With rugby’s growing popularity in the United States, there are some great players who have made a name for themselves. Here are the 10 best American rugby players of all time.
Baker’s try-scoring rate surpassed Isles’ after he joined the 7s team. He is one of the game's most productive scorers ever.
1. Chris Wyles
Chris Wyles was a top fullback for the USA in XVs rugby and also featured at sevens. He can play wing or center as well and was like a Swiss Army knife for his professional club Saracens in England. He played at three 15s World Cups and the 2016 Olympics.
He was also a key figure in the resurgence of the USA 7s team in the 2000s, scoring tons of tries. He was a smart player who could handle contact and was an excellent placekicker.
He is now a commentator and works for Wolfpack Lager with his brother, former pro rugby player Mike Hercus. Mike is currently the second most valuable sports personality in the UK. He is worth an estimated $5 million. His wife, Zara, is a popular equestrian. Their son is a promising equestrian as well.
2. Blaine Scully
A three-sport All-American at Jesuit High School with experience in basketball, swimming and water polo, Blaine Scully had a long career both professionally and internationally in rugby. The former Life University fly half was a key member of the US national team, appearing at multiple Rugby World Cups, and also starred in Europe with clubs in the Premiership and Pro 14.
A natural leader who could play fullback, wing or centre, Scully was able to bring the best out of those around him on the field and in the huddle. He says the most important thing for any player is to model the behaviors you want to see.
A modern great, Jonah Lomu revolutionized rugby for a new generation of fans. His flair and thrilling line-breaks packed out stadiums for club and country. He has long been one of the most influential players of his generation.
3. Paul Lasike
Paul Lasike is a skilled flyhalf who has represented the USA on the international stage. He has an excellent kicking game, and he is known for his tactical awareness.
He has a unique one-two punch with Carlin Isles, making him an all-around threat. He also has a good understanding of the game, and he is a great leader for his team.
The oldest player on this list, Willie John McBride is a legend of rugby. He played for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, earning a total of 76 caps.
Todd Clever is a retired American rugby player who earned 62 caps for the Eagles. He was a versatile player who played professionally in New Zealand, South Africa, and Japan. He is also a former USA captain. His career was capped off with an appearance in the 2003 World Cup.
4. Andrew Durutalo
A front-rower who can pack a punch, Andrew Durutalo is a star of American rugby. Born in America but raised in England, he was always expected to love English sports and that is exactly what he did with the sport of rugby.
He has 22 caps and a World Cup under his belt for the USA in both sevens and 15s. After a short spell in the Super Rugby with the Sunwolves, Durutalo moved to Ealing Trailfinders in the English Championship.
For a game that is often viewed with certain snobbery, players like Durutalo, Ellis Genge and Maro Itoje are truly revitalising the sport for a new audience. They make watching rugby a pleasure for club and country, packing out stadiums all around the world. Few can match their sheer skill on the pitch.
5. Dan Lyle
Dan Lyle is one of the most prominent American players who ever played in the English Premiership. The talented flyhalf came from an NFL-oriented upbringing, but quickly adapted to rugby and made the switch to the sport in England with great success.
During his time in the English Premiership, he captained his club as well as the USA Eagles. He was a key player on the Eagles during an uptick in their performances and was a major part of the team’s success at the 2003 World Cup.
After the tournament he joined 1823 and Tiger Rugby in Columbus, Ohio. He forged a unique one-two punch with Carlin Isles, and became known for his long strike and ability to score from anywhere on the field. He also had an excellent kicking game. He scored 67 tries in his career.
6. Paul Emerick
Paul Emerick was a powerful back who relished contact, knocking defenders and ruckers around. He also loved a challenge, earning a reputation as one of rugby’s more “loose cannon” players, even getting sent off in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.
The Raptors are excited to welcome Emerick as their new head coach for the 2022 season. He will replace Mark Bullock, who served as the club’s director of rugby in 2020.
A former professional football player, Emerick picked up rugby at DII UNI and went on to play 54 caps for the Eagles. He also played in three World Cup tournaments. He is an experienced leader who can help the crossover athletes on the Raptors to reach new heights.
7. Boyd Morrison
Numerous USA rugby players have resided in the English Premiership over the years. One of the first was Californian Mike MacDonald. He earned 67 caps for the USA before moving to England.
Takudzwa Ngwenya moved to Dallas as a youngster and joined a youth rugby team. A scout for DARC, one of the top amateur clubs in Dallas, spotted him and brought him into their senior side.
During his career, he played professionally in the United States and abroad, including two seasons in the top tier of the English Premiership. He was also a mainstay for the USA Eagles. He was a multi-skilled player, with a strong running game and a good kicking skill set. He also was known for his hard-hitting play. He could play anywhere on the field. He was the ultimate team player.
8. Mike MacDonald
Big Mac was a big presence for the USA and his club side Leeds Carnegie. He was a great all-round player capable of making big carries and scoring tries. He also proved adept at handling in the tight play and scrums. He was also an outstanding placekicker.
The Californian earned 67 caps for the Eagles, playing in Rugby World Cups 2003, 2007 and 2011. He was a key member of the Cal team that won seven national titles.
Lyle played for Bath in England, winning two European championships. He also won a string of caps for the USA from 1996-99, appearing at Rugby World Cup 1999. He was one of the best hookers ever to represent America. He was a true team player. He was a good man off the field as well, making time to help younger players.
9. Paul Lasike
Paul Lasike is a two-sport star who played both football and rugby at Brigham Young University. He has earned USA caps and has made a big impact in Major League Rugby and Premiership Rugby in the United Kingdom since joining Harlequins in 2018.
He is one of the most versatile players in the world, combining quick acceleration and a long strike to score from anywhere on the field. He is a complete player and his unique skill set has brought in a new audience to the sport.
While he may not have a famous family like the ones who make the top 10 list, he has earned his spot as an all-time great by playing his heart out for club and country. He is a massive presence in the game and has the potential to become the most influential player of his generation.
10. Joanne Liu
Known for her wily running game and deft offloads, Joanne Liu was a great player for the United States. She also excelled as a placekicker. Liu played for the Eagles during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and racked up 465 points.
Before Springbok stars Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse burst on to the scene, Bryan Habana was tearing through opposition defences with his lightning speed. The legendary winger is still playing for Top 14 club Toulon.
Baker joined the 7s program in 2014 and immediately started scoring tries for the USA. He has a strike rate better than five of the players ranked ahead of him, including two who have won multiple World Series titles. He is a great player to watch for anyone who loves the game.
