Coetzer, Robb, Huntley join USA XV for Argentina Clash
By Grant FeeleyDavy Coetzer, a prominent Seattle Seawolves flyhalf, headlines the 31-man USA XV squad selected to face an Argentina XV in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 15. The inclusion of Coetzer and others signals a strategic look at potential future Eagles, particularly given the non-binding nature of the fixture for international eligibility, as Americas Rugby News reported a 31-man USA XV squad congregating at IMG Academy.
Among the other notable selections are Anthem hooker Campbell Robb, whose international eligibility is pending, and Hartpury University scrumhalf Spencer Huntley, earning his first senior call-up. The squad convened at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, ahead of the match at Inter Miami FC Stadium.
New Faces and Emerging Talent
Coetzer has been a standout in Major League Rugby since his 2022 arrival, first with the Houston SaberCats and then joining the Seawolves in 2026. The 27-year-old previously represented South Africa at the World Junior Championship but will meet the five-year residency requirement for USA Rugby in 2027.
Campbell Robb, a 23-year-old New Zealander, is also included in the squad. He is set to become fully US-qualified in September. The fixture's status as non-binding means both Robb and Coetzer can feature without impacting their eligibility for future test matches.
Spencer Huntley, a product of the San Diego Mustangs, makes his senior squad debut. The scrumhalf recently captained the USA U20s and toured South Africa with the U23s in 2025. Dane Mitchell, another U20 standout from the outside center position, is named among the reserves. Uncapped California Legion duo Ma’ake Muti and Cassh Maluia, alongside Old Glory winger John Rizzo, also received call-ups, all having been part of the senior Eagles squad for last month’s test series.
Returning Players and Absence of Overseas Pros
The squad also sees the return of several players who missed the July test series. These include loosehead props Faka’osi Pifeleti and Payton Telea-Ilalio, second row Tevita Naqali, blindside flanker Marno Redelinghuys, utility back Tom Pittman, and wingers Joe Mano and Noah Brown. Joe Mano was initially selected for the Nations Cup tests but was sidelined by injury missing out with injury.
Notably, players currently on professional contracts overseas were unavailable for selection. This includes hooker Shilo Klein, whose contract with Zebre Parma recently concluded, and midfielder Dom Besag, who is slated to join the Sharks in South Africa later this year. Huntley is the sole inclusion based outside of MLR, with Americas Rugby News highlighting Huntley is the only other inclusion not from MLR.
This match provides a crucial opportunity for the coaching staff to assess a broader pool of talent ahead of upcoming international commitments for USA rugby news.