The USA men’s national team is going to be picked very soon for its pair of international test matches in Germany and Georgia next month, but there’s also the little matter of who will coach the team.

Here’s what we can tell you about both of those topics.

The Coaching Staff Will Be Named Next Week

It’s a largely American group of guys who have been on coaching lists before. That group will be under an interim head coach with international experience.

The Team Will Be Named Next Week

General manager Dave Hodges has been heavily involved with the to-be-named coaches in getting a roster of 26 players assembled.

What’s Gary Gold Doing?

The new official USA head coach Gary Gold is still in his existing role with the Worcester Warriors. However, he has been keeping in touch with the Eagles management and coaches every step of the way. According to sources, Gold has a “good people-first” approach to picking his team and his coaches — akin to the All Blacks’ “no dickheads” mantra.

Did Any APC Players Play Their Way In?

Sources say yes, but not many. With so many Eagles playing professionally overseas — and several other talented and experienced guys in strong domestic programs — the 26-man roster gets filled up pretty quickly. But one or two did play well enough in last week's Americas Pacific Challenge in Uruguay to work their way into the fall tour.

Who Else Might We See?

Blaine Scully is healthy and playing, and that’s great news. Cam Dolan should be healthy to play. Greg Peterson could be available. Peter Malcolm captained the USA Selects at the APC, and he should be back. Bryce Campbell is an almost automatic pick these days, as is AJ MacGinty (Sale Sharks) at flyhalf. These are all pretty much gimme selections of who is in a position to return.





Who Won’t We See?

This is just a gentle reminder that Todd Clever has retired from international rugby (so no Todd). Instead, look for Scully to be captain. Titi Lamositele has not started contact in training yet, so you won’t see him. Thretton Palamo is also hurt.

What About Samu Manoa?

No idea. Sorry.

Regardless, this will be a strong USA team with high expectations to get some revenge over Georgia and defeat a Germany team the Eagles have never faced.

The Eagles will play Germany in Wiesbaden at 11 AM ET on Nov. 18 and then Georgia in Tiblisi at 2 PM ET on Nov. 25.

Those are the only two games on the Eagles' schedule for this fall.