Augspurger Returns As Eagles Named For Hong Kong

Photo: Judy Teasdale

Nate Augspurger is back with the Eagles Sevens team after earning selection for Hong Kong and Tokyo. Augspurger had previously been a resident at the OTC but has since moved to New York where he has been playing and starring for Old Blue and the Northeast ODA. He was the heart of the Northeast ODA team that made the final at the Las Vegas Invitational. Also coming into the team is Mataiyasi Leuta. After being discovered at the OTC combine Leuta played for the Falcons at the LVI and was extremely impressive. Leuta will replace Martin Iosefo and Augspurger replaces Pat Blair who is a non-travelling reserve.

The core of the team once again remains. The Eagles have been one of the most consistent teams on the Series with a core group of ten players making nearly every tournament. Madison Hughes will once again captain the team with Vegas Dream Team members Danny Barrett and Zack Test also returning. Perry Baker, Carlin Isles, Garrett Bender, Andrew Durutalo, Nic Edwards, Folau Niua, and Maka Unufe round out the roster.

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By adding Augspurger to the roster head coach Mike Friday has once again shown a willingness to select players outside of the OTC based on their current form. Augspurger should have the Eagles another option at halfback and allow players like Hughes and Niua to play in other parts of the pitch.

Ben Leatigaga, who has been playing well for OMBAC in the PRP, and Shalom Suniula join Blair as non-traveling reserves. Martin Iosefo, who has been a big part of the team was unavailable.

The Eagles are coming off a fourth place finish in Vegas and sit seventh in the standings. A top four finish is probably out of the question at this point but the U.S. has the chance to continue their momentum with strong showings in Hong Kong and Tokyo. They will play Kenya, Wales, and England in Hong Kong.

Squad: Nate Augspurger, Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Garrett Bender, Andrew Durutalo, Nic Edwards, Madison Hughes (c), Carlin Isles, Mataiyasi Leuta, Folau Niua, Zack Test, Maka Unufe

Non-traveling reserves: Pat Blair, Ben Leatigaga, Shalom Suniula