One final match of 2025 awaits the USA Men’s Eagles as they take on Romania from Bucharest on Saturday, November 15.
Looking to finish the year on a high note and keep pace in the World Rugby rankings, the USA Men’s Eagles have announced this weekend’s roster for a fixture against Romania in Bucharest. This being the third consecutive year the USA and Romania have competed, in the cross-continental rivalry known as the Pershing Cup, both teams are familiar with each other’s recent play and a stellar match up to complete the Men fifteens 2025 schedule.
USA vs Romania kicks off Saturday, November 15 at 10:00am ET, live on Paramount+
The United States roster sees a few small changes with recent injuries to starter Pono Davis and newly capped Brandon Harvey. Captain Jason Damm returns to the No. 8 position for Saturday while the powerful Tonga Kofe will get his first start of November at Prop. Cory Daniel, Mitch Wilson and Maliu Niuafe also return to the 23 since the November 1st opener with fresh energy.
Last week against Georgia, the Men’s Eagles ran out to an early lead against a physical side with improved kicking accuracy and attacking pressure, a dynamic the team will again focus on against Romania. The opportunity ahead in Bucharest is to retain that momentum and see a strong performance from the USA bench to keep pace and secure the win.
The United States sit just a few spots above Romania in the World Rugby rankings, which in a few weeks will structure the seeding for the Rugby World Cup pool draw. Therefore the Eagles are not only eager for a win on foreign soil, but better positioning come 2027.
USA vs Romania kicks off Saturday, November 15 at 10:00am ET, live on Paramount+
USA Men’s Eagles Roster | USA vs Romania
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth | Unattached |
| 2. Kaleb Geiger | New England Free Jacks |
| 3. Tonga Coffee | Leicester Tigers |
| 4. Avoid Frying | Old Glory DC |
| 5. Marno Redelinghuys | Unattached |
| 6. Paddy Ryan | Unattached |
| 7. Cory Daniel | Old Glory DC |
| 8. Jason Damm (C) | CA Legion |
| 9. Ruben de Haas | Unattached |
| 10. Luke Carty | Anthem Rugby Carolina |
| 11. Rufus McLean | Unattached |
| 12. David Lobet | Chicago Hounds |
| 13. Dominic Besag | Saint Mary’s College |
| 14. Mark O’Keefe | Chicago Hounds |
| 15. Toby Fricker | Bristol Bears |
| 16. Mikey Sosene-Feagai | CA Legion |
| 17. Payton Telea-Ilialio | Unattached |
| 18. Death of Niuafe | CA Legion |
| 19. Sharp Knife | Montauban (FRA) |
| 20. VIDEO NUMBERS | Unattached |
| 21. Makeen Alikhan | Anthem Rugby Carolina |
| 22. Mitch Wilson | New England Free Jacks |
| 23. Michael Baska | Chicago Hounds |
USA Men’s Eagles Autumn Internationals Coaches & Staff
Scott Lawrence | Head Coach + GM
Nick Easter | Assistant Coach – Defense
Steve Brett | Assistant Coach – Attack & Skills
Agustin Cavalieri | Assistant Coach – Forwards
Blake Bradford | Assistant Coach – Scrum
Jimmy Harrison | Analyst
Declan Oorloff | Analyst
Rodolfo Broggi | Athletic Performance Coach
Matoko Noudehou | Strength and Conditioning
Michael Sheridan | Lead Athletic Trainer
Delaney Cassidy | Assistant Athletic Trainer
Willie Berlanga | Massage Therapist
Matthew Schmitz | Team Doctor (Scotland & Georgia)
Marc Kowalsky | Team Doctor (Romania)
Nick Colling | Team Manager
USA Men’s Eagles Autumn Internationals
Scotland vs USA | (L) 85-0
Scottish Gas Murrayfield | Edinburgh, SCO
Georgia vs USA | (L) 43-30
Adonabeet | Rock, GEO
Romania vs USA | Nov 15, 10:00am ET
Arcul du Triumf | Bucharest, ROME
Watch LIVE on Paramount+