Cassh Maluia named for USA Eagles debut against Canada
The USA Men’s Eagles coaching staff have named five Legion players in the match day 23 to take on Canada in the 3rd place play off of the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup, with Cassh Maluia making his USA Eagles debut at 12.
The USA Men’s Eagles travel to Tokyo this weekend, turning their attention to North American rivals Canada at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
Following their opening match against tournament hosts Japan in Osaka last week, Head Coach Scott Lawrence’s squad now shifts its focus to Canada, with several California Legion players set to feature.
Maluia, who played NFL for the Patriots and spent time with the Tennessee Titans, enjoyed a breakthrough season with Legion in 2026 and will earn his first international cap, starting at inside center in the USA jersey.
Dominic Besag moves to outside center, Luke Carty starts at fly-half, while Julian Roberts comes into the starting XV on the wing.
California Legion Senior Assistant and Interim Head Coach Dave Clancy said Maluia’s selection was a proud moment for both the player and the club.
"To see Maluia earn his first cap is a fantastic reward for the work he has put in this year.
"He had a breakthrough season with us in California and continued to grow in confidence every week.
"To now see him take that next step and represent the United States is something everyone at the Legion is incredibly proud of.”
Up front, Fakaosifolau Pifeleti moves from the bench to start at loosehead prop, while fellow Legion prop Mason Pedersen comes into the matchday 23 as a replacement.
Legion backrower and 2026 standout Lance Williams also moves into the starting XV at openside flanker.
Clancy said the continued Legion representation at international level reflected an important part of the club’s long-term vision.
"Having Tonga, Jase, Joe and Lance involved alongside Maluia is another strong reflection of what we’re trying to build in California.
"We want our environment to develop players capable of performing at the highest level and, importantly, contribute to the continued growth and success of the Eagles.”
The North American showdown between the USA and Canada kicks off at 12:01 a.m. PT this Saturday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, closing out the Eagles’ 2026 Pacific Nations Cup campaign.
USA fans can catch all the action live on Paramount+.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fakaosifolau Pifeleti |
| 2 | Shilo Klein |
| 3 | Tonga Kofe^ |
| 4 | Jason Damm^ |
| 5 | Nathan Den Hoedt |
| 6 | Marno Redelinghuys |
| 7 | Lance Williams^ |
| 8 | Makeen Alikhan |
| 9 | Ruben De Haas |
| 10 | Luke Carty |
| 11 | Noah Brown |
| 12 | Cassh Maluia*^ |
| 13 | Dominic Besag |
| 14 | Julian Roberts |
| 15 | Mitch Wilson |
| 16 | Joe Taufeteʻe^ |
| 17 | Payton Telea-Ilalio |
| 18 | Mason Pedersen |
| 19 | Sam Golla |
| 20 | Benjamin Bonasso |
| 21 | Michael Baska |
| 22 | Chris Hilsenbeck |
| 23 | Tavite Lopeti |
*First Eagles Cap ^2026 Legion Player
