Opening Kick

Opening Kick is a segment devoted to bringing you all Eagles and USA rugby related news in one location.

7's:

The 7's Eagles have arrived in Chula Vista in preparation for the Pan-Am Games. The schedule and pools were revealed yesterday.

Brazil has named their side for the upcoming Pan-Am Games.

After much speculation that they may not participate, Cal has committed to playing in the California 7's, a qualifier for nationals.

According to Ed Hagerty, there were 184 7s tournaments that have taken place, or are planned for, in 2011.

Eagles:

Russia will bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. I think America should too.

Taku Ngwenya has a new Argentine teammate. Injuries forced Biarritz to sign emergency cover. I expect one or two players from the U.S. World Cup squad to do the same at some point.

The teams for the World Cup semi-finals have been announced. Australia vs. New Zealand and Wales vs. France.

Club:

Rugbymag.com has named PAC flanker Greg Suellentrop "Men's Club Player of the Week."

Great facilities keep popping up across America. This time it's the Chicago Blaze, who've begun work on a nice new clubhouse.

Tidbits:

Jonathan Clegg of the Wall Street Journal says that Rugby is looking more and more like the NFL.