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The Major League Rugby influence behind USA’s Pacific Nations Cup squad
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Former World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Joe Taufete’e is among the 30 Major League Rugby players named in the USA squad for the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup, which kicks off this weekend with a double-header in Osaka.
Taufete’e was nominated for the most prestigious individual honour in men’s rugby after playing four matches for the USA at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but that award was given to Springboks enforcer Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The hooker has spent time with a handful of MLR clubs, starting with the LA Giltinis, the Houston SaberCats, the Seattle Seawolves and NOLA Gold. But most recently, Taufete’e helped California Legion reach the championship game a few months ago.
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California were beaten in the big dance by the Chicago Hounds, who secured an unprecedented undefeated season. Chicago are the most-represented MLR side in the latest USA squad, with nine championship winners from the Hounds selected.
Ruben de Haas was an integral member of Chicago’s run to the championship, and the scrum-half continues to play an important role for the national team – starting all three matches in the all-new World Rugby Nations Cup.
Australia-born Nathan Den Hoedt debuted for the USA in July and then suited up for the USA XV in the win over an Argentina XV. Fakaosifolau Pifeleti, Bandon Harvey, Michael Baska, Chris Hilsenbeck, Tavite Lopeti, Mark O’Keeffe and Noah Brown are the other Chicago players.
MLR runners-up the Legion have six players in the USA squad, including former NFL draftee Cassh Maluia, who was picked up by the New England Patriots. USA captain Jason Damm is an essential member of the USA squad, as they prepare to take on Japan in Osaka on September 12.
Seattle Seawolves backrower Marno Redelinghuys scored a try for the USA XV last month, and the loose forward has been rewarded with a spot in the Eagles squad. There are some others from the Seawolves too, with those being Paddy Ryan and Mason Pedersen.
MLR is well-represented by about 94 per cent of the Eagles – including development player Davy Coetzer – who will take on PNC hosts Japan this weekend. The winner will face the winner of Fiji and Canada in the PNC Final a week later in Tokyo.
“Japan is a Nations Championship team that will be a big step up for us in terms of their speed of play, physicality, and overall accuracy. Going into this next five-week block, we’re focused on building depth and competition across our squad through intentional improvements in individual and collective performance,” USA coach Scott Lawrence said.
“Every player has an opportunity to grow, develop, and demonstrate that they can perform at this level, and we’re excited to see how this domestic based group continues to develop through the challenge Japan will provide.”
USA’s 30 Major League Rugby players
Forwards
- Payton Telea-Ilalio
- Fakaosifolau Pifeleti
- Ma’ake Muti
- Campbell Robb
- Joe Taufete’e
- Tonga Kofe
- Alex Maughan
- Mason Pedersen
- Nathan Den Hoedt
- Jason Damm
- Brandon Harvey
- Sam Golla
- Benjamin Bonasso
- Paddy Ryan
- Makeen Alikhan
- Marno Redelinghuys
- Lance Williams
Backs
- Ruben de Haas
- Ethan McVeigh
- Michael Baska
- Luke Carty
- Chris Hilsenbeck
- Davy Coetzer — developmental player
- Tavite Lopeti
- Tom Pittman
- Cassh Maluia
- Julian Roberts
- Mark O’Keeffe
- Noah Brown
- Mitch Wilson
No MLR designation — 2
- Shilo Klein
- Dom Besag
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