Opening Kick

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

The Silicon Valley Rugby Classic is looking for your help to make the tournament a go. Please consider donating.

Rugby Athletic is sponsoring a "design your own tee" contest. You should think about entering.

National Teams:

The Eagles upcoming fixtures are taking shape. Yesterday we looked at player selections, venues, and date changes for the November tests and the Uruguay series.

Luke Hume as been training with Gloucester as he looks to find a club over in the UK.

Club/College:

We caught up with James Walker to get more details on the West Coast Cup and with Jim Snyder to hear more about the Elite Cup.

Take the jump to read more.
A lot of eyes will be on the Northeast this year as they track the progress of the American College Rugby Association (ACRA).

Junior Blaber continues his club previews with a look at the WPL, as well as the women's DI and DII.

Canada:

Rugby Canada has announced which players will be in residency at the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence this next year.

BC Rugby News spoke with 7's head coach Geraint John about the program.

World:

Francis Saili is set to make his debut for the All Blacks as they play Argentina in Hamilton.

Will Genia will captain the Wallabies this weekend after James Horwill has been ruled out with injury.

Quade Cooper says he rejected a big pay more to France in order to win back his Wallabies shirt.

Bad news for Toby Flood as he will miss Leicester's Premiership opener this weekend.

Apparently the non-Welsh players on the British & Irish Lions are upset with Warren Gatland. Brian O'Driscoll says he still resents being left out of the final test while Jamie Healip is upset for similar reasons. He says he also felt like a third-wheet at the celebration.

The Griquas Rory Arnold thought the best way to celebrate his first Currie Cup try was to bite his opponent.

Dai Young has been given a contract extension at Wasps.

In player signing news Leicester have added center Terrence Hepetema from the Waratahs, Ian Gough has left the Ospreys on mutual consent, Salesi Manu has re-signed with the Force, and George Lowe has re-signed with the Harlequins.

Rugby League star Sam Tompkins says he is open to a cross-code switch.

Tidbits:

The USRFF is auctioning off an autographed football to benefit their organization.

Murray Mexted took advantage of his time in Houston to talk to astronauts!