Despite come difficulties due to COVID, some USA players have been in action overseas, with the Eagle flyhalf making an especially big impact.

Greg Peterson

In the Gallagher Premiership in England, Greg Peterson put in a full day’s work for the Newcastle Falcons. Starting at lock, the USA second row played the full 80, was the team’s number-one lineout target, and also contributed eight tackles in a somewhat surprising 19-12 defeat of Bath.

AJ MacGinty

The USA flyhalf started and shone for the Sale Sharks. The USA flyhalf was superb in setting up his attackers and his passing had a direct impact on two of the first three Sale tries. And then he put together a superb run to cap off the win. Taking the ball about 40 meters from the Northampton line. MacGinty then sold a dummy to create a small gap, fended off a tackler, and then with two to beat sold another dummy that opened it up for him to make the line.

It was a beautiful piece of running, highlighted by the fact that MacGinty was always looking for the pass, making his dummies more believable. MacGinty added nine points with the boot as Sale beat the Saints 32-23.

David Ainu'u

This week was a slow one in the French Top 14, and made even slower by the fact that Montpellier continues to have players test positive for COVID.

The week before was a full slate, but the only USA player in action was David Ainu’u for Toulouse, who was a sub. The former Liberty Patriots (Washington) high school player came on with 24 minutes to go to help seal a 22-16 win for Toulouse over Section Paloise.

That win bumped Toulouse up to 2nd in the Top 14. 

Deion Mikesell

Former Lindenwood University All American Deion Mikesell, who first came to prominence as a 7s player out of Iowa, started at left wing for Carcassonne in the French Pro D2.

Carcassonne lost 34-22 to Nevers, but Mikesell played the full 80 minutes.

Ramblin Jesters Young 7s Player Of The Month (July 2018): Deion Mikesell

Aircraft Charter Solutions PoW (July 2015) - Deion Mikesell

Ruben De Haas

The USA's scrumhalf of the future is now the regular backup scrumhalf for the Toyota Cheetahs and he is coming on now each week. Toyota beat the Griquas this weekend 28-9 in Super Rugby Unlocked to improve to 3-2.

Tony Lamborn

In New Zealand, Tony Lamborn’s season ended with a Player of the Year award from his club, the Southland Stags. Lamborn also suited up in Super Rugby for the Blues and every time he played, he played well. 

At only 29, Lamborn, who has played for and even captained the USA, is poised for a Super Rugby contract, and local writer Logan Savory even said so.

But will he get it? It’s tough to imagine a team in New Zealand not wanting a player of Lamborn’s character, tenacity, knowledge, and versatility. He was credited with helping turn around Southland’s defense (which was terrible, and then became great). Here’s hoping he gets his due.