adminThe pressure is on to give rugby’s growing US audience the chance to celebrate a first Rugby World Cup victory for the Eagles since 2011.
The USA have hopes that a victory in Japan is the key to the continued growth of rugby back home.
Interest in the sport is growing significantly in the US, while the team also has a ready-made fan base near their Japanese training camp in Okinawa.
The Eagles will be based there for a week before they fly to Kobe for their opening match against England on Thursday, September 26.
Since the end of Second World War, the island of Okinawa has accommodated the largest American military presence in Japan, so the USA team can expect a wave of local support.
As for those watching in the US, the impact of two seasons of Major League Rugby and the growth of rugby sevens is expected to significantly increase interest in the endeavours of the national 15 in Japan. — Rugby World Cup website.
Bongani Ndlovu