The USA Eagles are bringing in fresh talent from South Africa as they prepare for the 2026 rugby season. Four former Junior Springboks have been named in the team’s training camp. This exciting development shows how American rugby is growing and attracting top international players.
Dan Kriel is the most talked-about name on the list. He is the twin brother of Jesse Kriel, who won two Rugby World Cups with South Africa. Dan played for top South African teams including the Bulls, Stormers, and Lions. Now he plays for the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby. His journey to American rugby started in 2022 when he moved to the United States with his family.
The 31-year-old centre has an impressive background. He attended Maritzburg College, the same school as his brother. Both twins represented South Africa at the Under-20 level in 2014. They even played together in the Junior World Cup final that year. South Africa lost to England by just one point in a thrilling match. That experience helped shape Dan into the strong player he is today.
However, there is one important detail to note. Dan Kriel cannot play for the USA Eagles immediately. He needs to complete a five-year residency period first. This means he will only be eligible to represent America in 2027. World Rugby has strict rules about this. Players must live in a country for five full years before they can switch national teams. This makes the process simple and fair for everyone.
Wayne van der Bank is another South African star joining the camp. The 29-year-old was named Major League Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2024. That is a huge achievement. Van der Bank played for the Lions and Pumas in South Africa before moving to America. He joined the New England Free Jacks in 2022. His team has won three straight championships. Like Kriel, he will also complete his residency requirement in 2027.
The other two South Africans in the squad are Marno Redelinghuys and Rhyno Herbst. Redelinghuys won the Varsity Cup twice during his college rugby days. Herbst brings valuable experience as a second-row forward. Both players add depth to positions where the Eagles need more quality options.
USA Rugby head coach Scott Lawrence explained why these players were invited. He said the team has some clear gaps that need filling. The Eagles are building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Finding the right players now is crucial for future success. Lawrence wants to work with these athletes hands-on. This helps him make better decisions about who fits the team’s playing style.
The alignment camp is taking place this week in California. It is being held at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista. This facility is known for developing top sports talent. The camp includes 35 players in total. Fifteen of them have never played for the Eagles before. This shows how much the coaching staff is looking at new options.
Some young American players are also getting their chance. Seth Smith is a 20-year-old hooker joining the camp. Nathan Den Hoedt and Rhyno Herbst are newly eligible second-row players. College draft picks Will Sherman and Oscar Treacy are also in the mix. These players represent the future of American rugby.
It is easy to see why the USA is attracting South African talent. Major League Rugby has grown significantly in recent years. The competition level keeps improving. Players can earn good money while enjoying a high quality of life. For South Africans, it is also an opportunity to represent a different country at the highest level.
Dan Kriel has made a real impact since arriving in Seattle. He has started consistently for the Seawolves across multiple seasons. In 2022, he made 17 appearances. The next year he played 16 matches. In 2024, he featured 15 times. His team reached the MLR Championship final twice during this period. Coaches praise his powerful running and strong defensive work.
Beyond rugby, Dan is doing meaningful community work. He and his wife Candice founded a nonprofit called Happy Bundles. The organization delivers gift baskets to children fighting cancer. This was inspired by Candice’s own battle with breast cancer, which she survived. The charity has raised over $180,000 so far. Their first annual gala took place in September 2024.
Van der Bank has been equally impressive. His Player of the Year award in 2024 proved his quality. He brings leadership and experience that younger players can learn from. His ability to read the game is exceptional. Defenders find it hard to stop him when he gets into open space.
The timing of this training camp is important. Major League Rugby’s 2026 season begins on March 28. The Eagles will start their international test matches in July. This gives the coaching staff several months to evaluate players. They can see who performs well under pressure. The best players will earn spots in the match-day squad.
American rugby is at an exciting crossroads. The sport is growing at grassroots level across the country. More young people are playing rugby in schools and colleges. The 2031 Rugby World Cup will be hosted in the United States. This creates huge motivation to build a competitive national team.
The inclusion of experienced South African players makes sense for several reasons. They bring professional standards and winning mentalities. Many have played in tough competitions back home. They understand what it takes to compete at the highest level. Their presence raises the bar for everyone in training.
Not everyone in the squad is available immediately though. Some players are injured or unavailable for the camp. No overseas-based professionals are attending either. Several test regulars from the 2025 season are also missing. The coaching staff has not released a full list of who is out and why.
James Rose is the only player not signed to an MLR club for 2026. The outside back from Life University was part of the USA Under-23 team last summer. They toured South Africa and gained valuable experience. Rose is trying to earn his first senior cap through strong camp performances.
The USA Men’s Under-20 team is also making progress. They recently qualified for the Junior World Championship for the first time in over ten years. The tournament takes place in Georgia in June and July 2026. This shows American rugby is developing at all age levels.
Looking ahead to 2027, the Eagles could have a very different look. Players like Kriel and van der Bank will be eligible by then. Combined with homegrown talent, the team could become quite competitive. The World Cup in Australia presents a real opportunity. Every team dreams of making it out of the pool stages.
The journey from Junior Springbok to USA Eagle is not simple or easy. It requires patience and commitment. Players must live in America for five full years. They need to adapt to a new rugby system. The playing style in MLR is different from South African competitions. But for those willing to make the move, the rewards can be great.
American fans are excited about these new additions. Social media has been buzzing with discussions. Many supporters believe the Eagles need experienced players to compete globally. Others argue the team should focus more on developing local talent. Both perspectives have merit in this debate.
What matters most is building a winning culture. The coaching staff is working hard to create this environment. They want players who are committed to representing America with pride. Skills and experience matter, but so does passion and dedication.
