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Men's Youth Olympic Games 2018: Day Three Recap

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BUENOS AIRES, ARG. – The U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Rugby team has concluded their run at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 in fifth-place. A competitive tournament saw the United States finish with a 1-2-3 record overall, with an opening loss to home team Argentina and final victory over Samoa filling Day Three. The High School All-Americans will return home after an eventful experience at the Youth Olympic Games, which saw players grow immensley in each match as they approached the challenges of a competitive competition. 

View Final Group Standings Here

Match Five: United States 14, Argentina 22

The United States opened their final match of pool play against No. 1 seed and home team Argentina, the only undefeated squad who already sealed their place in the gold medal match. A strong opening performance saw the USA put tremendous pressure on the Argentinians, with the U.S. keeping Team Argentina behind the halfway mark with a burst of physicality. A dangerously low tackle on Johnny Mahe gave the home team an advantage as they quickly break open for their first try on the outside. The following play saw USA answer back when an offload from Jasper Green to Co-Captain Alex Cleary allowed Cleary to run it all the way, 7-7. When the next half began, Team USA’s Isaia Kruse danced his way to the finish line with a beautiful pitch-length run that gave the United States an edge at 7-14. Tensions rose as both teams fought for possession and another damaging card on Johnny Mahe paved the way for Argentina to score three back-to-back tries for the win, 14-22. The conclusion was devastating and yellow card mistakes ultimately proved deadly; but overall, the U.S. side displayed a character and grit that carried them into their final game.   

Match Six (5/6 Place): United States 24, Samoa 14

Team USA opened their final match of the Youth Olympics determined to seal a victory. The beginning was again tough, with Samoa drawing first blood on a wide-open breakaway and a deep run by Isaia Kruse unable to answer back. After the first try — and for quite some time — the United States and Samoa saw back and forth turnovers halt each from putting any more points on the board. But, in a turn of events, the Samoans won the upper hand and capitalized on their own deep run to speed away from USA and dot down again. The U.S. would finally answer just before the half, when Junior Waqavesi gained considerable ground, darting past defenders for an offload on the right flank to Johnny Mahe for the score, 7-14. Just as the second half began, Zach Neff pushed past Samoan defenders and ran clear across the pitch to score his first try of the Games and tie it up, 14-14. A long breakaway by Jasper Green gave the United States another and a quick run around the bend allowed Jon Rodriguez to dominate a final scrum, putting one over and sealing fifth place for USA. The 24-14 victory was Team USA’s first win of the tournament after a valiant team-led effort. 

From Head Coach JD Stephenson

“Upon reflecting on the tournament, what was evident was the growth of this team on and off the pitch. We started to believe and trust one another and that has translated into more capitalized opportunities.

“What is always amazing to me is the fighting American spirit that is relentless and doubles down when challenged or put into a corner – much like we were early in this tournament. Full credit must go to our Young Dawgs, our physiotherapist Alan Wallace, the Men’s Sevens program, Tom Pirelli and the rest of the Golden Eagles for affording these 12 young men this life-changing experience.” 

U.S. YOUTH OLYMPIC MEN’S RUGBY TEAM ROSTER

1. Inoke “Junior” Waqavesi (C)
2. Alex Cleary (C)
3. Tyren Al-Jiboori
4. Lauina Falatea
5. Zach Neff
6. Ben Wierenga
7. Jasper Green
8. Max Clark
9. Jon Rodriguez
10. Sione “Johnny” Mahe
11. Isaia Kruse
12. Uluamu Niutupuivah

U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Rugby Team Staff

Head Coach | JD Stephenson
Athletic Trainer | Alan Wallace 

 

U.S. YOUTH OLYMPIC MEN’S RUGBY TEAM RESULTS

vs France 38-0 (L)

vs Samoa 24-24 (D)
Tries: Tryen Al-Jiboori (2), Inoke Waqavesi (2)
Conversions: Sione Mahe, Jon Rodriguez

vs South Africa 19-12 (L)
Tries: Johnny Mahe, Isaia Kruse
Conversions: Jon Rodriguez

vs Japan 17-17 (D)
Tries: Johnny Mahe, Isaia Kruse, Jasper Green
Conversions: Johnny Mahe

vs Argentina 22-14 (L)
Tries: Alex Cleary, Isaia Kruse 
Conversions: Isaia Kruse (2)

5/6 Place Match
vs Samoa 24-14 (W)
Tries: Jasper Green, Johnny Mahe, Zach Neff, Jon Rodriguez
Conversions: Isaia Kruse (2)

 

Men's Youth Olympic Games 2018: Day Two Recap

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BUENOS AIRES, ARG. – Day Two of rugby at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 has ended with a mirror result of Day One for USA. With one loss and one draw, the United States moves to 0-2-2, currently sitting in fifth-place. Team USA will face home-team and first-place Argentina tomorrow at 10:05 PM ET to finish pool play before knockout rounds begin. All matches may be streamed LIVE on olympicchannel.com.

