Saracens back Chris Wyles named USA captain for Pacific Nations Cup
Saturday 27 June 2015 12:51, UK
Saracens utility back Chris Wyles will captain the USA at the Pacific Nations Cup as they build up to the World Cup later this year.
The 31-year-old was the joint top try scorer in last season's Aviva Premiership and crossed in the final as Saracens were crowned champions after defeating Bath 28-16.
Wyles was part of the American team that qualified for the Olympics and takes over from Todd Clever as skipper.
"Chris has been one of the most respected and successful Eagles of all time and has been a selfless and proud Eagle for nearly a decade," said head coach Mike Tolkin.
"His success as a professional player with Saracens, matched with the respect that he has garnered with his team-mates throughout his career, makes him a natural choice as captain."
Clever, who was the team’s longest-serving captain taking on the role after the 2007 World Cup, will continue to play for the Eagles despite losing the captain’s armband.
"Todd has always looked out for the well-being of the squad throughout his tenure as captain and has been an exemplary player on the field before and during his captaincy," Tolkin added.
"Though he may no longer be serving as captain, Todd will continue to wear the jersey with pride and play the game with passion on the field."
Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Japan and Canada will take part in the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) alongside the USA between 18 July and 3 August this year.
The tournament will be hosted in three countries: Fiji (July 18), USA (July 18 and 24) and Canada (July 24,29 and August 3), across five different venues.
The USA kick off their campaign against Samoa in San Jose before a clash with Japan in Sacramento, with both sides in Pool B alongside the Eagles at the World Cup.
USA squad for Pacific Nations Cup: Danny Barrett, Chris Baumann, Todd Clever, Cameron Dolan, Andrew Durutalo, Zach Fenoglio, Eric Fry, Troy Hall, Seamus Kelly, Olive Kilifi, Niku Kruger, Titi Lamositele, Scott LaValla, Toby L'Estrange, Al McFarland, AJ MacGinty, Matekitonga Moeakiola, Takudzwa Ngwenya, Folau Niua, Thretton Palamo, Greg Peterson, Mike Petri, John Quill, Blaine Scully, Hayden Smith, Louis Stanfill, Andrew Suniula, Shalom Suniula, Zach Test, Phil Thiel, Brett Thompson, Chris Wyles (c)
