Paterson included in USA mix

HIGHLANDERS AND Southland wing James Paterson has been included in the USA’s 30-man Rugby World Cup squad.

He joins Colin Hawley, Takudzwa Ngwenya and Kevin Swiryn as the wingers in the squad, which will be captained by flanker Todd Cleaver.

“I think there is a sense of relief that we are now in a position to name the final squad of 30 for the RWC. It has been a thorough process and I believe that we have the best 30 players available to us heading into the RWC,” says coach Eddie O’Sullivan.

“As expected we have had to make some very tough decisions to get to the final squad, but that is just reflection on the talent available to us.”

The Eagles will compete in Pool C at the RWC, taking on Australia, Ireland, Italy and Russia.

USA squad:
Forwards: Inaki Basauri, Chris Biller, Todd Clever, Pat Danahy, Eric Fry, JJ Gagiano, Nic Johnson, Scott LaValla, Mike MacDonald, Brian McClenahan, Mate Moeakiola, Shawn Pittman, Hayden Smith, Louis Stanfill, Phil Thiel, John van der Giessen
Backs: Paul Emerick, Tai Enosa, Colin Hawley, Nese Malifa, Taku Ngwenya, James Paterson, Mike Petri, Blaine Scully, Junior Sifa, Andrew Suniula, Roland Suniula, Kevin Swiryn, Tim Usasz, Chris Wyles