United States
USA Eagles captain Chris Wyles retires from Test duty
Tom Hamilton
January 19, 2016
© Steve Bardens/World Rugby via Getty Images

The USA Eagles will have a new captain in the John Mitchell era with Chris Wyles, the man who skippered them in the Rugby World Cup, calling time on his Test career. 

Wyles, 32, will now focus his efforts on his club side Saracens and also to Sevens where he hopes to feature for the USA at the 2016 Olympics. The announcement sees Wyles call time on an international career that saw him win 54 caps for the Eagles and score 16 tries. 

"I feel extremely indebted to USA Rugby for the opportunities and experiences it has given me," said Wyles. "My time playing for the Eagles is filled with amazing memories but the thing that I will treasure the most are the great friends I've made throughout the years.

"I wish the team all the success in the future under [new Head Coach] John Mitchell."

Wyles will only switch attention to Sevens after his domestic duties with Saracens have finished at the end of this season which rules him out of playing any part in this term's World Sevens Series. 

"Chris is one of the most professional rugby players I have had the pleasure of working with," USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville said. "Chris is an outstanding player both in Sevens and XVs, but perhaps more importantly, a leader and role model for thousands of young American players.

"He will be a loss to the Eagles XV team, but we respect his decision and are delighted that he has decided to challenge for a place in the Eagles' squad for Rio later this year."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Tom Hamilton is the Associate Editor of ESPNscrum.

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