The USA Men’s Eagles will get back into Nations Cup action Sunday November 8th when they take on Hong Kong China in France at Bourg-en-Bresse’s Stade Marcel-Verchère.
The USA resume their Nations Cup campaign leading their pool after going undefeated at home in July where they took three straight wins over Portugal, Spain, and Zimbabwe.
Coming off a recent intensive two-week training block before heading overseas, the Eagles camp featured training games against an Australia XV side in Nashville and New Jersey in preparation for the upcoming three Test run starting with Hong Kong China, followed by Romania and Georgia. All Nations Cup matches will be broadcast live in the USA on Paramount+.
The Eagles last faced Hong Kong China in 2022, with the USA taking the win 49-7 in the RWC 2023 Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai.
Head Coach Scott Lawrence and staff have named the side to kick off the European set of matches seeing key players rejoin the matchday 23 after new talent and combinations were trialed USA’s two match warm up series.
Lawrence commented; “It’s been a welcome injection of energy to bring a handful of our European-based Eagles into camp. We know the challenge ahead against a Hong Kong side that has the advantage of year-round continuity and demonstrated its quality with a win over Uruguay in Uruguay. Our focus is on bringing this group together quickly, embracing the opportunity, and delivering our best performance.”
Winger Rufus McLean and fullback Perry Mayo both enter the starting lineup bringing dynamic finishing and high-ball security to the backline alongside Noah Brown.
After a solid run out at scrum half in the training series, Oscar Lennon will now earn his first official Test cap in the USA jersey.
Leading the forwards pack, Captain Jason Damm returns to lock alongside Nathan Den Hoedt, while Payton Telea-Ilalio, Shilo Klein, and Tonga Kofe form a formidable front row to take on the Hong Kong pack. Benjamin Bonasso, Makeen Alikhan, and Jamason Fa'anana Schultz round out the back row.
Tom Pittman returns to the squad offering versatile playmaking options and territorial kicking off the bench, while Cassh Maluia retains his spot in the matchday 23 as an explosive midfield impact replacement. In the front row, prop Charlie Abel rejoins the matchday 23 as part of the reserves having been playing in France.
Following the clash in France, the Eagles will travel to Romania where they will be forced to manage a six day turnaround before their next match day. The final round of the Nations Cup will take place in Georgia November 21st. USA fans can watch all the action on Paramount+.
USA Men’s Eagles v Hong Kong China
1 Payton Telea-Ilalio
2 Shilo Klein
3 Tonga Kofe (Legion 2026)
4 Nathan Den Hoedt
5 Jason Damm - C (Legion 2026)
6 Benjamin Bonasso
7 Makeen Alikhan
8 Jamason Fa'anana Schultz
9 Oscar Lennon (Debut)
10 Chris Hilsenbec
11 Noah Brown
12 Dom Besag
13 Tavite Lopeti
14 Rufus McLean
15 Perry Mayo
16 Kaleb Geiger
17 Ezekiel Lindenmuth
18 Charlie Abel
19 Sam Golla
20 Marno Redelinghuys
21 Michael Baska
22 Cassh Maluia (Legion 2026)
23 Tom Pittman
