Eagles Update: Who Is Playing Where

Published: Monday, 25. February, 2013 in category This is American Rugby

It’s been three months since the Eagles fall tour. Let’s take the time to update you on the Eagles whereabouts.

Derek Asbun- Currently playing with the University of Cape Town in the Varsity Cup. Asbun had been training with the London Wasps and earned a few opportunities in the ‘A’ League but  moved to South Africa for the Spring in order to get more game time ahead of the Eagles summer series.

Chris Biller- Has gained more fitness since last fall and is currently tearing it up with San Francisco Golden Gate, one of the top team in America.

Zach Fenoglio- Has been playing with the Glendale Raptors and getting a look at both prop and hooker. Additionally, he has headed down to New Zealand to train with the International High Performance Unit of the Canterbury Academy.

Eric Fry- Signed with London Scottish shortly after the New Year and has already made an impact on the team. He is now regularly starting and hopes his performance helps him earn a full contract for next season.

Shawn Pittman- Still in Ireland training and playing at Trinity under U.S. assistant coach Tony Smeeth. Previous rumors had him headed to Bordeaux but those have seemed to die down.

Anthony Purpura- Still with Boston RFC.

Nick Wallace- Part of a St. Mary’s team that defeated Olympic Club earlier in the season. Looks to be one of the best college teams this year.

Brian Doyle- Has recovered from his shoulder injury and will be ready for NYAC during the Elite Cup.

Graham Harriman- With the Chicago Griffins. Could get another look this summer.

Lou Stanfill- Stanfill is starting every week for Vicenza in the Serie A. He has scored quite a few tries and if Vicenza don’t gain promotion this season he could get a look from another team.

Inaki Basauri- Having an excellent season at Tarbes. Here is a recent interview we conducted with Basauri. 

Peter Dahl- Hasn’t played 7’s since the Gold Coast and wasn’t included in a recent training camp. He looks to be dedicated to playing 15’s with Belmont Shore.

Scott LaValla- Earning good minutes with Stade Francais and is one of the emerging players in France.

John Quill- After a stint in Boston Quill has returned to Ireland to play with his old club Dolphin while he looks for a contract. He was supposedly to have a trial with London Irish.

Todd Clever- Played strong for the NTT Shining Arcs but the team overall had a mediocre season. Clever has returned to San Diego during the offseason but will captain the U.S. All-Stars against the Golden Lions in April.

Mike Petri- Playing at NYAC. He will be a key part of their title defense as the best club team in the country.

Robbie Shaw- Playing with Richmond in the National League 1. He hasn’t quite found his rhythm for the club and could be looking for a new team next season.

Toby L’Estrange- Now playing fly-half full-time for NYAC. He and Petri will get an opportunity to play together every week in the Elite Cup.

Gearoid McDonald- In Ireland playing with Old Belvedere. Could receive another U.S. call-up, especially against the Golden Lions or Canada.

Paul Emerick- The leg injury Emerick suffered in the final minutes against Romania have kept him out of action since. He has been released from his contract with London Wasps and has returned to the U.S. for treatment. It’s up in the air whether he will return for the World Cup qualifiers in July.

Andrew Suniula- Playing with the Chicago Griffins. He has finally returned to full healthy and is doing a bit of coaching on the side.

Roland Suniula- Has had an up and down season with Auch but has played more center than in the past. Auch have struggled in a variety of ways but Suniula has reportedly played well.

Cornelius Dirksen- Back with the Life men’s team. Has put in some more strong perforamances this Spring and will look to break out in the Elite Cup.

Luke Hume- Has left Old Blue and New York for a 7’s contract down in San Diego. He looks dedicated to 7’s at the moment and it’s unclear if he will continue to always be available for 15s.

Taku Ngwenya- Strong with Biarritz as always.

Zach Pangelinan- Recently was invited to an extended player camp for the Eagles 7’s. Still playing with OMBAC in the Southern California league.

Chris Chapman- Will once again return to NYAC.

Chris Wyles- Recently surpassed 100 appearances for Saracens. Playing regularly for the team as they charge to the top of the Premiership.

Here is a few other key players that weren’t on the fall roster.

Mike MacDonald- Has returned to the U.S. where he plays club rugby with Olympic Club but has also accepted a part time position as an assistant coach with Cal. He wants to play for the Eagles again but that is to be determined.

Nic Johnson- Has seemingly returned from health problems and available for Glendale this Spring.

JJ Gagiano- Halfway through recovering from surgery. Still hasn’t decided where he will be playing this Spring (almost certainly in his native South Africa).

Tim Usasz- Has retired from playing professionally and now plays with Hong Kong Scottish while he works in the city.

James Paterson- Has balanced work and injury the past few months, keeping him out of the Eagles lineup in 2013 but has almost regained full health and will be playing with Glendale this Spring.

Mate Moeakiola- Still going strong with Nevers in the Federale 1.

Andre Liufau- Playing with Los Angeles in the Southern California league. Struggling with fitness issues.

Curtis Reed is the editor and founder of This Is American Rugby and can be found at www.thisisamericanrugby.com or on Twitter @ThisIsAmerRugby