Opening Kick

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

Eagles/7's:

After holding a fitness camp over the week, Mike Tolkin has named his travel squad for Canada and it includes a few surprises.

Alex Goff looks at who made the team and what position they might play.

One questions remaining from camp is where to play Roland Suniula. He can play flyhalf but probably prefers center. (Membership required)

Here's a look at that squad:

Forwards:

Derek Asburn (Oxford), Chris Biller (Northampton), Todd Clever (NTT Shining Arcs), Conor Coyne (NYAC), Brian Doyle (NYAC), Andrew Durutalo (OPSB/USA 7s), Eric Fry (Wellington Old Boys), Tom Katzfey (Life University), Scott LaValla (Stade Francais), Tolifili (Andre) Liufau (l'Uson Rugby), Mike MacDonald (Unattached), Taylor Mokate (Wellington Old Boys), Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), Lou Stanfill (NYAC)

Backs:

Shaun Davies (BYU), Paul Emerick (London Wasps), Tai Enosa (U.S.A. 7's), Colin Hawley (U.S.A. 7's), Will Holder (Army), Luke Hume (Old Blue), Seamus Kelly (Cal), Taku Ngwenya (Biarritz), James Paterson (Glendale), Mike Petri (NYAC), Andrew Suniula (Unattached), Roland Suniula (Chicago Griffins), Mose Timoteo (SFGG), Chris Wyles (Saracens)

Aaron Carpenter has been named as Canada's captain for their summer tests.

News came out late last week that Central Washington coach Tony Pacheco has been named All-Americans 7's head coach. U.S.A. Rugby has more details on his hiring.