Legion duo to start for Eagles against Portugal

The Eagles will run out in Denver’s Dick Sporting Goods Park in the red white and blue on the 4th of July donning a commemorative 250 year anniversary patch paying tribute to the history that has helped pave the way for our country and the USA Eagles. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM PST with fireworks promised post match. Fans can purchase tickets here with action available live on Paramount+.

Closing out just their ninth day together in camp in Colorado’s high altitude environment the USA Eagles are eager to get their 2026 campaign underway as they target a peak performance at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

This will be the Eagles first time hosting Portugal after sealing a 21-17 win in their 2024 encounter thanks to Kapeli Pifeleti’s match-winning try just two minutes before full time.

Named to start Pifeleti joins an Eagles pack featuring one USA debut in Chicago Hounds lock, Nathan Den Hoedt. In the backline, Ruben de Haas and Chris Hilsenbeck fill out the scrumhalf and flyhalf positions, bringing the MLR Championship halfback pairing to the international stage. Perry Mayo will run out for his first time in a USA jersey on the wing with Mason Pederson and Julian Roberts ready to make their impact from the bench.

Ready to get the campaign underway, Head Coach, Scott Lawrence commented:

“July is always a shotgun start for us as we bring the team together from across the world. The men have been diligent in their detail of the basics we are rapidly putting in place. The nation’s 250th is a special day and we are grateful to have the opportunity to represent our country’s rugby community on Saturday.”

With Portugal claiming the Rugby Europe Championship title earlier this spring, the recently assembled Eagles will be looking to halt the visitor’s momentum and kick off the Nations Cup proceedings with a bang.

The match against Portugal will kick off the first round of the USA’s Nations Cup campaign before they travel to North Carolina to take on Zimbabwe followed by Spain. Tickets for all matches are available here.

Fans can get closer to the action with USA Eagles Experiences here or catch every minute of the action live on Paramount+.

USA Men’s Eagles Roster v Portugal, Saturday July 4, 7:00 PM PT, 6pm PST (local)