Jone Naqica to captain the side (Marvin Dangerfield photo)

Following the US men’s Sevens team’s assembly at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center (OTC), Coach Al Caravelli has named the squad set to compete in the first leg of the 2009-2010 International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series.

“We have a very exciting team to represent the USA. There are eight changes from Dubai last year and only one player from the last tournament in Scotland. It shows that we continue to unearth new talent,” Caravelli said.

“It will be a great challenge to these young men, with several of them to debut in their first IRB tournament. It is a big ask, but I am very confident they are up for the challenge.”

Currently ranked 11th internationally, the team departs on Thursday, Nov. 26 for the Series opening tournament in Dubai, UAE (Dec. 4-5), where it will face England, Kenya and Russia in Pool C competition on day 1.

Returning players from the squad that went to Dubai in 2008 are Matt Hawkins and Mark Bokhoven, who both return from injuries, Nese Malifa and Shalom Suniula. The remainder of the team is comprised of relatively new faces, but the players are fast, fit, strong and very skillful.

After working hard to reach impressive fitness levels, Mile Pulu joins the team for Dubai and George, along with Peter Sio, who hit the best scores during the team’s fitness testing at camp.

According to Coach Caravelli, Leonard Peters heads into Dubai following best camp showing to date, while Andrew Suniula brings size, power, skill and agility to the team.

Nick Edwards and Volney Rouse come to the squad following strong showings at the recent Americas Rugby Championship in October. Ata Malifa, twin brother of Nese, showed well at the World Games and continues to work hard.

Captaining the team is veteran Jone Naqica, who is the most capped US Sevens player and all-time leading scorer for the team.

From Dubai, the team heads directly onto George, South Africa to prepare for the second Series event on December 11-12. Again drawn in Pool C, the USA meets some stiff competition against the likes of reigning World Cup Sevens champions Wales, New Zealand and Samoa.

US men’s Sevens team for Dubai and George:
Mark Bokhoven (Denver Barbarians), Nick Edwards (NYAC), Matt Hawkins (Belmont Shore) [Vice Captain], Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore), Nese Malifa (Belmont Shore), Jone Naqica (San Francisco Golden Gate) [Captain], Leonard Peters (Aspen), Mile Pulu (San Francisco Golden Gate), Volney Rouse (San Francisco Golden Gate), Peter Sio (Belmont Shore), Andrew Suniula (Pearl City), Shalom Suniula (Pearl City)