Timing Stinks But AA Coach Lauds Support

Timing Stinks But AA Coach Lauds Support

The Collegiate All-Americans' game against Oxford University this weekend is sandwiched right in the middle of the college rugby season, but AA head coach Gavin Hickie said that hasn't hindered the support shown for the All-Americans program.

Sep 14, 2017 by Alex Goff
Timing Stinks But AA Coach Lauds Support
The Collegiate All-Americans' game against Oxford University this weekend is sandwiched right in the middle of the college rugby season, but that hasn't hindered the support shown for the All-Americans program by college coaches from across the country.

All-Americans head coach Gavin Hickie said Saturday's matchup at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA, has been well received at the college level despite its poor timing. The one-off fixture gets underway at 2:30 PM ET, before the Newcastle Falcons take on Saracens in a Premiership fixture.

"I have to give a lot of credit to the coaches," Hickie said. "This is not an ideal time for any player or coach. But at the same time, they know it's a great opportunity because there's going to be a scout from every Premiership team at the event. It's a great shop window."

Gardy Lebon joins the All Americans from Navy. Colleen McCloskey photo.

Hickie said he recognizes that it's a tough time for teams and knows that some teams are playing crucial conference games on Saturday without their best players.

"Coaches are giving up their players," he said. "But every coach in the country has bought in. And it shows they see the value of the Collegiate All-Americans and of this game. I've got nothing but good things to say about the college coaches who have recognized the bigger picture here, and we're grateful to them for putting the All-Americans first. It's a big deal."

The All-Americans squad was initially announced with Scholz Award winner Bryce Campbell, Scholz finalist Cody Melphy and USA U20 captain Malon Al-Jiborri in the lineup.

However, those players are unavailable, and they've been replaced by Naval Academy scrumhalf Gardy Lebon, Wheeling Jesuit lock forward Hugh McAllister, and Arkansas State midfielder Zach Young. The changes are an almost straight swap. Al-Jiboori is giving way to McAllister, a fellow lock/flanker. Campbell is being replaced by Young, a fellow center. And, in a less precise switch, Melphy at center/wing is giving way to Lebon, a scrumhalf/center.

Updated All-Americans Roster

Alec Barton, Saint Mary's
Nicklas Boyer, Cal
Estevan Florez, Life
Brady Gent, Davenport
Chad Gough, Utah
Matthew Jensen, BYU
Maciu Koroi, Life
Jacob Lachina, West Point
Gardy Lebon, USNA
Jeremy Lenaerts, Central Washington
Vetekina Malafu, Kutztown
Peter Malcolm, Wheeling Jesuit
Alex Maughan, Life
Hugh McAllister, Wheeling Jesuit
Brian McKellar, Penn State
Connor McNerney, USNA
Cristian Rodriguez, Lindenwood
Kevin Sullivan, Cal
Theodoros Terezis, Indiana
Marcus Tupuola, Notre Dame College
Duncan Van Schalkwyk, Life
Khristoffer Walser, Arkansas State
Chance Wenglewski, Linenwood
Mitchell Wilson, Life
Zachary Young, Arkansas State
Holden Yungert, Saint Mary's

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