Opening Kick

Opening Kick is a segment devoted to bringing you all Eagles and U.S.A. Rugby news in one location.

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National Teams:

The Eagles are working hard in training in Glendale hopefully trying to shake off their loss to Canada and focusing on Ireland.

In case you missed the match, check out the highlights from last Saturday.

Adam Siddall got his first cap over the weekend but did it in a position he typically doesn’t play. Still, it seems he’s dealing with the adjustment fairly well.

Pat Clifton noted yesterday that one 7’s player is set to sign a contract in France. If you’ve been paying attention you know who it is. (Membership required)

That means that one contract spot will be opening up on the 7’s team. Yesterday we took a look at 10 names that could help the team.

One of those players may also be in Eagles camp right now. Head coach Alex Magleby has invited several players to an extended camp ahead of the World Cup.

It’s going to be a busy day in Hong Kong on Saturday for Americans as both Samu Manoa and Taku Ngwenya will start for the Barbarians.

Take the jump to read more.


One of the Eagles opponents next week, Simon Zebo, thought the infamous Leprechaun video was funny.

College:

Villanova is thrilled with the opportunity to participate in this weekend’s Collegiate Rugby Championship.

In this week’s poll question we asked you who you think will win the CRC.

Club:

The Serevi Rugby Olympic Development Academy is off and running. They announced a big signing yesterday in the form of local product Aaron Brown.

Snake River feel like they are peaking at the right time to take home the DII title. Wilmington might have something to say about that.

Canada:

Canada started the Junior World Rugby Trophy in the best possible fashion with a 24-6 victory over Tonga.

Check out the latest news from north of the border in our latest Canada Corner.

World:

After a disappointing showing against England last Saturday the Barbarians have been barred from drinking alcohol.

On the Lions side, both Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins are out for Saturday’s match.

Apparently the people in Hong Kong don’t want to the see the Barbarians play the Lions. Roughly three quarters of the tickets have been sold.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer thinks it would be risky to select Heinrich Brussow based on the interpretations of Northern Hemisphere referees.

Premiership champions Leicester have wasted no time in adding to the squad. In addition to re-signing three players they have added five more.

The Kenyan Rugby Union continues to tear itself apart with more infighting.

In addition to Canada’s win, Japan, Chile, and Italy emerged with wins on the first day of the JWRT.

Rugby Wrap Up somehow got New Zealand 7’s head coach Gordon Tietjens to give them a tryout.

Fiji is set to award caps to players that appear against the Classic All Blacks as part of their centenary celebrations.

Tidbits:

The boys over at Rugbymag are out with their latest Ruggamatrix podcast talking everything American rugby.