Taufete’e Returns as Eagles Name Pacific Nations Cup Squad
By Grant FeeleyJoe Taufete’e, the seasoned 34-year-old hooker, is set to make his return to the USA Eagles squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup in Japan, marking his first international appearance since August 2023. Head Coach Scott Lawrence has selected a 31-player roster for the two-test series, which opens against Japan in Osaka on September 12, followed by a match in Tokyo on September 19 against either Fiji or Canada.
Veteran Returns and New Faces
Taufete’e, affectionately known as ‘Big Joe,’ has been hampered by injuries in the past year, but his form as a first-choice hooker for the California Legion this past season has earned him a recall. His inclusion will add to his 36 test caps for the national team. He is joined by several other notable selections.
Veteran scrumhalf Michael Baska is recalled to the squad after being omitted from the July Nations Cup roster. Additionally, second row or blindside flanker Sam Golla returns from injury, having missed the initial round of Nations Cup matches. The squad also features three uncapped players: loosehead prop Ma’ake Muti, midfielder Cassh Maluia, and hooker Campbell Robb, who recently qualified to represent the USA under the five-year residency rule.
Notably absent are all of the USA’s European-based internationals, including Oyonnax’s new signing, Charlie Abel, as well as a list of other injured and unavailable players. USA U20 captain Spencer Huntley, a Hartpury University scrumhalf, was slated to travel but sustained an injury during training.
Squad Depth and Future Prospects
The 31-man squad showcases a blend of experienced players and emerging talent. The front row includes Ma’ake Muti (California Legion) as an uncapped loosehead, alongside Faka’osi Pifeleti (Chicago Hounds) and Payton Telea-Ilalio (Anthem RC). Hookers Shilo Klein (Zebre Parma), Campbell Robb (Anthem RC), and Taufete’e (California Legion) will vie for starting roles. Tonga Kofe (California Legion), Alex Maughan (Anthem RC), and Mason Pedersen (Seattle Seawolves) round out the tighthead props.
In the second row, Jason Damm (California Legion), Nathan Den Hoedt (Chicago Hounds), Sam Golla (Anthem RC), and Brandon Harvey (Chicago Hounds) provide options. The back row sees Makeen Alikhan (Anthem RC), Benjamín Bonasso (Old Glory DC), Marno Redelinghuys (Seattle Seawolves), Paddy Ryan (Seattle Seawolves), and Lance Williams (California Legion) bringing a mix of power and athleticism.
The halfbacks include Michael Baska (Chicago Hounds), Ruben de Haas (Chicago Hounds), and Ethan McVeigh (New England Free Jacks) at scrumhalf. Flyhalf Luke Carty (LA Giltinis) is also on the roster. Davy Coetzer, the Seattle Seawolves flyhalf, will travel with the team despite not being eligible for the tests as reported by Americas Rugby News. He is expected to feature for the USA Falcons in matches against Japan League One sides following the Nations Cup. It remains unclear if any non-traveling reserves will join the Falcons for those subsequent fixtures.
Implications for Upcoming Matches
This squad selection is crucial for the Eagles as they look to build cohesion and develop depth ahead of future international commitments. The two-test series in Japan will provide valuable experience against top-tier opposition, particularly as they prepare for further challenges. The inclusion of players from various clubs, including those from Major League Rugby coverage, highlights the domestic league's role in developing national talent.