USA names seven newcomers for Wellington

The American team for Round Three of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens series, in Wellington, New Zealand, on Friday and Saturday, includes seven newcomers.

Forwards Jarvis Albury, Tim Omi, and Andy Ryland join backs Dave Anderson, Chad Erskine, Tony Fratangello, and Jason Pye as newcomers to the IRB circuit. Teammates Todd Clever, Mike Palefau, and Justin Stencel each have a year under their belt, while Jone Naqica and Kevin Whitcher are the squad's veterans.

Everyone will be starting afresh in that Wellington marks the USA's first tournament in 2006. It also heralds the debut of coach Al Caravelli, who has been working through the fall to set a new course at the start of the four-year cycle leading to the 2009 Sevens World Cup.

"Defense and maintaining possession at all costs will be our initial performance yardsticks. The players' initial responsibilities will be clear," Caravelli said in announcing the squad.

Though Albury, Anderson, Pye, and Ryland played at the World Games  last July, the IRB's circuit is mostly made up of professional Sevens players from the world's leading rugby countries. America's amateurs  are being challenged to quickly get up to speed.

The USA's 2006 international schedule comprises three tournaments in February and March. The Eagles have been invited to participate in  Sevens Series events in New Zealand and Hong Kong, and play host to  the USA Sevens in Los Angeles on February 11-12.

United States:

Forwards: Jarvis Albury (Arkansas State), Todd Clever (Mahurangi), Tim Omi (OMBAC), Andrew Ryland (New York Athletic Club), Justin Stencel (Gentlemen of Aspen), Kevin Whitcher (Denver Barbarians)

Backs: Dave Anderson (Haggis), Chad Erskine (OMBAC), Tony Fratangello (Belmont Shore), Jone Naqica (Denver Barbarians), Mike Palefau (Provo Steeler), Jason Pye (University of Utah)

Management: Albert Caravelli (coach), Alex Magleby (assistant coach), Tristan Lewis (manager), John Honcharuk (physiotherapist), Brent Reimholz (physiotherapist)