Eagles Depth-Chart: Wing

James Paterson

There may not be deeper position in the Eagles player pool than at wing. There are three players that either currently or have played at the highest levels: Chris Wyles plays in the Premiership, Taku Ngwenya plays in the Top 14, and James Paterson played Super Rugby. Further, the U.S. has a couple of players overseas that could potentially suit up for the team in addition to their budding domestic stars. The core group of players heading into the fall and the next World Cup cycle seems pretty set, but what are the other options at the position? Take the jump to find out.


Chris Wyles: The Saracens back has been a mainstay for the Eagles and one of their better players over the last five years. He gets consistent time for the Sarries, plays good defense, and is an excellent teammate. The players in the locker room respect him, and he consistently gives his all for the Eagles when called upon. Wyles is easily one of the first guys you pencil on your team sheet.

Taku Ngwenya: Like Wyles, Ngwenya is easily penciled in on the starting roster for the Eagles. Simply put, Ngwenya is world-class. There is a reason that he is a weekly selection for Biarritz and a big part of their success as a team. Everyone knows about his pace, but his defense has improved over the years and is still an underrated part of his game. The only complaint about Ngwenya is that he sometimes becomes too frustrated playing with the Eagles because they aren't at the same level that he is used to with Biarritz. However, there is no better option than Ngwenya and he should be a part of the Eagles team this fall.

James Paterson: Even though he no longer plays in Super Rugby, Paterson is one of the best options the team has on the wing. He has a wealth of experience, has pace, and can play decent defense. He can kick if called upon, and he also has the versatility to move into the center position. In some ways, playing with Glendale has allowed Paterson to become a more complete player. No, it's not the same as Super Rugby, but he has been able to work on a lot of things. He should be included on the roster barring an injury.

Luke Hume: When Taku Ngwenya sat out this last summer the biggest beneficiary was Luke Hume. Hume, who has played league in the past, was an absolute beast for Old Blue last spring and deservedly earned a call-up in the summer. Hume is very shifty and is able to create a lot of space for his teammates. He's not the biggest guy, but he has a rugby brain and is very committed to the team. Now that he is a part of the 7's team, that may keep him from the fall tour (plus he has work commitments), but if he is available, he should be selected.

Colin Hawley: The other winger to be called into the summer assembly was Colin Hawley. There are few players smarter than Hawley, and he has consistently proven his ability to fill that role, both in XV's and in 7's. As a member of the 7's residency team, he may soon be forced to choose between the two. Further, it seems that if another option appears on the XV's team, he may see himself left off the team.

Blaine Scully: Before getting hurt last spring, Scully was on pace to be the next star for the Eagles in both XV's and 7's. Before the World Cup, Scully went straight from playing with Cal to starting for the Eagles. That is no small accomplishment and it is all due to Scully's combination of intelligence, athleticism, and drive. If it weren't for the injury he would have likely played a large part of the Eagles assembly last summer and could have earned an overseas contract. He is unlikely to have recovered in time from his injury to play for the Eagles.

Chris Chapman: The NYAC wing came over from Sydney University, along with Toby L'Estrange, last spring to live and play in New York. He instantly became one of, if not the, best wings in the Super League. He has great pace and size and could be a good piece for the Eagles to use in the summer. He has earned a call-in to the Americas Rugby Championship and will have an opportunity to earn his fall spot there. If Hawley is unable to go for the tour, that fifth wing spot could be open for a player like Chapman.

Miles Craigwell: A year ago no one would have thought of Craigwell as an option in XV's. However, a very strong season with OPSB in the Super League has changed a lot of minds. Craigwell can tackle, but doesn't have blistering pace. He'll be given an opportunity in the ARC to see if he has what it takes to be an option for the Eagles.

Mike Palefau: Palefau is another 7's guy, but has more of a pedigree in XV's than some of the others having played professionally overseas. Palefau is an incredibly physical back, but one that also shows a lot of pace. Work commitments kept him from participating in the lead-up to the World Cup, and with a growing family it seems that he has decided to focus on 7's.

Zach Test: Another 7's guy, Test has had his opportunities in XV's before but hasn't had a chance to break through. He has developed quite nicely as a 7's player and seems to be concentrating on that version of the game, but at 23, he still has plenty of room to grow and could become an option on the wing for the Eagles later.

Carlin Isles: Isles has been playing rugby for less than a year and only 7's. However, he is lightening quick and has strong fundamentals for a crossover players. He can tackle and reads line breaks well. If he can continue to improve, he could eventually get a look.

Hanno Dirksen: We're pretty sure that fans are sick of hearing about Dirksen as an option for the Eagles even though he has stated he wants to play for Wales. However, if Wales or South Africa never come calling, the Eagles are an option.

Tommy Seymour: The Glasgow Warriors wing qualifies for the U.S., Scotland, and Ireland. He may get a look with the latter two teams, but as he gets older, it seems less likely. He is a good player for Glasgow, but not a world-beater. That being said, he would be a fantastic addition for the Eagles. However, if he were to choose to play for the Eagles, it may cost him his pro contract.

Madison Hughes: Hughes is THE youth player in the U.S. system right now. The Dartmouth wing was one of the best players in the country last year despite being a freshman. Additionally, not only did he lead the Junior All-Americans to the Junior World Rugby Trophy title last summer, he also became the competition's all-time leading scorer and later represented the College All-Americans. He is quick, makes good moves, has an incredible rugby brain, and can kick. It's not a question of Hughes being a part of the national team but when. This fall is unlikely, but next summer he could get his chance.

Joe Cowley: The Life wing is another young college player that can kick and has a good rugby brain. He has been outstanding with Life over the last few years and he still has a lot of potential in front of him. He will have his chance to prove himself at the ARC, but will likely need another strong year at Life if he is going to push for an Eagles spot next summer.

Cornelius Dirksen: Hanno's brother and Cowley's teammate at Life, Dirksen was brought into the ARC squad at the last minute with Volney Rouse went down with injury. If he can prove that he has some of the same attributes as his brother, he could push for a spot later on.

There are still plenty of names that we didn't mention here that could break into the pool. There is no shortage of fast American players with potential. If only the Eagles could have that potential at every position.

Even though there are option on the wing, the core group of players at the top essentially remains the same. It would be very surprising if Wyles, Ngwenya, or Paterson wasn't called into the national team this fall. Only injury could keep them away. Hume also seems to be a lock if he can sort out his work arrangements. Scully is still injured, but Hawley may be on the team if the 7's schedule allows. If he's not able to go, and Chris Chapman performs well at the ARC, it may be Chapman that gets that last spot.

Our picks for the fall squad: Wyles, Ngwenya, Paterson, Hume, Chapman.