USA Men's XV Assemble in Florida in Preparation for ARG XV
Published on August 3, 2026 under Major League Rugby (MLR) News Release
USA Men's XV have assembled at the world class IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, to begin preparations for the upcoming USA XV v Argentina XV fixture at Inter Miami FC Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The assembly provides a developmental opportunity to strengthen team connectivity, build depth, test emerging talent, and gain invaluable high-level competition exposure as the USA build momentum toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Fronting up against Argentina XV, in a high level, non-Test contest provides a platform for USA players with a chance to integrate into established Eagles roles while stretching depth charts Head Coach Scott Larence and staff are curating in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2027.
USA Rugby will return to Florida for the first time in over a decade when they take on Argentina XV. Between 2016 and 2019, the two sides met four times in the Americas Rugby Championship, where two of those four matches ended in draws, with each nation claiming one victory apiece. The last encounter saw Argentina XV take a 45-14 win in north Patagonia en route to their second ARC title, while the USA took the win in Carson, California.
This meeting will inject a new energy in South Florida rugby showcasing emerging USA and Argentina players on the pathway to Rugby World Cup 2027.
Players featured in this Florida assembly and extended squad include new names that will be in contention for RWC 2027 selection either through pathways development or eligibility. Junior World Championship Captain and scrum half Spencer Huntley earned a call up after standout performances in Georgia with the USA U20s, while Davy Coetzer, who is on the path to US qualification for 2027 and will be given an opportunity to blend into an Eagles style of rugby.
Head Coach Scott Lawrence commented:
"We're grateful to Argentina for partnering with us in a match that is important for the growth of both programs as we build toward Rugby World Cup 2027 and beyond. While this is an opportunity for us to continue developing our squad and give players valuable international experience, we approach it with the same professionalism and competitive intent that we bring every time we represent the United States."
"Argentina has earned the respect of the rugby world through its passion, resilience, and consistent excellence. We also have many personal connections with Argentine coaches and players, which makes this occasion even more meaningful."
"We know the quality they will bring, and we're looking forward to a physical, challenging contest that will help both teams continue to grow."
Fans can catch all the action on Paramount+ or in person in Florida. Tickets for USA XV v Argentina XV can be purchased at https://eagles.rugby/tickets
USA XV Florida Assembly
Player Club
Payton Telea- Ilalio Anthem
Oti Pifileti Chicago Hounds
Ma'ake Muti California Legion
Shilo Kline Unattached
Campbell Robb Anthem
Alex Maughan Anthem
Tonga Kofe California Legion
Charlie Abel Chicago Hounds
Nathan D Hoedt Chicago Hounds
Tevita Naqali Old Glory DC
Jason Damm California Legion
Brandon Harvey Chicago Hounds
Ben Bonasso Old Glory DC
Paddy Ryan Seattle Seawolves
Makeen Alikhan Anthem
Marno Redelinghuys Seattle Seawolves
Lance Williams California Legion
Ruben De Haas Chicago Hounds
Ethan McVeigh New England Free Jacks
Spencer Huntley* Hartpury University
Luke Carty Anthem
David Coetzer* Seattle Seawolves
John Rizzo Old Glory DC
Tavite Lopeti Chicago Hounds
Tom Pittman Anthem
Dominic Besag St Mary's University
Julian Roberts Anthem
Joe Mano California Legion
Mark O'Keeffe Chicago Hounds
Noah Brown Chicago Hounds
Cassh Maluia California Legion
*Designated for players targeted for Rugby World Cup 2027 selection availability through pathways development or eligibility
Non-Traveling Reserves:
Aidan King
Christian Poidevin
Dan Kriel*
Dane Mitchell
Ish Safodien
Justus Tavai
Mason Pedersen
Michael Baska
Oscar Treacy
Steffan Crimp
Tomas Casares
Vili Helu
Will Sherman
Players unavailable for selection due to injury or club release for this assembly window include:
AJ MacGinty
Chris Hilsenbeck
Conner Mooneyham
Cory Daniel
David Ainu'u
Erich Storti
Ezekiel Lindenmuth
Jack Iscaro
Jack Walsh
Jamason Fa'anana-Schultz
Joe Taufeteûe
Kaleb Geiger
Kapeli Pifileti
Mitch Wilson
Nafi Ma'afu
Perry Mayo
Peyton Wall
Rhyno Herbst
Rick Rose
Rufus McLean
Ryan James
Sam Golla
Sean McNulty
Wayne Van Der Bank*
Zion Going
USA XV v ARG XV
Saturday, August 15th - 7:30 PM ET
Inter Miami FC Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
USA XV Florida Assembly Coaches & Staff:
Scott Lawrence | Head Coach & General Manager
Agustin Cavalieri | Assistant Coach - Forwards
Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach - Scrum
David Williams | Assistant Coach - Transition and Attack
Nathan Grey | Assistant Coach - Defense
Steve Brett | Assistant Coach - Attack and Kicking
Andy Friend | Technical Advisor
Davie Gray | Mindset Coach
Jimmy Harrison | Head of Analysis
Jim Molony | Head of Performance
Rodolfo Broggi | Strength and Conditioning Coach
Lauren DeLuca | Team Registered Dietician
Michael Buonopane | Head Athletic Trainer
Michael Sheridan | Athletic Trainer
Willie Berlanga | Massage Therapist
Dr. Corey Wells | Team Doctor
Alana Gattinger | Head of High Performance Operations
Nick Colling | Team Manager
Major League Rugby Stories from August 3, 2026
- USA Men's XV Assemble in Florida in Preparation for ARG XV - MLR
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