Scrumhalf Jason Raven will lead the United States in its first outing of the 2001-02 World Sevens Series, as the Eagles head south this week for tournaments in Chile and Argentina.

Joining him in the 12-man squad are Alexander Magleby, Mose Timoteo, Ben Trautwein, Kevin Whitcher, and Don Younger, all members of successful US teams on the IRB 7s circuit last spring.

The balance of the squad was chosen from among a group of nearly 30 players who attended a four-day training camp at USOC facilities in San Diego in November. Invitations to the Eagles camp were based on performances at USA Rugby's club and all-star 7s championships in August, as well as past international form.

"We got a balance between experience and those who earned selection through form over the past months," head coach John McKittrick said in announcing the team.

"There's an open door to the Eagles, but it's a big commitment. The world circuit is becoming ultra-competitive. We'll need to improve as a team just to maintain our relative standing."

The squad also includes 15s Eagle Jone Naqica Koroi and past 7s Eagle Mike Coyner. With an eye on longer-term development, David Fee, Eddie Galpin, and Mike Harvey join the National Team for the first time along with All-American Matt Huckaby.

The USA first competes in Chile on January 4-5 and then pushes on to Argentina's Mar del Plata for competition on January 11-12. The Eagles also expect to compete in World Series tournaments in Brisbane, Wellington, Beijing and Hong Kong this season.

United States: Mike Coyner, David Fee, Eddie Galpin, Mike Harvey, Matt Huckaby, Jone Koroi, Alexander Magleby, Jason Raven (captain), Mose Timoteo, Ben Trautwein, Kevin Whitcher, Don Younger