Opinion
International
USA 
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USA
The USA rugby union team, nicknamed the Eagles, represents the United States in tournaments like the Pacific Nations Cup, the World Rugby Nations Cup and the Rugby World Cup.
USA News
Latest
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21 hours ago
Hilux NPC
Interview
Ranfurly Shield not only thing at stake for Corey Kellow against Otago
3
1 day ago
Title-winning halves Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps return to Waratahs
20
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World Ranking
USA are currently 14th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 12th in February 2019.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
USA Matches
Sun 19 Jul, 2026
Sun 16 Aug, 2026
Rugby Union Hybrid Friendlies
Sat 12 Sep, 2026
USA Rugby Team Players
USA Forwards
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Position
USA Backs
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USA Rugby Team
The USA rugby team are one of the finest rugby teams in the Americas. The team used to be a powerhouse of rugby back in the 1920s, when they won two Olympic gold medals, but they then went dormant after rugby was removed as an Olympic sport. However, they've been resurgent in the modern era. In fact, in 2017, they won their first 15-a-side rugby union title in over 90 years.
History of USA Rugby
Although many rugby fans don't immediately think of the USA as a rugby-playing nation, rugby was first played over in the United States as early as 1872. In fact, it was hugely popular in the late 1800s, when President Theodore Roosevelt threatened to outlaw American football.
The popularity of rugby union in the USA returned after the conclusion of the First World War and the USA Rugby team entered a golden era in the 1920s, when the team won back-to-back Olympic gold medals.
Sadly though, rugby union was removed as an Olympic sport in 1924 and the game went dormant in America for almost half a century as a result.
In the 1960s though, the sport enjoyed a renaissance and a governing body was founded. The national team's first match under the new governing body was a hard-fought contest against Australia, which they lost 24-12.
Throughout the next few decades, the USA rugby team continued to clash against the world's top sides. Although they lost most of these matches, they slowly gained prominence.
Following this, in the 1990s, the team began to experience success and they won three matches in a row for the first time (all against Japan). Although the side failed to qualify for the 1995 edition of the Rugby World Cup, the USA Rugby team have featured in every tournament since and they've notched up wins against Japan and Russia in the pools phase.
In recent years, the USA rugby team's momentum has continued and they won the now-defunct Americas Rugby Championship twice. Due to the success of the team, rugby union is growing in popularity in the USA. This popularity should only increase further in the coming years, as America will host the 2031 edition of the Rugby World Cup. Plus, in 2026, they’ll join the newly formed World Rugby Nations Cup and will regularly play against top teams.
Due to the fact that the USA is an emerging rugby nation, many of the team's players are not household names. But, because the team is gaining prominence and has become more successful in recent years, a number of the USA rugby team's players do feature in elite-level competitions.
For example, prop Ben Tameifuna plays for Bordeaux and scrum-half Sonatane Takulua represents Carcassonne. Historically, several top players have also represented the USA rugby team. The most memorable of these is arguably Todd Clever, who became the first USA player to play Super Rugby when he played for the Lions.
FAQs
When was the USA rugby team founded?
The USA rugby team was founded in 1912. The team’s first international fixture took place in California, with Team USA facing Australia. The Wallabies ran out 12-8 victors.
What is the USA rugby team’s biggest win?
The USA’s biggest win came in July 2006. They faced Barbados in California and won the match 91-0.
What is the USA rugby team’s biggest defeat?
The USA rugby team faced their biggest defeat in 1999. They were beaten 106-8 by England in London.
Have the USA ever appeared at the Rugby World Cup?
The USA have appeared at eight editions of the Rugby World Cup. To date, they’ve only missed the 1995 and 2023 tournaments. However, they’ve never progressed past the pool stage.
Who is the USA's record appearance maker?
Todd Clever is the USA’s record appearance maker. He was capped 76 times by his country between 2003 and 2017.
Who has scored the most tries for the USA?
Vaea Anitoni has scored the most tries for Team USA. He crossed the whitewash 26 times between 1992 and 2000.
Who has scored the most points for the USA?
Mike Hercus has scored the most points for the USA. He scored 465 points across 48 appearances for his country between 2002 and 2009.
