|
The Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) was launched in 2009 to build on the success of the North America 4 tournament, which it replaced, and is a key component of the IRB's Strategic Investment Program, which includes significant investment in USA, Canada and Argentina.
Last year, the Select XVs were led by Coach Paul Keeler and finished the tournament in fourth place, following the Ontario Blues, BC Bears and Argentina Jaguars, who took home the ARC title with a 35-11 win over British Columbia.
This year, the Eagles Select XV team will be joined by the Argentine Jaguars, Canada ‘A’ and Tonga ‘A’ for a round-robin style tournament with each side playing three games.
The first round of matches will kick off on Tuesday, October 5, with the USA Select XV playing Tonga ‘A’ and the Argentina Jaguars facing Canada ‘A’.
On Sunday, October 10, the Canadians will take on Tonga 'A' while Argentina will face the US side.
And in the final set of matches, on Saturday, October 16, the rivalry continues as Canada 'A' and the US Selects will battle it out in one match and the Jaguars and Tonga 'A' will faceoff in another.
O’Sullivan will be joined by fellow Eagles coaches Dave Hodges (forwards), Matt Sherman (backs) and Dave Williams (strength and conditioning). The squad will be managed by Tristan Lewis.
“The ARC is an important tournament for a number of reasons,” O’Sullivan said.
“It gives our domestic-based players an opportunity to compete in a high level competition and this year it will also prove excellent preparation for the Eagles’ fall tour to Europe, also allowing players a shot at inclusion on that tour.”
The Select XV player pool will be decided in September and the details for the fall tour are currently being finalized.
For more information on the Men’s National Team, please visit www.usarugby.org/goto/mens_select_XV
