The model of success for the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific competition is being embraced by World Rugby as part of its efforts to enhance rugby standards in the United States. Driving this initiative is Alama Ieremia, a former star center for the All Blacks and Manu Samoa.
Ieremia currently holds the position of back and attack coach for the USA national rugby team, which is set to compete against the Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup semi-final in Tokyo, Japan, at 10:05 PM on Saturday. Additionally, he has assumed the role of head coach for the Anthem Rugby Carolina franchise in the American Major League Rugby (MLR).
This new team, launched in collaboration with World Rugby, is receiving partial funding to establish itself in Charlotte. “The aim is to create pathways for American and eligible players to eventually join the Eagles,” stated Ieremia, who has previously coached the Hurricanes and Manu Samoa. He emphasized a commitment to developing young American talent following the Fijian Drua’s model employed in Super Rugby.
World Rugby indicated that the team aims to significantly enhance the USA men’s national team’s high-performance objectives ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and the 2031 event hosted on American soil. “The partnership has shown success with Fiji’s Drua, and we are excited about the potential of Anthem RC as a significant franchise in the long-term vision for MLR,” said a representative.
To better prepare for the future, USA Rugby is also conducting a global recruitment effort for eligible players. Ieremia has reached out to several players based in New Zealand to gauge their interest in representing the Eagles.
Scott Lawrence, head coach of the USA Eagles, noted that attracting eligible players is still in the early stages of development. “We are open to scouting such players, provided they genuinely want to represent the USA, which is more about passion than financial incentives,” Lawrence remarked.
After not qualifying for last year’s World Cup in France, the focus has shifted to the upcoming tournaments in 2027 and 2031, when the World Cup will be hosted on American soil for the first time. “Just as JFK announced the moon landing in 1962, we aim to reach the quarter-finals in seven years,” Lawrence added.