After finishing second in the Silicon Valley Sevens warmup tournament earlier this month, the USA men's team is set to return to action for the Dubai Sevens next week.

Recently, the team took a little time off its preparations to build a home for an underprivileged family in Rosarito, Mexico, as part of a humanitarian project with Hope Sports.

"It was an incredibly moving experience for the boys to assist in providing a family in need with a new home and a new beginning," USA head coach Mike Friday said. "They realize how fortunate they are to play and do something they love for a living."

Now it's time to start a season that leads into the Rugby World Cup Sevens next summer.

The Eagles finished a best-ever fifth in the World Series in 2016-17 and are looking for more this time around. That requires a strong start, something Dubai — which is 12 hours ahead of Chula Vista and always a difficult place for the USA to play — doesn't always provide.

The tournament begins Friday, Dec. 1, and after having finished second behind a solid Australia outfit in Silicon Valley, the Eagles have to think they're in a good position.

Day one sees the Eagles facing Argentina, Samoa, and New Zealand, a lineup of opponents that will provide no guarantees.

"The pool we are in is the most physically aggressive and demanding," Friday said. "We are under no illusion how tough a task we have in the series opener and we'll take every game as it comes in order to sell ourselves."

Madison Hughes returns as captain of the team, and World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominee Perry Baker is back. After a long stint working his way to health from an injury, Carlin Isles also returns to the squad.

One of the top tacklers in the World Series, Stephen Tomasin, is back to bolster an experienced squad that also includes Danny Barrett, who made the 2016-17 season Dream Team alongside Baker.

Ben Pinkelman, who captained the USA in Silicon Valley, is now an established veteran, and Folau Niua has been the central playmaker for the team for some years now.

The only real new players are Joe Schroeder and Peninsula Green product Naima Fualaau, but there are still the likes of Malon Al-Jiboori and Matai Leuta trying to solidify their places.

USA RUGBY MEN’S SEVENS ROSTER FOR DUBAI

1. Carlin Isles

2. Ben Pinkelman

3. Danny Barrett

4. Matai Leuta

5. Joe Schroeder

6. Malon Al Jiboori

7. Folau Niua

8. Maka Unufe

9. Stephen Tomasin

10. Madison Hughes (Captain)

11. Perry Baker

12. Martin Iosefo

13. Naima Fualaau

USA RUGBY MEN’S SEVENS STAFF 

Head Coach — Mike Friday
Assistant Coach — Chris Brown
Physio — Brian Green
Team Analyst — Paul Goulding
Team Manager — Scott Novack