Taufeteʻe returns to Eagles squad for Pacific Nations Cup
The USA Men’s Eagles roster for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) in Japan has been confirmed, with ten Legion players featuring in the extended squad.
The squad will head across the Pacific for a 2-Test tournament where they will open against the host country in Osaka on September 12th. USA fans can catch the Eagles in action live on Paramount+.
Following an intense developmental block in Florida, the Eagles enter the PNC focused on refining execution, testing depth and building off momentum from their XV fixture against Argentina and strong Nations Cup campaign on home ground this summer.
Head Coach Scott Lawrence and staff have refined their PNC selection with some personnel shifts following these previous two assemblies as the Eagles gear up for a high intensity Test against Japan. He commented;
“Japan is a Nations Championship team that will be a big step up for us in terms of their speed of play, physicality, and overall accuracy. Going into this next five-week block, we’re focused on building depth and competition across our squad through intentional improvements in individual and collective performance.”
“Every player has an opportunity to grow, develop, and demonstrate that they can perform at this level, and we’re excited to see how this domestic based group continues to develop through the challenge Japan will provide.”
In the front row, Joe Taufete'e rejoins the team after recovering from injury, adding size, power, and international experience, while freshly capped Charlie Abel will miss out following his contract signing with French side Oyonnax, keeping him unavailable until November. Mason Pedersen comes back into the squad, while Kaleb Geiger’s return is delayed for further rehabilitation, while veteran Sam Golla returns to the second row after successfully rehabbing his injury.
Flyhalf, Chris Hilsenbeck links back up with the backline following personal leave, bringing tactical leadership options to the 10 jersey.
Continuing the progress building depth charts in Florida, Davie Coetzer will remain in the touring party to further his long-term developmental pathway, although will be unavailable for match day selection. With U20 standout, Spencer Huntley unavailable to rejoin the team after the Florida assembly due to injury sustained last week, Michael Baska secured his call up to join the Eagles in Japan.
With an updated format, the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup will put the Eagles to the test with now only two-pools and direct knock outs. The Eagles will open against Japan in Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on September 12th with Fiji taking on Canada prior to the USA match. All four teams will then travel to Tokyo for the third-place play-off and final at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on September 19th. USA fans can catch the Eagles in action live on Paramount+.
Keeping a focus on developing Eagles depth, select staff and players will remain in Japan following the Final PNC match for a Falcons Tour to add additional training and game exposure for pathways players. The Falcons will be tested in two high intensity opposed sessions against top League One opposition while in Japan. The Coaching set up will be joined by Falcons Head Coach Brendan O’Meara and Analyst Declan Oorloff to continue to develop coaches and players within the Eagles system.
Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Roster
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Payton Telea-Ilalio | Unattached |
| Fakaosifolau Pifeleti | Chicago Hounds |
| Ma'ake Muti | California Legion |
| Shilo Klein | Unattached |
| Joe Taufeteʻe | California Legion |
| Campbell Robb | Unattached |
| Alex Maughan | Unattached |
| Tonga Kofe | California Legion |
| Mason Pedersen | Seattle Seawolves |
| Nathan Den Hoedt | Chicago Hounds |
| Jason Damm © | California Legion |
| Brandon Harvey | Chicago Hounds |
| Sam Golla | Unattached |
| Benjamin Bonasso | Old Glory DC |
| Paddy Ryan | Seattle Seawolves |
| Makeen Alikhan | Unattached |
| Marno Redelinghuys | Seattle Seawolves |
| Lance Williams | California Legion |
| Ruben De Haas | Chicago Hounds |
| Ethan McVeigh | New England Free Jacks |
| Michael Baska | Chicago Hounds |
| Luke Carty | Unattached |
| Chris Hilsenbeck | Chicago Hounds |
| Davie Coetzer* | Seattle Seawolves |
| Tavite Lopeti | Chicago Hounds |
| Tom Pittman | Unattached |
| Cassh Maliua | California Legion |
| Dom Besag | St. Mary's College |
| Julian Roberts | Unattached |
| Mark O'Keeffe | Chicago Hounds |
| Noah Brown | Chicago Hounds |
| Mitch Wilson | New England Free Jacks |
Developmental playerPacific Nations Cup 2026 Reserves
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Justus Tavai | California Legion |
| Rick Rose | Old Glory DC |
| Vili Helu | Kurita Water Gush |
| Tomas Casares | Chicago Hounds |
| Aidan King | Doncaster Knights |
| Christian Poidevin | California Legion |
| Kaleb Geiger | New England Free Jacks |
| John Rizzo | Old Glory DC |
| Tevita Naqali | Old Glory DC |
| Ish Safodien | Unattached |
| Dan Kriel* | Seattle Seawolves |
| Oscar Treacy | California Legion |
| Steff Crimp | California Legion |
| Dane Mitchell | Sydney University |
Players unavailable for selection due to injury or availability
- Jack Iscaro
- David Ainu'u
- Joe Mano
- Zion Going
- Kapeli Pifeleti
- Ezekiel Lindenmuth
- Sean McNulty
- Rhyno Herbst
- Nafi Ma'afu
- Cory Daniel
- Will Sherman
- Jamason Fa'anana Schultz
- Charlie Abel
- AJ MacGinty
- Jack Walsh
- Rufus McLean
- Wayne Van Der Bank*
- Erich Storti
- Spencer Huntley*
- Conner Mooneyham
- Ryan James
- Perry Mayo
- Peyton Wall
*Developmental playerAsahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 scheduleSemi-final: Japan v USA
Saturday, 12 September
Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka | 6:05 AM ET
Finals Day
Saturday, 19 September
Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
3:00 AM ET – Third place play-off
6:05 AM ET – Final
USA fans can catch the action live on Paramount+.
