been identified by Rugbymag.com. Some on this list are subject to change. July 1st is the deadline for College Premier Division teams to say whether or not they are still wanting to play in that league or move to DI.

And after all the speculation, the list of DI conferences was announced.

More information is coming out about the selection for the 7's All-Americans that will be competing at the NASC's tournament.

We Are Rugby has come out with their list of college All-Americans for XV's.

Topping the list of U.S.A. Rugby's official All-American selections is Cal. No surprise there, but that hasn't stopped the Cal folks from being excited.

Tidbits:

Non-national team, the South African Kings ironically won the Nation's Cup. The Eagles may have a chance of competing in this cup in the future.

Which sports hits harder: Hockey, Gridiron, or Rugby? This slideshow tries to find out.