World Rugby is now implementing the success model of the Fijian Drua’s participation in the Super Rugby Pacific competition to enhance the standard of rugby in the United States. Alama Ieremia, a former All Blacks and Manu Samoa star, is spearheading this initiative as the back and attack coach of the USA national rugby team, which will compete against the Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup semi-final in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday at 10:05 PM.
Ieremia has recently taken on the role of head coach for the Anthem Rugby Carolina franchise club in the American Major League Rugby (MLR) competition. This team was established in collaboration with World Rugby, which is contributing partially to the franchise’s launch in Charlotte.
Ieremia emphasized the importance of creating pathways for American players that would potentially lead to opportunities with the Eagles, the USA national team. He expressed his commitment to developing academy players, stating, “The team will have a specific focus on developing young American players based on the Fijian Drua model in Super Rugby.”
World Rugby highlighted that this new team will significantly boost the performance objectives aligned with the long-term goals of the USA men’s national team, especially as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia and the 2031 World Cup, which will be hosted in the USA.
In addition to developing the new franchise, USA Rugby is also engaging in a global recruitment drive to attract eligible US players. Ieremia has reached out to several New Zealand-based players who meet the criteria to represent Team USA.
“We’re definitely casting the net to say, hey we’re out here now if you’re keen and have any American blood,” said Ieremia.
However, Scott Lawrence, head coach of the USA Eagles, noted that while they are looking at these potential players, it is crucial that they have a genuine desire to represent the USA. He emphasized that playing for the USA is more about passion than financial motivation.
Following their failure to qualify for last year’s World Cup in France, the focus has shifted to the 2027 and 2031 tournaments, marking a significant opportunity for USA Rugby. Lawrence drew a parallel to former President John F. Kennedy’s moon landing promise, asserting, “That’s our moon shot, that’s what we’re going to do.”