The Eagles America's 2 Qualifiers RWC 2011

The USA have beaten Uruguay to reach the 2011 Rugby World Cup having lost to Canada in America's qualifying. The win against Uruguay secured the Americas 2 spot and the Eagles have achieved their sixth appearance in seven World Cup tournaments. This was easier than qualifying for RWC 2003, after coming third in the America's qualifying tournament, they missed out on automatic passage and had to face Spain in the last chance repecharge playoff. The Eagles came away with a 120-26 aggregate victory after the two legs.

1995 was the only year so far that the USA missed out on appearing at the games biggest stage. The Eagles first Rugby World Cup match win came in 1987, a 21-18 defeat of Japan, and they beat them again 39-26 in Australia 2003.

United States rugby a poor relation

USA rugby struggles against American Football, Basketball and Baseball for the better sportsmen of the country. The era of professionalism and the increasing popularity of the game at college level, means more players are starting and sticking with the game. But it is still and will probably always be a long way behind the other sports in funding and support, though Sevens inclusion in the Olympics will increase the funding for that area of the game which should eventually impact the fifteen man game.

The USA Eagles have new shirts in time for the World Cup in France. Although they have stayed true to the previous colours red has now become the dominant one. The shirt also features the slim fit style and a low profile collar. The shirt manufactured by Kooga can be seen and purchased through the USA Shirts page.

Pool 'C' RWC 2011

The Eagles are currently ranked 16th in the world out of the 95 test playing rugby nations. Although the USA went winless in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, they will be looking to go one better and beat Russia the new boys to the competition. CEO Nigel Melville recently hired Eddie O'Sullivan as the new head coach to bring the Eagles through the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The other teams they face in Pool 'C' are Australia, Ireland and Italy.

USA News

Rookie Rugby in USA the future of the game - Earlier this year USA Rugby Chief Executive Nigel Melville announced his initial aim to introduce 100,000 new children to rugby, and Rookie Rugby looks set to achieve that bold ambition by introducing the sport into USA junior school curriculums for the first time

USA secure vital home win - USA 12 Canada 6 - Saturday, July 4, 2009 - Submitted by Doug Crosse in Charleston, SC Bookmark and Share The USA has won the opening match of the home and away World Cup qualifying series, beating Canada 12-6 in Charleston, South Carolina

2011 America 1 qualifying Round 2 USA v Canada - The USA and Canada meet in round 2 of 2011 Rugby world Cup qualification for America 1 during July 2009

Mike Hercus skippers USA versus South Africa - USA head coach Peter Thorburn has announced his team to play South Africa in the IRB Rugby World Cup Pool A match at Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier, on Sunday 30 September KO 1900 BST

Schalk Burger returns for the Springboks versus USA but at 8 - South Africa's Schalk Burger returns against the USA on Sunday 30 September, in La Mosson Stadium, Montpellier, with a 1900 BST KO