Seattle have been the best domestic 7s side over the last year and now they have a chance to compare themselves to top sides from around the world as they head to the World Club 7s in London in two weeks. The team named the 12 players that they will be taking with them and it's a mixture of the core group based in Seattle with a few Eagles thrown in.
The core of the team that won the Elite City 7s returns. Mike Palefau will captain the team while Rocco Mauer, John Cullen, Mike Nelson, Kellen Gordon, Peter Tiberio, Tim Stanfill, Miles Craigwell, and Kevin Swiryn also make the trip. Shalom Suniula wasn't with the team at the Elite City 7s due to his Eagles responsibilities but has been playing with the team all summer.
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The two contracted Eagles accompanying the team include Danny Barrett and Mike Teo. Barrett will be playing with SFGG the week before in Limerick while Mike Teo should be involved in the National Club 7s. All of the Seattle-based players will be active with the team this weekend at the same tournament.
Only four players on the Seattle side--John Cullen, Mike Nelson, Kellen Gordon, and Tim Stanfill--have never played with the Eagles. However, Cullen has had particular interest from the Eagles coaching staff lately after his breakout performance at the Elite City 7s. Palefau, Suniula, Swiryn, Craigwell, Tiberio, and Mauer all have significant experience with the Eagles.
Seattle are in Pool C with Kuban Krasnador, Auckland, and the Waratahs. The tournament starts on August 16th.
Squad: Danny Barrett, Miles Craigwell, John Cullen, Kellen Gordon, Rocco Mauer, Mike Nelson, Mike Palefau, Tim Stanfill, Shalom Suniula, Kevin Swiryn, Mike Teo, Peter Tiberio