LAFAYETTE, Colo. – 140 days’ time since last taking the pitch against Canada in their 2019 World Cup Qualifying victory, the Men’s Eagles have begun preparing for their first of two final test matches to close out 2017. First stop, Frankfurt for a clash with Germany that will be featured live on The Rugby Channel.

A collection of “firsts” highlight the initial match as USA v Germany will be the inaugural match of the Gary Gold era with USA Rugby. As Gold transitions from his current positon as Director of Rugby with the Worcester Warriors, he will remotely play an integral role in preparation with interim Head Coach, Dave Hewett, leading up to and on match day.

“I am really looking forward to working with the team for the upcoming tour to Germany and Georgia,” said Hewett, “Having the opportunity to lead the side in these Tests, as Interim Head Coach while working alongside a really positive and enthusiastic coaching and management group will be a privilege.”

Hewett fills the lead role after serving as forwards coach for the 2017 Men’s U20 World Cup champions, New Zealand. Hewett also had a tenure with, Canterbury Crusaders Super Rugby, as forwards coach from 2011-2016.

Continuing on the first-ever theme, November 18th will mark the first time the United States and German National Rugby team have played one another. As part of a home-and-away series, the Eagles will play host on US soil in June.

Men’s USA Eagles | United States vs. Germany | November 18, 2017

Player Club Position Nate Augspurger Old Blue New York Scrum-half Marcel Brache Perth Spirit Center Nate Brakeley New York Athletic Club Lock Bryce Campbell Glendale Rugby Center Nick Civetta Newcastle Falcons Lock Shaun Davies Glendale Rugby Scrum-half Cam Dolan Old Blue New York No. 8 Andrew Durutalo Worcester Warriors Flanker Jean-Pierre Eloff Chicago Lions Fullback Eric Fry RC Vannes Prop Hanco Germishuys Austin Elite Flanker Olive Kilifi Seattle Saracens Prop Tony Lamborn Hawke’s Bay Magpies Flanker Ben Landry Glendale Rugby Lock A.J. MacGinty Sale Sharks Fly-half Will Magie Glendale Rugby Fly-half Samu Manoa RC Toulon No. 8 Peter Malcolm Austin Elite Hooker Ryan Matyas Old Blue New York Wing Greg Peterson Glasgow Warriors Lock John Quill Glendale Rugby Flanker Paddy Ryan Highfield RFC Prop Blaine Scully Cardiff Blues Fullback David Tameilau RC Narbonne Lock Joe Taufete’e Worcester Warriors Hooker Mike Te’o Men’s USA Eagles Fullback Dino Waldren London Scottish Prop Josh Whippy Brigham Young University Wing

Men’s USA Eagles Staff | United States vs. Germany

Dave Hewett: Interim Head Coach/Set Piece

Greg McWilliams: Assistant Coach – Backs & Attack

David Williams: Assistant Coach – Defense

Shawn Pittman: Assistant Coach – Set Piece

Jon Hood: Strength and Conditioning

Chris Hanson: Team Manager

Jimmy Harrison: Analyst

Kevin Ng: Head ATC

Matt Lopez: Assistant ATC

Dr. Mark Sakr: Team Doctor

Dave Hodges: Men’s Eagles General Manager

The Germans are .500 through six matches in 2017, a record that includes a loss to the Georgian Lelos and a win against No. 15 Romania, the latter being the highest-ranked team Germany has beaten in the modern era. The United States will also play Georgia only a week after in Tbilisi, on November 25th.

Americas Pacific Challenge stand out Josh Whippy will have an opportunity for his first senior team cap as he travels with the squad to Frankfurt, Men’s National Team General Manager Dave Hodges saw promising potential in the Junior from BYU, “Josh is an exciting player, we saw an added attacking threat with the Selects in Uruguay,” noted Hodges, “Exposure with the senior Men’s team is going to be important to his development.”

Overall, the Men’s Eagles ride high in confidence on their way to Germany for the close of the calendar year. Catch the Men’s Eagles go head to head with Germany on The Rugby Channel, Saturday November 18, time TBD.