USA Men secure 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualification with victory over Samoa
The USA Eagles have secured their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia with a historic win over Samoa in Denver.
Denver, Colorado – In a momentous and thrilling match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the USA Eagles defeated Samoa 29-15 in the Pacific Nations Cup fifth-place playoff, clinching qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
This victory ends the USA’s long drought after missing the 2023 World Cup in France, marking a triumphant return to the global stage. The result represents a major milestone for the players, coaching staff, and the rapidly growing USA Rugby program.
Leading 8-6 at halftime, the Eagles showed grit and perseverance, withstanding multiple attacks from Samoa. The scoreline held until the 63rd minute, when the USA pulled away and sealed the match with a composed second-half performance, and three unanswered tries from the Eagles in Luke Carty (65'), Jason Damm (74') and Caleb Geiger (76') with fullback Mitch Wilson slotting the three conversions.
The timing could not be better for USA Rugby, following news earlier this month of a significant investment from World Rugby. Speaking with Sports Business Journal, World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin said:
“We’re going to put $250 million-plus into everything from community rugby building, here with USA Rugby, through to social, digital building around the matches we’re bringing here. It’s not just about one-off matches in Washington or Chicago. It’s about building those audiences.”
With qualification secured, the Eagles can now focus on preparations for 2027, while Samoa will face Chile in a two-leg South America/Pacific playoff for a spot at the tournament.
