USA Rugby squad named to take on Argentina XV at Inter Miami FC Stadium in Fort Lauderdale

Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 7:16 PM
JB
by Jenni Burke
Photo Credit: Greg Sabin
Photo Credit: Greg Sabin

After an intensive 10 day training camp in Brandenton, Florida at the IMG Academy, USA Head Coach and Staff have selected a USA XV squad to take on the Argentina XV this upcoming Saturday, August 15th at the Inter Miami FC Stadium in Fort Lauderdale at 7:30 PM ET.

Tickets are on sale here. The match will be live on Paramount+

After opening their opening Nations Cup campaign with 3 wins, this Florida assembly gives USA Coaching staff an opportunity to trial new players and combinations as they look to build depth and player dynamism.

Athletes progressing their USA eligibility or on developmental pathways were invited to camp to integrate into Eagles team systems with the view of being in the selection pool for Rugby World Cup 2027 next Fall.

This opportunity to play a USA XV side against Argentina will test players and systems under pressure in a high level, non-Test match, allowing coaches to give players such as David Coetzer, who will be eligible to play in a USA Jersey in 2027, a chance to play in Eagles line-ups as coaches assess combinations. Also looking to put their name into roster rotation, Oti Pifileti, Ma’ake Muti, Joe Mano, Marno Redelinghuys, Payton Telea-Ilalio, and Tevita Naqali return to the match day 23.

Scott Lawrence commented:

 “Game time gives players the opportunity to show just how much they’re capable of.  No better way than in a challenging fixture against a very talented Argentina XV.”

USA Rugby will return to Florida for the first time in over a decade when they take on Argentina XV. Between 2016 and 2019, the two sides met four times in the Americas Rugby Championship, where two of those four matches ended in draws, with each nation claiming one victory apiece. 

Hosted at the Inter Miami FC stadium, this meeting brings rugby back to the South Florida stage, showcasing emerging USA and Argentina players in the build up to Rugby World Cup 2027. 

Florida fans can catch the action with tickets available at usa.rugby/tickets. The match will be broadcast nationwide on Paramount+

USA XV Roster
Position Player Club
1 Payton Telea-Ilalio Anthem
2 Shilo Klein Unattached
3 Charlie Abel Chicago Hounds
4 Jason Damm © California Legion
5 Nathan Den Hoedt Chicago Hounds
6 Marno Redelinghuys Seattle Seawolves
7 Paddy Ryan Seattle Seawolves
8 Makeen Alikhan Anthem
9 Ruben de Haas Chicago Hounds
10 Luke Carty Anthem
11 Joe Mano California Legion
12 Dominic Besag St Mary's University
13 Tavite Lopeti Chicago Hounds
14 Mark O'Keeffe Chicago Hounds
15 Julian Roberts Anthem
16 Alex Maughan Anthem
17 Fakaosifolau Pifeleti Chicago Hounds
18 Ma'ake Muti California Legion
19 Tevita Naqali Old Glory DC
20 Brandon Harvey Chicago Hounds
21 Lance Williams California Legion
22 Ethan McVeigh New England Free Jacks
23 David Coetzer* Seattle Seawolves
*Designated for players targeted for Rugby World Cup 2027 selection availability through pathways development or eligibility
USA XV v Argentina XV

Saturday, August 15th - 7:30 PM ET

Inter Miami FC Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

<<Tickets available here>>

Staff & Coaches

Scott Lawrence | Head Coach & General Manager

Agustin Cavalieri | Assistant Coach - Forwards 

Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach - Scrum

David Williams | Assistant Coach -  Transition and Attack 

Nathan Grey | Assistant Coach - Defense 

Steve Brett | Assistant Coach - Attack and Kicking

Andy Friend | Technical Advisor  

Davie Gray | Mindset Coach 

Jimmy Harrison | Head of Analysis 

Jim Molony | Head of Performance 

Rodolfo Broggi | Strength and Conditioning Coach 

Lauren DeLuca | Team Registered Dietician 

Michael Buonopane | Head Athletic Trainer 

Michael Sheridan | Athletic Trainer 

Willie Berlanga | Massage Therapist 

Dr. Landon Mueller | Team Doctor 

Alana Gattinger | Head of High Performance Operations

Darran Coleman | Assistant Manager

Nick Colling | Team Manager

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