In speaking with co-coach Steve Lewis we've learned that of the five Eagles that didn't make the trip--only Nate Augsburger is with the team as originally intended--two were known to be out at least a week or more in advance. Andrew Durutalo notified the team that he would be unavailable two weeks ago while Brett Thompson strained his groin playing in Sri Lanka at the Carlton 7's.
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Two players notified the team that they were unable to travel on short notice. Tai Enosa, who played with Belmont Shore in the Club 7's Nationals, suffered an injury at the competition and pulled out just a day before the team was the leave. If Enosa was injured on day two of the tournament, calling out Monday before a Tuesday departure isn't strange. Nick Edwards become unavailable the Saturday before the tournament due to visa issues. The only player not to show up at the airport was Pila Taufa.
Two players notified the team that they were unable to travel on short notice. Tai Enosa, who played with Belmont Shore in the Club 7's Nationals, suffered an injury at the competition and pulled out just a day before the team was the leave. If Enosa was injured on day two of the tournament, calling out Monday before a Tuesday departure isn't strange. Nick Edwards become unavailable the Saturday before the tournament due to visa issues. The only player not to show up at the airport was Pila Taufa.
In addition to the absences, Dimitri Efthimiou tore his ACL at practice and will have to be replaced. Coming into the team are Tommy Pasque from the Denver Barbarians, Lance Corporal Alosio Yamoyamo from the British Army 7's team, and Jaryd Robinson from Apache Rugby. Pasque is a recent graduate from the University of Colorado. Yamoyamo was to attend the tournament anyways as the British Army 7's were to play the Gilbert Barbarians, a team of invitational players that would help fill out any injuries.
The New York City 7's originally named a team of 14 players with only 12 to travel but with some of the absences known early all the players named were flown to London. As of now the squad consists of 11 players with the injury to Efthimiou. He will be replaced.
Lewis said that despite the obstacles the team has faced the team is still upbeat and ready for the opportunity to play this weekend: "the squad has trained hard since arrival and intend to represent themselves, their clubs and USA Rugby to the best of their abilities. They appreciate the honor and the privilege, and are soaking up the experience here at Twickenham. I am confident they will do themselves justice at the weekend."
Updated team:
Derek Lipscomb (Old Blue)
John Feldman (Long Island)
Vini Daley (Middlesex)
Gareth Stoppani (Old Blue)
Jon Kokinda (Middlesex)
Sean Rafferty (Long Island)
Jack Tracy (Tiger Rugby/Belmont Shore)
Tommy Pasque (Denver Barbarians)
Alosio Yamoyamo (British Army)
Jaryd Robinson (Apache Rugby)
Injured: Dimitri Efthimiou
The New York City 7's originally named a team of 14 players with only 12 to travel but with some of the absences known early all the players named were flown to London. As of now the squad consists of 11 players with the injury to Efthimiou. He will be replaced.
Lewis said that despite the obstacles the team has faced the team is still upbeat and ready for the opportunity to play this weekend: "the squad has trained hard since arrival and intend to represent themselves, their clubs and USA Rugby to the best of their abilities. They appreciate the honor and the privilege, and are soaking up the experience here at Twickenham. I am confident they will do themselves justice at the weekend."
Updated team:
Derek Lipscomb (Old Blue)
John Feldman (Long Island)
Vini Daley (Middlesex)
Gareth Stoppani (Old Blue)
Jon Kokinda (Middlesex)
Sean Rafferty (Long Island)
Jack Tracy (Tiger Rugby/Belmont Shore)
Tommy Pasque (Denver Barbarians)
Alosio Yamoyamo (British Army)
Jaryd Robinson (Apache Rugby)
Injured: Dimitri Efthimiou