The Eagles 7s squad will feature four new faces at the World 7s Series tournament in Chile, the USA's first international competition of the 2003 season.

The newest of the newcomers is 20-year-old Tom Sanders who was one of the stand-out performers at August's National Club Championships. The college student was instrumental in Maryland's run to the championship finals, and his club form led him, firstly, to November's Eagle 7s training camp and then to a place on the national team.

"Tom has impressed with his athleticism and his knowledge of the game is solid," noted national 7s team coach John McKittrick. "It is a big step up to the international level, but we have experienced players around him and a favorable draw, and we expect to ease Tom into the action."

Sanders is expected to play hooker for the Eagles, and will be in a forwards unit alongside 7s veterans Ben Trautwein, Alexander Magleby and Don Younger. Prop Conrad Hodgson also returns for his second Eagle 7s tour. The other first-time forward is prop Riaan Hamilton who is new to the 7s squad, but has previously worn the Eagles XVs jersey in the USA 'A' team that played Scotland in June.

The same holds true of the squad's other new faces, scrumhalf Doug Rowe and flyhalf Mike Hercus. While new to the 7s team, Rowe played in the USA 'A'-Scotland match, and Hercus is the incumbent XVs flyhalf. They will be alongside returners Jone Naqica, Paul Emerick, David Fee and Jovesa Naivalu.

Coach McKittrick says he is pleased with the balance and versatility in the squad: "We have a good mix of experienced players and new talent, as well as athletes who can cover multiple positions. We are well-positioned to build on the steady improvement of the last two seasons."

The Eagles played in six of the grand prix events in 2002 and finished the series ranked 10th in the world between France (9th) and Canada (11th). In Chile, the team will face New Zealand, Wales, and Uruguay in pool play of the tournament that takes place in Vina del Mar on January 10 & 11.

USA squad: Paul Emerick, David Fee, Riaan Hamilton, Mike Hercus, Conrad Hodgson, Alexander Magleby, Jone Naqica, Jovesa Naivalu, Doug Rowe, Tom Sanders, Ben Trautwein, Don Younger