American duo Blaine Scully and Cam Dolan have this week jetted to the USA for the opening match of the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship (ARC).
Eagles coach John Mitchell has selected a 37-man squad for the new Pan-American tournament that is based on the Six Nations format and features six countries – Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the United States and Uruguay.
And Cardiff Blues have released Dolan and Scully to feature in the opening round of the ground-breaking ARC this Saturday that sees the USA face Argentina at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.
“The contracted players from overseas bring the necessary experience of professionalism from their club cultures and, as long as they bring the right enthusiasm with that awareness to their preparation and performance, this rubs off on the young players,” said coach Mitchell, who has selected a squad where nearly two-thirds are under 27-years-old.
“Our team culture, our model of communication, and weekly processes will be consistent and inclusive of everyone, whether you are in camp or you go back to your club," added Mitchell.
“Everyone involved will have to give more of themselves and play in a space where they have never been before. We are more interested in creating a team mix and squad that understands winning for USA is more important than playing for USA.
The Eagles kick off their ARC campaign against fifth-ranked Argentina before matches against Canada, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay, respectively.
Men's Eagles | Americas Rugby Championship 2016
v. Argentina - Saturday, Feb. 6 @ 8:10 p.m. ET - BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston)
v. Canada - Saturday, Feb. 13 @ 7:10 p.m. ET - Dell Diamond (Austin, Texas)
v. Chile - Saturday, Feb. 20 @ 6:10 p.m. ET - Lockhart Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
v. Brazil - Saturday, Feb. 27 @ 3:10 p.m. ET - Arena Barueri (São Paolo, Brazil)
v. Uruguay - Saturday, March 5 @ 4:10 p.m. ET - Charrua Stadium (Montevideo, Uruguay)