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With the Dubai and Port Elizabeth 7s just around the corner Eagles 7s head coach Mike Friday has named his selection camp squad. By and large it features players under contract at the OTC but it also features a few notable additions. Madison Hughes will once again be available as well fellow college players Martin Iosefo, Aladdin Schirmer, and Kingsley McGowan. Hughes is a regular on the team and the fact that Schirmer and McGowan keep earning call ins to the team only bolsters their changes.
Friday has also brought in Sean Rafferty and Derek Lipscomb from the Northeast ODA. Pat Blair comes from the Serevi Academy in Seattle while Jack Tracy and Zack Pangelinan will represent Tiger Rugby. Max DeAchaval and Garrett Brewer have also earned invitations to the team.
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Among the OTC players are star Zack Test and regulars like Andrew Durutalo, Carlin Isles, and Garrett Bender. Danny Barrett and Folau Niua are also under consideration. It's expected that Barrett could be ready to go after suffering an injury against the All Blacks while Niua is currently with the Eagles on their tour of Europe and will start against Tonga tomorrow. Perry Baker was a breakout star in the Gold Coast while Pila Taufa recently earned time on tour with Tiger Rugby.
WCAP athletes Ben Leatigaga, Will Holder, Andrew Locke, and Nu'u Punimata will also be at camp. It's also notable that Nese Malifa has moved from the playing ranks to the coaching ranks.
Having won the Bowl in the Gold Coast the Eagles will be looking to do better in Dubai where they will play England, Australia, and Kenya in Pool C. If the Eagles have any dreams of making the top four they need to have a fantastic tournament.
OTC: Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Garrett Bender, Andrew Durutalo, Nic Edwards, Carlin Isles, Folau Niua, Pila Tuafa, Mike Te'o, Zack Test, Steve Tomasin, Chris Turori, Maka Unufe, Mike Ziegler
WCAP: Ben Leatigaga, Will Holder, Andrew Locke, Nu'u Punimata
College: Madison Hughes, Martin Iosefo, Aladdin Schirmer, Kingsley McGowan
Other: Sean Rafferty, Derek Lipscomb (both Northeast ODA), Pat Blair (Seattle), Jack Tracy, Zack Pangelinan (both Tiger Rugby), Max DeAchaval (Denver), Garrett Brewer (at-large)