Six Legion Players Head to Nations Cup with USA Eagles
Six California Legion players have been selected to represent the United States in the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup. Captain Jason Damm, Ma'ake Muti, Tonga Kofe, Lance Williams, Cassh Maluia and Joe Mano will suit up for the Eagles as they continue preparations for Rugby World Cup 2027. The three-match campaign begins July 4 and features tests against Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain.
Their selection continues a strong tradition of Legion players earning opportunities on the international stage and reflects the quality and depth developed within the club.
Damm, Muti, Kofe, Williams, Maluia and Mano were among a larger extended player group announced earlier this summer. Following the latest round of selection, the six Legion standouts have earned places in the final squad that will compete in the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup.
The Eagles open the tournament on Independence Day against Portugal at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver before heading east for matches against Zimbabwe in Charlotte and Spain in Cary, North Carolina. The series serves as another important step in the USA's build toward Rugby World Cup 2027.
California Legion fans will have plenty of opportunities to support familiar faces this summer as the Eagles take on three international opponents across three weekends.
Jason Damm will captain the Eagles, while fellow Legion forwards Ma'ake Muti, Tonga Kofe and Lance Williams bring physicality and experience up front. In the backs, Cassh Maluia and Joe Mano add speed and attacking flair to a squad looking to continue its progress under Head Coach Scott Lawrence.
USA fans can get closer to the action with USA Eagles Experiences at https://usaeagles-experiences.com. All match action can be caught live on Paramount+
2026 USA Eagles Nations Cup Squad
Forwards
- Alex Maughan
- Benjamin Bonasso
- Brandon Harvey
- Cory Daniel
- Ezekiel Lindenmuth
- Jack Iscaro
- Jason Damm
- Kapeli Pifeleti
- Lance Williams
- Ma'ake Muti
- Makeen Alikhan
- Mason Pedersen
- Nafi Ma'afu
- Nathan den Hoedt
- Paddy Ryan
- Shilo Klein
- Tonga Kofe
Backs
- Cassh Maluia
- Chris Hilsenbeck
- Conner Mooneyham
- Dominic Besag
- Ethan McVeigh
- Joe Mano
- John Rizzo
- Julian Roberts
- Luke Carty
- Mitch Wilson
- Perry Mayo
- Ruben de Haas
- Rufus McLean
- Tavite Lopeti
Everyone at the California Legion congratulates Jason Damm, Ma'ake Muti, Tonga Kofe, Lance Williams, Cassh Maluia, and Joe Mano on their selection and wishes the USA Eagles the best as they prepare for this summer's Nations Cup campaign. We look forward to watching six members of the Legion family represent the United States on the international stage.
