Australian-born USA Eagles prop seals France move as medical joker

USA Eagles prop Charlie Abel has sealed a return to European rugby 10 years after first playing in France, signing with Pro D2 outfit Oyonnax Rugby as a medical joker. The Australian-born front-rower has been added to the squad after tighthead Ali Oz picked up a hamstring injury.

Abel debuted for the USA national team during the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup fixtures last month, coming off the bench in a win over Spain. The Eagles secured an unbeaten 3-0 record in July after sides all bound for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

The 34-year-old spent time in the Shute Shield and in the NRC before getting an opportunity to be part of a Super Rugby squad with the NSW Waratahs, but he didn’t get the chance to debut at that level before moving to the Melbourne Rebels.

But Abel has since proven himself one of the more consistent and formidable front-rowers in Major League Rugby, helping the LA Giltinis win the championship as a rookie during a two-year stint with the club, before then linking up with Chicago Hounds.

The Hounds became the first MLR side ever to go undefeated throughout an entire campaign, with Abel named in the starting side for the big dance on June 22. Chicago overcame the California Legion 35-17,  one month before Abel’s USA debut.

“Following Ali’s injury, to whom we wish a speedy recovery, we wanted to strengthen the squad with an experienced player,” Fabien Cibray said.

“Charlie has an extremely dynamic profile, very strong in offensive and defensive collisions.”

USA coach Scott Lawrence named Abel in the matchday 23 for a clash with Spain, coming off the bench early in the second half. The Eagles held on for a thrilling 29-22 win on July 18, extending their winning streak further in the July Tests.

Abel received another valuable opportunity to play minutes 14 months out from next year’s Rugby World Cup, starting for the USA XV against an Argentina XV. It may have been a non-Test match, but the Eagles-heavy side can take plenty of positives out of the match.

It came right down to the wire, with a last defensive stand ultimately proving the difference, with the USA XV claiming a nail-biting one-point win. Abel put in a monstrous 66-minute shift, with the Aussie making an impact around the park and at the set-piece.

“It’s been a long time in the works. It’s been a goal of his,” coach Lawrence told reporters ahead of Abel’s debut for the USA Eagles.

“For him, 34 as a tighthead prop, he’s vintage now, he’s at his best. He’s like a fine wine so to speak.

“He’s such an unbeaten character, he brings something different to the environment, and you can see why he just loves the game and that’s what keeps you playing for a long time is he just loves the game.

“That can be infectious among the group as well.”