Former Eagle Andre Blom has been named the USA National team's new fitness advisor.

Blom will be responsible for all aspects of the Men's National team strength and conditioning programs. Additionally, Blom will join the 15s squad during some of its assemblies.

The appointment fills the major need of assigning responsibility for bringing USA Rugby's elite and promising players to international standards of fitness. For Americans, European Cup or Super 12 match experience may be hard to come by, but world-class fitness facilities and programs exist in virtually every US state.

"Andre is well equipped to oversee the advancement of our fitness levels. I have both played with and coached Andre and he has my complete confidence," head coach Tom Billups said in making the announcement. "This position is vitally important, as fitness will be one of several key elements in our selection process."

Blom is a licensed physical therapist and manages a Chicago outpatient facility encompassing orthopedics, sports strength and conditioning, acute and chronic pain management and spinal injuries.

As a wing and fullback, Blom was capped 12 times between 1998 and 2000, playing in three Pacific Rim tournaments and was a 1999 Rugby World Cup squad member.

Billups has already named his assistant coaches, Rowly Williams and Jonathan Moore. Williams, a backline specialist, helped prepare the Eagles for December's clash with South Africa. Moore, the forwards coach and also responsible for video and notational analysis, served the USA in its 1998-99 campaigns, including the last World Cup.

Also part of the management staff are two long-time Eagle veterans, head physician Dr. Warren King and physiotherapist Eddie Ayub.