Opening Kick

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

Eagles/7's:

Congrats to Shawn Pittman and London Welsh who won the RFU Championship title yesterday after knocking off Andrew Suniula and the Cornish Pirates over two legs.

Now all that's left for the Exiles to do is to get the RFU to overturn their previous ruling that they are ineligible for promotion. They have one fan in ESPNScrum's Graham Jenkins who says the club as set the standard on and off the pitch.

While Pittman and Suniula are lucky to be playing in England, other Americans are not. In a terrific post, Mike Petri explains the problems of having only an American passport.

College:

The future of the DI-A is uncertain, but Pat Clifton has his opinion of what should happen to the league: let it die.

The CRC is fast approaching. Rugbymag has the rosters from all the teams competing in the tournament.

Navy head coach Mike Flanagan believes that his team can improve upon their two previous disappointing performances in the competition.

The Arizona Daily Star examines the career path of Peter Tiberio.

Tournament hosts (essentially) Temple has been practicing hard in preparation for this weekend.

NBC is once again ready to host the tournament and will offer 8 hours of live programming.

Club:

Glendale got some bad news ahead of this week's DI championship weekend when it was revealed that Nic Johnson would be unavailable. The team now turns to veteran Nese Malifa and a host of other players to lead the team to a title.

Metropolis, whose recent appearances at nationals have flown under the radar, are looking to take Belmont Shore by surprise this weekend.

Here are the video highlights from NYAC's win over Life last saturday.

Tidbits:

U.S. territory Guam are still alive in World Cup qualifying. They'll play India next to see who will continue to progress.

If you are a high school player in the Columbus, Ohio area this weekend, make sure you head out to a free clinic. Former U.S.A. 7's coach Al Caravelli will be there. The clinic is being held in conjunction with the Larrimer Cup.