MONTEVIDEO, URU. – Head Coach Gary Gold announces his match day roster to face now No. 17 World Ranked Uruguay in the final match of the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship (ARC). In the three-year history of the ARC at the senior level, no team has won all five matches in a row in their quest for the Championship Title; but, the Men’s Eagles have the opportunity to do just that in Montevideo this Saturday. The match begins at 1:40 PM ET, LIVE on The Rugby Channel, with updates available by following @USARugby on Twitter.

“We are facing a tremendous challenge against a skillful Uruguayan team this weekend and our attack must be precise in order to avoid making the same mistakes we did in Brazil,” said Head Coach Gary Gold, describing the competitive nature of the upcoming match. “It is of utmost importance that we remain focused and consistent through both halves of play.”

With the Uruguayans now ranked one position higher than the United States (No. 18) in the World Rugby rankings – by a margin of .05 points – a win on Saturday will allow USA to clinch their second consecutive title and retake their former No. 17 ranking. While USA is the only team left undefeated in the tournament – and with the exception of a 17-34 loss to Argentina XV – Uruguay has won their last 15 test matches in a row.

Even with a challenging fixture ahead, Captain Nate Augspurger and the Men’s Eagles are anxious for a thrilling finale.

“The team and I are very excited to defend our title for the ARC Cup. The guys have been eager to get the training week going and get better,” said Augspurger. “After what’s been a long tour, we have plenty of gas to burn and Saturday can’t come soon enough.”

With Nick Civetta serving a suspension after the judicial process, Brendan Daly comes into the starting XV at lock. Tony Lamborn and Captain Nate Augspurger will return as flanker and wing for Psalm Wooching and Josh Whippy (respectively) who will both be prepared to jump in as reserves.

Paul Lasike will take the field for his first start at inside center with Bryce Campbell moving over to the #13 jersey. Dylan Audsley settles in at fullback with Mike Te’o moving to the wing as Josh Whippy gives way to the reserves.

USA Men’s Eagles Starters | USA vs Uruguay | 2018 Americas Rugby Championship

USA Men’s Eagles Reserves | USA vs. Brazil | 2018 Americas Rugby Championship

USA MEN’S EAGLES STAFF | 2018 AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Gary Gold: Head Coach

Greg McWilliams: Assistant Coach – Backs & Attack

Scott Lawrence: Assistant Coach – Defense

Shawn Pittman: Assistant Coach – Set Piece

Chris Hanson: Team Manager

Dave Hodges: Men’s Eagles General Manager

Jimmy Harrison: Performance Analyst

Kevin Ng: Head ATC

Dr. Jeff Mjaanes: Team Doctor (Feb. 18 – Mar. 4)

USA MEN’S EAGLES SCHEDULE | 2018 AMERICAS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

vs Argentina XV – 17-10 (W)

vs Canada – 29-10 (W)

vs Chile – 45-13 (W)

vs Brazil | 45-16 (W)

vs Uruguay| Sat, Mar. 3 – 1:40 PM ET

Estadio Charrua, Montevideo, Uruguay

“Though our performance in this tournament has not been seamless, I am proud that our boys have the opportunity to contend for the ARC title once again,” said Head Coach Gary Gold.

The United States has an incredible opportunity at hand with a chance to make history as the only team to win five matches in a row and clinch the ARC title for a second consecutive year. Kickoff is set for 1:40 PM ET – LIVE on The Rugby Channel – with updates available by following @USARugby on Twitter.