View Group Standings Here

MATCH ONE: UNITED STATES 12, SOUTH AFRICA 19

The Americans were off to a great start for day two of the Youth Olympic Games but came up just short. Johnny Mahe scored his first try of the tournament to open the game. With an open field out wide, South Africa came back to score a try with less than three minutes in the half. The U.S. seemed to have control during most of the first half but after, South Africa found a wide-open pocket and outran the Americans to score their second for the lead, 14-7. An interception at the restart almost led South Africa to another try but the U.S. was able to stop their opponent just before they reached the line. A strong, deep run by Isaia Kruse allowed him escape two tackles and dive into the tryzone for the Americans next, but Jon Rodriguez missed the conversion and was unable to tie the game. The USA defense was strong and held off the their opponent for a while; however, South Africa extended their lead with one last try to win the game, 19-12. As a whole, it was a very physical game from both teams with the United States’ progress clearly evident.

MATCH TWO: UNITED STATES 17, JAPAN 17

The Americans were still on the hunt for their first win of the Youth Olympic Games 2018 by the time they faced Japan. Johnny Mahe was able to score his second try of the tournament after a great series of passes and tackles helped push him over the line. A wide-open backfield was enough for the Japanese to come back and score their first try of the game, with a quick play soon after giving them another right away. Japan missed a conversion just before the end of the first half but still led 12-7. After the half, another wide-open field was just what the Japanese were looking for as they came in to score their third try. As a whole, the quickness of Japan was a struggle for the Americans to overcome; however, a fast Isaia Kruse found a way to outrun his opponent and dot down for USA to make it 12-17. A great pass by Inoke Waqavesi to Jasper Green, with only minutes left in the game, gave the Americans their last try of the match to tie it up. A missed conversion by Johnny Mahe was the heartbreaking end and saw the Americans barely miss their chance at victory with their second draw of the Games.

From Head Coach JD Stephenson 

“Another challenging day in which we showed heart and real character to dig deep, but ultimately an inability to be clinical with pressure is the difference between winning and losing. There are some great learnings from today that will facilitate the growth and long-term development of our boys; they will only get better from these type of experiences”.

U.S. YOUTH OLYMPIC MEN’S RUGBY TEAM ROSTER

1. Inoke “Junior” Waqavesi (C)
2. Alex Cleary (C)
3. Tyren Al-Jiboori
4. Lauina Falatea
5. Zach Neff
6. Ben Wierenga
7. Jasper Green
8. Max Clark
9. Jon Rodriguez
10. Sione “Johnny” Mahe
11. Isaia Kruse
12. Uluamu Niutupuivah

U.S. YOUTH OLYMPIC MEN’S RUGBY TEAM SCHEDULE & RESULTS

vs France 38-0 (L)

vs Samoa 24-24 (D)
Tries: Tryen Al-Jiboori (2), Inoke Waqavesi (2)
Conversions: Sione Mahe, Jon Rodriguez

vs South Africa 19-12 (L)
Tries: Johnny Mahe, Isaia Kruse
Conversions: Jon Rodriguez

vs Japan 17-17 (D)
Tries: Johnny Mahe, Isaia Kruse, Jasper Green
Conversions: Johnny Mahe

vs Argentina
Mon, Oct 15 – 10:05 AM ET

Men’s knockout rounds begin Mon, Oct 15 at 1:20 PM ET.
Watch LIVE on olympicchannel.com

Men's Youth Olympic Games 2018: Day One Recap

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BUENOS AIRES, ARG. – The U.S. Men’s Youth Olympic Rugby team has concluded Day One of pool play at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 with a 0-1-1 record. Currently placing in fourth, the team will have another full day of pool play tomorrow, against South Africa and Japan, before facing home-team Argentina on Monday ahead of the medal rounds. All matches may be streamed LIVE on olympicchannel.com. 

View Group Standings Here

Match One: United States 0, France 38 

The USA Men’s Youth Olympic Rugby team began its journey at Buenos Aires 2018 with a harsh loss to France. Strong pressures from the French led to an early try in the first half, allowing USA’s opposition to capitalize on an opening lead. USA’s Inoke Waqavesi almost scored with a hard push down the field after, but he was taken down just before reaching the line. France continued to dominate the first half and scored a second try after a run downfield saw no Americans in sight. The French scored another try quickly after with a minute and 41 seconds left in the half. After a strong scrum with eight seconds to go, the French broke away to score their fourth try. Halftime helped the Americans regroup; however a turnover early in the second led to another try by France. The USA defense was better in the second half and held off the French for some time when an almost try by the United States was stopped by the referee for an illegal move. The French were able to score one last try before the end of the game to seal their win.

