USA Rugby rewards U20 captain with senior call-up for Argentina XV clash

USA U20 captain Spencer Huntley has been named in a 31-man Men’s XV roster 14 months out from Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, with the squad assembling ahead of a crucial hit-out with an Argentina XV on August 15.

Huntley took on leadership duties during the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia, which saw the USA face England, Argentina and Ireland in pool play. The uncapped prospect out of Hartpury University has been rewarded for a series of standout performances.

USA Rugby has unveiled the 31-man Men’s XV roster, which has gathered at the world-famous IMG Academy in Fort Lauderdale. They are preparing for a clash with an Argentinian side at Inter Miami Stadium in two weeks’ time.

The USA are looking to build on a strong start to the all-new World Rugby Nations Cup, which saw the Men’s Eagles secure an unbeaten 3-0 start. That included wins over Portugal, Zimbabwe and Spain, who have all qualified for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Eagles captain Jason Damm is among the experienced internationals selected, although USA Rugby has released a list of 25 players unavailable due to injury. 13 players have been listed as non-travelling reserves, including Seattle Seawolves prop Mason Pedersen.

This will be the first time in more than a decade that USA Rugby returns to Florida. The USA faced an Argentinian XV four times between 2016 and 2019, with both teams claiming one win each, and the other two matches ending in a draw.

“We’re grateful to Argentina for partnering with us in a match that is important for the growth of both programs as we build toward Rugby World Cup 2027 and beyond,” coach Scott Lawrence said.

“While this is an opportunity for us to continue developing our squad and give players valuable international experience, we approach it with the same professionalism and competitive intent that we bring every time we represent the United States.”

“Argentina has earned the respect of the rugby world through its passion, resilience, and consistent excellence. We also have many personal connections with Argentine coaches and players, which makes this occasion even more meaningful.”

“We know the quality they will bring, and we’re looking forward to a physical, challenging contest that will help both teams continue to grow.”

USA XV Florida Assembly

Payton Telea-Ilalio (Anthem)
Oti Pifileti (Chicago Hounds)
Ma’ake Muti (California Legion)
Shilo Kline (Unattached)
Campbell Robb (Anthem)
Alex Maughan (Anthem)
Tonga Kofe (California Legion)
Charlie Abel (Chicago Hounds)
Nathan D Hoedt (Chicago Hounds)
Tevita Naqali (Old Glory DC)
Jason Damm (California Legion)
Brandon Harvey (Chicago Hounds)
Ben Bonasso (Old Glory DC)
Paddy Ryan (Seattle Seawolves)
Makeen Alikhan (Anthem)
Marno Redelinghuys (Seattle Seawolves)
Lance Williams (California Legion)
Ruben de Haas (Chicago Hounds)
Ethan McVeigh (New England Free Jacks)
Spencer Huntley* (Hartpury University)
Luke Carty (Anthem)
David Coetzer* (Seattle Seawolves)
John Rizzo (Old Glory DC)
Tavite Lopeti (Chicago Hounds)
Tom Pittman (Anthem)
Dominic Besag (St Mary’s University)
Julian Roberts (Anthem)
Joe Mano (California Legion)
Mark O’Keeffe (Chicago Hounds)
Noah Brown (Chicago Hounds)
Cassh Maluia (California Legion)

Designated as players targeted for Rugby World Cup 2027 selection availability through pathways development or eligibility.