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Monday, June 10, 2013

Opening Kick

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

Make sure to participate in our photo caption contest to enter to win a Lions 125th Anniversary Ball.

National Teams:

The big story over the weekend involved the Eagles falling just short to Ireland, 12-15, in front of a record crowd of over 20,000 in Houston.

The U.S. had their chances in the match but ultimately unable to capitalize. Still, it left a lot to talk about in the post-match interviews. TIAR correspondent Grant Cole caught quotes from head coach Mike Tolkin, as well as Todd Clever, Chris Wyles, and Isaac Boss.

Some players on the Eagles had one of their best matches in a the jersey, while others didn't. Check out our player grades from the match.

If you missed the match, you can view these lengthy highlights to get caught up.

The record crowd was certainly a talking point over the weekend. Alex Goff asks if stronger crowds are a sign of rugby moving in a new direction, specifically as a money maker for U.S.A. Rugby.

The Junior All-Americans also had a match over the weekend. They lost to France 45-3 in their second pool match at the Junior World Championship. Here are the highlights from the match.

Take the jump to read more.

The Women Eagles began their summer series against France last Friday, picking up a 13-10 historic win.

Jackie Finlan caught up with captain Shaina Turley to analyze the win. (Membership required)

We also answered your questions over the weekend, including several about professional rugby.

College/Club:

The Varsity Cup will reportedly enter into an agreement with United World Sports, the organization behind the USA 7's and the CRC, for business purposes.

Check out this interview with San Jose State Rugby club president Jeremy Bielby.

The first club 7's qualifier of the summer is over with NOVA taking the Blue Ball 7's Tournament in Delaware.

World:

Simon Zebo will go straight from Houston to Australia as he joins the Lions as cover for Tommy Bowe.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland is pleased with the team's development. They take on a Combined Country XV team next.

Quade Cooper can't catch a break. A day after being omitted fromt the Wallabies he is attacked at a bar. Surprisingly, Kurtley Beale was called into the Wallabies.

Samoa beat Scotland over the weekend to push Scotland out of the top 10 in the IRB rankings.

Wales narrowly beat Japan over the weekend but the question Wales are asking is why there wasn't a TMO.

The Tonga coach has accused the IRB of racism saying Pacific Islanders are unfairly singled out because they are black. Jeff Hull at the Bleacher Report takes a look at the incidents in question from the weekend.

Italy have won the Junior World Rugby Trophy with a finals win over Canada.

The summer 7's season is heating up in Europe as England have taken home the Euro Grand Prix title in Lyon.

Visa issues have kept Waisale Serevi from joining the Fiji coaching team at the World Cup.

Tidbits:

The U.S. Wheelchair Rugby team has regained the number one world ranking thanks to their win in the Denmark Wheelchair Rugby Challenge over the weekend.

Rugbymag columnist Eamonn Hogan talks about the luxuries of representing the British and Irish Lions. (Membership required)

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