 

Match Two: United States 24, Samoa 24

After a rough first game, the Americans were ready to take on Samoa. The U.S. was able to take control early in the first half when Tyren Al-Jiboori scored the first try of the game. A great restart from the Americans — along with a penalty for a high tackle that left Samoa a man down — led to a second try for Al-Jiboori and USA. Then, a strong attack by the Samoans with no Americans in sight allowed gave USA’s opposition two back-to-back tries. It seemed as though the Samoans were dominating the game when a wide-open field left them to score their third try just before the end of the first half. However, the Americans were able to come back and bring the game to 19-24 with a try by Co-captain Inoke Waqavesi. With minutes left in the second half, a scrappy scrum and a penalty against the Samoans lead to a dangerous play before another huge try by Waqavesi tied up the game. Though the match ultimately ended in a draw, it was a much better showing for Team USA.

From Head Coach JD Stephenson

“We had a disappointing start to the day in which we didn’t trust ourselves nor the team and allowed the moment to overwhelm us. That withstanding, what we are proud of is how we responded to the challenge that the outcome of Match One presented, ensuring that we reclaimed our pride in the jersey for Match Two.

We want to continue to grow throughout this tournament and are extremely excited for the challenge that South Africa presents tomorrow.”

U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Rugby Team Roster 

1. Inoke “Junior” Waqavesi (C)
2. Alex Cleary (C)
3. Tryen Al-Jiboori 
4. Lauina Falatea
5. Zach Neff
6. Ben Wierenga
7. Jasper Green
8. Max Clark 
9. Jon Rodriguez
10. Sione “Johnny” Mahe
11. Isaia Kruse
12. Uluamu Niutupuivah 

U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Rugby Team Schedule & Results 

vs France 38-0 (L)

vs Samoa 24-24 (D)
Tries: Tryen Al-Jiboori (2), Inoke Waqavesi (2)
Conversions: Sione Mahe, Jon Rodriguez 

vs South Africa 
Sun, Oct 14 – 12:15 PM ET 

vs Japan 
Sun, Oct 14 .- 3:45 PM ET 

vs Argentina 
Mon, Oct 15 – 10:05 AM ET 

Men’s knockout rounds begin Mon, Oct 15 at 1:20 PM ET. 
Watch LIVE on olympicchannel.com 

Rugby sevens teams confirmed for Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018

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  • Rugby sevens making second appearance at Youth Olympic Games
  • Six women’s and six men’s teams will compete for Youth Olympic gold in Buenos Aires
  • Rugby sevens fan base grew by 30 million as a result of Olympic inclusion

World Rugby has confirmed the six men’s and six women’s teams that will participate in the rugby sevens competitions at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 (YOG) from October 13 to 15.

Rugby sevens is featuring at a YOG for the second time, having made a blistering debut in Nanjing, China four years ago where Australia’s women and France’s men struck gold. The YOG is an important player development pathway for aspiring Olympic athletes with workshops off the field complementing the action on the field.

In Buenos Aires, the men’s competition will feature hosts and reigning silver medallists Argentina, France, Japan, Samoa, South Africa and USA. The women’s competition will comprise Canada, Colombia, France, Kazakhstan, New Zealand and Tunisia.

In the men’s competition, Samoa and South Africa will make their youth Olympic debuts, while Colombia, France, Kazakhstan and New Zealand will all make their first appearance at a Youth Olympic Games in the women’s tournament.

[su_attention url=”https://www.usa.rugby/2018/08/buenosaires2018team/” text=”View 2018 U.S. Youth Olympic Men’s Rugby Team”]

The teams were confirmed and ratified by World Rugby and the International Olympic Committee after the selection of participating team sports by the respective National Olympic Committees.

In total 144 players aged 16-18 will participate, with one nation from each of World Rugby’s six regional associations being represented in both the men’s and women’s tournaments following a series of qualification events in 2017 and 2018.

Rugby Sevens will be one of 32 sports to feature at Buenos Aires 2018 and the rugby sevens competition will take place at Club Atletico San Isidro sede la Boya as part of the third edition of the Youth Olympic Games.

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Confirmation of the teams is an important milestone on the road to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires and an exciting moment for the young women and men who are in contention to be selected to represent their nations and sport on an Olympic stage.

“The experiences that our aspiring young Olympic hopefuls will gain in Buenos Aires through a program of athlete engagement and education initiatives will assist in shaping the character of men and women they will become in a sporting and wider context. They will compete in the spirit of fair play, appreciate the importance of playing on a level playing fields and do their families, their nations and their sport proud.”

