The Fijian Drua’s success in the Super Rugby Pacific competition has inspired a new initiative by World Rugby aimed at enhancing the rugby landscape in the United States. Leading this effort is Alama Ieremia, a former All Blacks and Manu Samoa star center, who currently serves as the back and attack coach for the USA national rugby team. The team is set to compete against the Flying Fijians in the semi-final of the Pacific Nations Cup in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, kicking off at 10:05 PM.
Ieremia has taken the role of head coach for the Anthem Rugby Carolina franchise in Major League Rugby (MLR), a club announced earlier this year in collaboration with World Rugby, which is partially funding the initiative to establish the team in Charlotte.
Ieremia stated, “It’s a push to really drive pathways for American players and eligible players to lead on to the Eagles.” He emphasized his commitment to developing young American talent following the Fijian Drua model in Super Rugby.
According to a statement from World Rugby, the establishment of the new franchise is expected to significantly enhance the high-performance objectives in the lead-up to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and the 2031 tournament, which will be hosted on American soil. They highlighted the success of the Drua as a beneficial template for the partnership with Anthem RC, which holds promise not just as a pathway but as a key franchise within the long-term vision for MLR.
In preparation for hosting the World Cup, USA Rugby is also conducting a global recruitment drive for eligible American players. Ieremia is actively reaching out to players based in New Zealand who can represent the Eagles in the future, stating, “We’re definitely casting the net to say, hey we’re out here now if you’re keen and have any American blood.”
However, the integration of eligible players into the USA team remains in early development, according to USA Eagles head coach Scott Lawrence. He affirmed, “Do we look at that type of player, yes, but they have to have a strong desire to play for the USA,” emphasizing the patriotic motivation over financial incentives.
After not qualifying for the recent World Cup in France, the focus shifts to the 2027 and 2031 tournaments, where the U.S. will host the Rugby World Cup for the first time. Lawrence drew inspiration from history, referencing former President John F. Kennedy’s moon mission quote, aiming for the U.S. to reach the quarter-finals in seven years. “That’s our moon shot, that’s what we’re going to do,” he said.