2026 MLR champion among four potential USA debutants for Portugal

Nathan Den Hoedt has been rewarded for another standout season in Major League Rugby, with the Australian-born lock named to debut for the USA Men’s Eagles two weeks after helping the Chicago Hounds win the championship shield.

Den Hoedt was part of the Houston SaberCats side that lost the MLR decider last season, before moving to the Windy City. The Hounds completed an undefeated season with a 35-17 win against the California Legion on June 22, with Den Hoedt touching down for one try.

The forward started in all 10 appearances during Chicago’s championship-winning campaign and is now set for higher honours in the all-new Nations Cup. Den Hoedt is one of four Hounds players named in the USA’s matchday 23.

Chris Hilsenbeck starts at fly-half alongside Legion scrum-half Ruben De Haas, and Tavite Lopeti is set to start at outside centre. Brandon Harvey is the other Hounds representative, set to make an impact off the bench.

The USA defeated Portugal 21-17 in a thriller two years ago and are now set to host the European side for the first time. This Nations Cup contest will be held at Denver’s Dick Sporting Goods Park on July 4, with the USA players set to wear a commemorative 250-year anniversary patch.

“July is always a shotgun start for us as we bring the team together from across the world. The men have been diligent in their detail of the basics we are rapidly putting in place,” head coach Scott Lawrence said.

“The nation’s 250th is a special day and we are grateful to have the opportunity to represent our country’s rugby community on Saturday.”

USON Nevers winger Perry Mayo, Mason Pedersen from the Seattle Seawolves and Anthen Rugby Carolina’s Julian Roberts are also in line to debut. Coach Lawrence has selected a side that includes 17 players out of Major League Rugby.

Jason Ramm captains a side, set to pack down alongside Den Hoedt in the second row. Stade Francais prop Jack Iscaro will combine with hooker Kapeli Pifeleti and tighthead prop Tonga Kofe in the front row trio.

Old Glory DC duo Benjamin Bonasso and Cory Daniel start on the flanks, with Seattle Seawolves No. 8 Paddy Ryan rounding out the starting pack as the No. 8. Zebre Parm’s Shilo Klein and potential debutant Pedersen are among the forwards on the bench.

In the backs, De Haas will link up with Hilsenbeck in the halves. Dominic Besag out of St. Marys College will line up at inside centre, joining Lopeti in the midfield. Mayo and Rufus McLean are the two wingers, while Mitch Wilson is the fullback.

USA Men’s Eagles to play Portugal in Denver