World Rugby Vice Chairman Agustin Pichot added: “As a proud Argentinean and Olympic Games fan, I am looking forward to seeing the next generation of aspiring Olympic rugby sevens stars competing in my home city. There is a massive rugby following in Buenos Aires and I am sure that all of the players and their teams will be warmly embraced. It will be a fantastic experience.”

Nanjing 2014 proved to be an important stepping stone for the participating players with the likes of Sacha Valleau (France men), and Hannah Darling and Charity Williams (both Canada women) graduating to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and become regular competitors on the men’s and women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Yan Meiling went on from winning bronze with China’s women in Nanjing to captain her country at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, while Argentina’s Bautista Delguy who claimed silver in Nanjing is currently representing Los Pumas in the Rugby Championship. Many more players will now have their eyes on the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where rugby sevens has already been confirmed on the sports program.

Lucas Borges, Argentina men’s U18 coach is looking forward to the competition on home soil: “Playing in the Games is very important, not only because they are at home but because of the importance they have. When Argentina last competed, the experience was very positive and that generates a lot of excitement for these Games. The players are excited because this is their first international tournament and hopefully, the huge effort done will be seen during the tournament.”

Colombia women’s player Marcela Osorio Zuluaga commented on the build-up to the tournament: “To qualify for the Games is part of the project for rugby in my country and to achieve qualification is great because of all the work that we did. It is a great opportunity for us as a team to be able to follow our senior team to an Olympic Games. Seeing them in Rio two years ago was a huge boost to our confidence. Our goal will now be to show what we have done to be there. If we get a podium, even better.”

Olympic inclusion has had a profound effect on rugby sevens and been a game-changer for rugby as a whole. Following the sport’s successful introduction at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games it is estimated that the rugby sevens fan-base grew by more than 30 million as a result, with sevens instrumental in lowering the average age of World Rugby’s fan-base from above 35 to below 24 while expanding international reach, with emerging markets such as the USA, China, India and Brazil showing substantial growth.

For more information on the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires visit www.buenosaires2018.com

Youth Olympic Games Rugby Sevens Teams, Buenos Aires 2018

Women:

  • Canada
  • Colombia
  • France
  • Kazakhstan
  • New Zealand
  • Tunisia

 

Men:

  • Argentina
  • France
  • Japan
  • Samoa
  • South Africa
  • USA

MCAA 7s and Falcons wrap up Day One at RugbyTown 7s

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GLENDALE, CO – Competing storylines narrated the first day of RugbyTown 7s for the two attending USA Rugby development teams as the Men’s Collegiate All-American Sevens fly high into first place and the Men’s Falcons find themselves with some climbing to do.

Down, but not out, the Falcons finished the day 1-2 having dropped games to the Rambling Jesters and British Army but showed what fire power this team has with a 31-10 victory over the North American Tsunami Sport Barbarians midway through the day. Hunger and agility were on display, but the Falcons will look to find a better rhythm leading into tomorrow’s final Pool D match against the Cayman Islands.

The four Youth Olympic Games representatives showed some flashes of strength with Alex Cleary and Junior Waqavesi both notching tries. Given the extensive sevens experience their teammates and competition possess here at RugbyTown, every minute becomes invaluable in lead up to Buenos Aires.

Ben Broselle, Maceo Brown, Chris Frazier and Vili Helu also found the pay dirt in day one.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Head Coach JD Stephenson alluded to the team limiting opportunities for opposing teams and force themselves back into contention.

[su_tweet url=”https://twitter.com/USARugby/status/1033220511105335296″]

The Men’s Collegiate All-American Sevens squad barreled through their first three games with jet fuel powered scoring. Tallying 30+ points in each game, the Steve Lewis led collegiate stars outscored Sacramento, Washington Athletic Club and Denver 7s Selects by a collective 80 points. Despite the undefeated record, stand out Harley Wheeler recognizes the tough match-ups are still to come.

[su_tweet url=”https://twitter.com/USARugby/status/1033224695158472704″]

D’Montae Noble, Nick Feakes and Deion Mikesell were the team high try scorers with three each on the day. Cameron Troxler and Zach Young both had a pair of tries while Kyle Rogers, Aaron Matthews and Marcus Tupuola all collected one of their own. Despite all three opponents being held to a total of 24 points all day, Head Coach Steve Lewis will still put a focus on defense when the qualifying teams line up opposite his squad tomorrow…

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Both teams will close the loop on pool play tomorrow when the Men’s Collegiate All-American Sevens compete first at 11:40am MDT against Bermuda and the Falcons match up with Cayman Islands at 1:10pm MDT. All matches can be streamed live at infinityparkatglendale.com/live-stream.