Starting squad set as Men's Selects arrive in Uruguay

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LAFAYETTE, Colo. – After a brief huddle in Fort Lauderdale, the Men’s USA Rugby Selects have arrived in Uruguay for the Americas Pacific Challenge. Head Coach Scott Lawrence and staff took a close look at recruited talent, finalizing a starting roster for the tournament set to air on The Rugby Channel. 

Coach Lawrence’s takeaways after camp were a noticeable player balance, “The right mix for the outcome we’re after at an average age of 23,” said Lawrence, “Some second chance men who have provided feedback and leadership to others getting their first opportunity.  It’s all part of the development process.”

Men’s USA Rugby Selects Starting Roster:
1. Alex Maughan
2. Peter Malcom (C) 
3. Angus McClellan
4. Matthew Jensen
5. Brendan Daly (VC)
6. Hanco Germishuys
7. Aladdin Schirmer
8. Jackson Kaka
9. Ruben de Haas
10. Benjamin Cima
11. Zach Pangelinan
12. Bryce Campbell
13. Tim Maupin
14. Mitch Wilson
15. Martini Talapusi
16. Alex Vorster
17. Chance Wenglewski
18. Huluholo Moungaloa
19. Brendan Hardiman
20. Psalm Wooching
21. Holden Yungert
22. Jean-Pierre Eloff
23. Lemoto Filikitonga

Non-Playing Reserves
Mike McCArthy
Josh Whippy
Kelepi Fifita

Men’s USA Selects Tour Staff:
Head Coach: Scott Lawrence
Assistant Coach: JD Stephenson
Assistant Coach: Scott Murray
Assistant Coach/Analyst: James Harrison
Team Manager: Chris Hanson
Athletic Trainer: Kevin Ng
Team Physician: Alexandra Myers

Lawrence continued, “Pete Malcom will captain the team for Saturday as a follow on to his All-American captaincy. Pete has proven the positive leadership that we need in our national teams.” 

Malcom led the AIG Men’s Collegiate All-Americans against Oxford University during a well-contested match in Philadelphia last month. “Tim Maupin and Zach Pangelinan have [also] taken their previous experience, gone away, worked hard, and come back different men.”

Six rostered players and will return to the APC squad after competing in the 2016 tournament. Alex Maughan, Benjamin Cima, Bryce Campbell, Hanco Germishuys, Jean-Paul Eloff, Chance Wengleski and Matthew Jensen will travel to Montevideo. The United States finished with a 1-2 record following 2016 play.

When asked about team mentality coming out of Fort Lauderdale and going into the opening match against Samoa A, Lawrence simply answered, “Burn the Ships.”

The Men’s USA Rugby Selects kick off from Montevideo on Saturday October 7 at 10:30amET, with following matches on October 11 and 15, against Uruguay A and Canada A respectively. All US matches will be available for viewing on The Rugby Channel.