The excitement is palpable as the 2026 USA Men’s Eagles Sevens unveil their 18-man player pool ahead of the highly anticipated HSBC SVNS 2 season opener scheduled for February. With notable names like Paris Olympian Lucas Lacamp and the seasoned captain Stephen Tomasin making their comeback, the team is gearing up for a season filled with promise and potential.
Head Coach Zack Test has opted for a squad that combines familiarity with fresh talent, ready to tackle the challenges of the second tier in the three-tier SVNS model. The season kicks off in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, on February 14-15, followed by exciting stops in Montevideo from March 21-22 and Sao Paulo from March 28-29. These locations set the stage for an intense competition among the world’s best rugby sevens teams.
USA Rugby has made a strategic move by extending contracts to 15 returning players, alongside introducing three promising newcomers eager to establish themselves on the international stage. The 18 athletes will live and train at the USA Rugby High Performance Center in Chula Vista, California, creating a conducive environment for development and teamwork.
The newcomers—Tucker Trickey, Lucas Pattinson, and Ryan Santos—bring a fresh dynamic to the squad. Trickey, with prior experience representing the USA at RugbyTown 7s and the PanAm Games, is eager to make his SVNS debut. Santos, who played for the Sevens Eagles during the 2024/25 season, now joins the residency program full-time, ready to focus on building his rugby career after balancing club commitments. Pattinson, having progressed through the USA Rugby High Performance Pathways, is set to make his mark in the senior setup.
The player pool also includes several talented athletes like Aaron Cummings, Ben Broselle, Orrin Bizer, Adam Channell, Will Chevalier, David Still III, Faitala Talapusi, Jack Wendling, Uluamu Niutupuivaha, Jake Broselle, Porter Goodrum, Pita Vi, Marcus Tupuola, Lacamp, and Tomasin. Their varied backgrounds and experiences contribute to a robust and versatile lineup poised to tackle the rigors of international rugby.
This 18-player pool not only prepares for the SVNS 2 campaign but also sets the stage for possible participation in the World Championships, contingent upon the team’s qualification. Under the guidance of Coach Test, along with his supporting staff of Valenese Malifa, Petter Baker, and Pat Blair, the team is positioning itself for a successful season.
Coach Test emphasized the importance of aligning the team’s daily actions with their core values, stating, “We’re focused on performing in a way that stays true to our values and is reflected through our daily actions.” He described how every aspect of training and preparation must adhere to the standards that define the program’s identity. This commitment, he believes, is crucial to becoming the best version of the Eagles, paving the way for a return to SVNS 1.
“A successful 2026 season is one where our performance consistently reflects that identity,” Test remarked. “When we uphold our values under pressure and respond to adversity with resilience, the results will follow. Achieving that performance level will place us on the path to our ultimate goal.” His focus on reinforcing the foundation of the program speaks volumes about the strategic approach to this season.
Test also expressed enthusiasm for the dynamic 9/10 combinations this year. He highlighted the distinct qualities of players like Pita Vi and Porter Goodrum, noting their potential for explosive play, especially when paired with the composure of experienced players like Tomasin and Chevalier. This blend of talent and experience is expected to significantly impact the team’s performance throughout the season.
Another area of focus for the team will be the forward pack, which Test aims to see take a definitive leap forward. He emphasized the importance of establishing dominance, whether through set pieces, kick-offs, or open-play physicality. “We have exceptional combinations across the roster,” he explained, highlighting the team’s versatility to adapt their playing style to leverage their opponents’ weaknesses.
2026 USA Rugby Sevens player pool:
Aaron (AC) Cummings – Muskegon, Michigan
Ben Broselle – Ferndale, Washington
Orrin Bizer – The Woodlands, Texas
Adam Channell – Long Beach, California
Will Chevalier – Naperville, Illinois
David Still III – Camden, New Jersey
Lucas Pattinson* – Newport Beach, California
Ryan Santos* – Manila, Philippines
Stephen Tomasin (C) – Santa Rosa, California
Faitala Talapusi – Apia, Samoa
Lucas Lacamp – Hong Kong
Jack Wendling – Bellingham, Washington
Uluamu Niutupuivaha – Kahuku, Hawaii
Jake Broselle – Ferndale, Washington
Porter Goodrum – Charlotte, North Carolina
Pita Vi – Sacramento, California
Marcus Tupuola – American Samoa
Tucker Trickey* – San Diego, California
* denotes new residency players