Team

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native was a standout athlete at Washington High School, playing football and 7s while also wrestling. He began his collegiate career as a football player at Missouri Southern State University before ultimately transferring to Iowa Central Community College to pursue rugby opportunities.

He enjoyed a successful career at ICCC, culminating in an All-American 2022 season. Soon afterwards, Sykora-Matthess was named to the United States Under-23 team on a three game tour against Belgium, Canada, and the Czech Republic.

He continued to ascend up the US pipeline, playing for the Falcons against Argentina and the Uruguay XV. The Falcons are the US Eagles’ Developmental team.

Sykora-Matthess joined the American Raptors in 2022 and then signed with the team ahead of their 2023 season competing in Super Rugby Americas. He makes the move back home to the Midwest after spending the last two seasons in Colorado.