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USA U18 Boys Set to Tour South America

USA U18 Boys Set to Tour South America

Max Wyckoff for Xavier HS. Photo Griff Hastings.

USA Men's U18s Head Coach Dominic Wareing has named his squad to tour South America in July.

The team will actually leave for Argentina on June 30 and will stay through June 13.

They will play Rosario Academy on July 6. Rosario is a city of about 1.2 million about 200 miles northwest of Buenos Aires. With the distances involved, Argentina tends to foster academies rather than a national U18 team. This will be a stern test for the USA U18s.

On July 9 they play the Buenos Aires Academy. Following that the U18s move on to Montevideo, Uruguay, where they will play the Uruguay national U18s as a curtain-raiser for the Uruguay vs Romania senior test match.

“The North vs South America rivalry is becoming something truly special and we are looking forward to the challenge of playing away from home in some amazing environments against passionate, proud and well coached, knowledgeable rugby teams," said Wareing.

“Our coaching and support staff have fostered a welcoming environment where players can be their true self, and contribute in a respectful and inclusive way to make it feel like an extension of the school, club and family. We have an amazing group of rugby players with a challenge of getting them to gel as a team quickly, but from the early interactions, everyone is ready for the hard work required, while having an enjoyable time doing it.”

With three matchups designed to test the squad's skills and cohesion, Wareing continued;

“We have set high standards for our on-field performances, with the goal of a winning record from our three games.  However, our main focus will be on developing skill, strategy, tactical knowledge and rugby IQ as well as the understanding of what it means to be an Eagle 24/7. We want to build team cohesion, chemistry and brotherhood between the players and coaching staff, as well as offer opportunities for leadership growth and contribute to the players personal development on and off the field. 

“We are also excited for players to experience some strong cultural experiences through interacting with local communities and the rugby clubs in Argentina and Uruguay. Outside of the 80 minute matches we have had very welcoming and hospitable experiences and we imagine they will be amazing hosts once again.”

No live stream is available.

8x8 Sports

This roster of players has a heavy Californian contingent but includes players who impressed during the 2025 Boys HS Rugby National Championships. One of those was Kai Campbell, who, unfortunately, picked up an injury and is unable to play. His place was taken up by another loose forward, Charlie Banaszak. Of the 28-player roster, 19 played at HS Nationals.

USA U18 Squad to Tour South America  
Last name Last name School/club Position
Kaidan Grant Belmont Shore, CA Prop
Briggs Love Cavemen, Utah Prop
Beppe Boglione Gonzaga, DC Prop
Ean Glover San Diego Mustangs, CA Prop
Gavin Lowe St. Augustine HS / Try Time, CA Prop
Alfie Booth Newcastle, UK / Gosforth Prop
Preston Leomiti Belmont Shore, CA Hooker
Ethan DaSilva SOC Raptors, CA Hooker
Eddie Robertson RCG North Wales Acad, UK Lock
Jem Mavroleon St. Edward's Sch./Ealing Acad. UK Lock
Kelly Pierce KCS Wimbledon, UK Lock
Mateo Bresenden San Diego Mustangs, CA Lock/Flanker
Marcello Woodberry St Ignatius, OH Loose Forward
Flynn O'Connell SFGG, CA Loose Forward
Macrae Parker Herriman, UT Loose Forward/Center
Charlie Banszak St. Ignatius, OH Loose Forward
Neel Menon Woodlands TX Scrumhalf
Rhys James U. Mary Washington Scrumhalf
Tristan Mocke Cavemen, Utah Flyhalf
Dylan Trower San Diego Mustangs CA Flyhalf
Luke Zehmke Charlotte Cardinals, NC Center
Louis Sdao NYAC, NY Center
Caden Hartley SOC Raptors, CA Center
Trace Snellman Woodlands TX Center
Max Wyckoff Xavier, NY Center
Reese Reiter San Diego Mustangs CA Wing
Jasiah Lolesio-Pua Belmont Shore, CA Fullback
Ethan Heim Gonzaga, DC Fullback
       
USA U18 Boys Team Staff  
Head Coach Dominic Wareing    
Assistant Coach Kyle Sumsion    
Assistaint Coach Luke Lewis    
Athletic Trainer Anna Unnasch    
Performance Analyst Luke Richmond    
Team Manager Eric Jerpe