Eight Players Called Into USA XV Squad

CHICAGO, Il.- USA Rugby announced their travelling squad for the August 15th USA XV game against Argentina XV. Eight Chicago Hounds players were called into the squad, including six players that helped USA go 3-0 in the Nations Cup earlier this summer.

Prop Charlie Abel, locks Nathan Den Hoedt and Brandon Harvey, scrumhalf Ruben De Haas, center Tavite Lopeti, and wing Mark O’Keeffe were recalled into the team after a busy July with the Eagles. Veteran prop Fakaosifolau Pifeleti and rising star wing Noah Brown will look to make their representative debut for the 2026 season in this match.

Out of the eight players that earned a call-up, seven started for Chicago in their decisive championship game win on June 21st. Both Nathan Den Hoedt and Charlie Abel made their USA test debut earlier this summer during the Eagles’ 3-0 Nations Cup campaign.

Two additional Hounds were named to the non-travelling reserves in lock Tomas Casares and scrumhalf Michael Baska. The non-test matchup kicks off from Inter Miami FC Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, August 15th at 6:30 CT.