There’s no getting past it: the USA Eagles’ loss to Canada nearly two weeks ago was a tough pill to swallow. It was a start to the Pacific Nations Cup campaign that left many USA rugby fans gasping, knowing the challenge of gaining automatic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has now become even more difficult.
That disappointing loss to Canada was felt most deeply by the USA Eagles squad, who took the field. Fullback Erich Storti, who started that day, described the feeling at the end of the game as one of “letting people down.” While there is still a definite sense of hurt in the air, Storti and his teammates know the past is behind them, and the focus must now shift to the task ahead. At the end of the day, World Cup qualification is still on the line.
“It was not the result we were looking for,” says Storti. “We talked in the changing room about letting it soak in for a little bit, but then it was time to move on. We can now only control the controllables. We reviewed the things we could change quickly. A lot of that comes down to simple execution. I felt like we were well-prepared for the game, but just didn’t execute when we needed to. The review is done, the changes have been made, and I think we’re ready to attack again with the focus on Japan and the things we can control—like energy, effort, and attitude.”
That effort and energy were certainly on display during the Eagles’ training session earlier this week at Chula Vista’s Elite Athlete Training Center in San Diego, as they get ready to take on the Brave Blossoms on home soil. The Eagles head up to Sacramento to face #13-ranked Japan this Saturday, a side orchestrated by the notorious head coach Eddie Jones.
Skip to next section
Back on home turf 🏠
🆚 USA Men vs Japan
🗓️ Sep 6, 9pm ET
📺 @paramountplus
🎟️ Tickets in bio pic.twitter.com/Iq5554ICGy
— USA Rugby (@USARugby) September 3, 2025
To say the Eagles must improve on their Canadian performance is an understatement if they are to have any chance of upsetting Japan’s high-speed attack. Japan, which demolished Canada 57–15 last weekend and has already qualified for the 2027 World Cup, presents a daunting challenge. From the set piece to defense, Eagles head coach Scott Lawrence will demand a very different performance—one with the same inner belief shown in November last year, when the USA went three-for-three on the road, beating Portugal, Spain, and Tonga. After a week off and a full seven days of preparation, the Eagles will be eager to make amends.
“We have an opportunity in every test match,” Storti explains. “To represent our country is a big deal. We believe in one another and ensure there’s buy-in as a team and as a family. We’ve built a lot of connections, and now we’re strengthening those connections.
“We know the threats of Japan. You obviously think about their brand of rugby as being super fast, with their breakdown speed being really quick. We’ll have to work hard to shut that down. But for us, we need to focus on our strengths and use those to our advantage by executing with the threats we have.”
One of those threats is the young St. Mary’s College graduate himself, Storti. The 2024 #1 Draft Pick for Anthem RC has found himself commanding the backfield in the Eagles’ fullback jersey, able to use his elusive footwork and power in the outside channels. Although most of his 12 appearances for Anthem in his rookie season came at outside center, the California native is more than happy to be versatile.
“I’m just taking each and every opportunity, trying to be as fearless and free as possible,” says Storti when asked about his preferred position. “I want to express myself, so I don’t mind wherever that is, as long as I can help the team. If I’m on the field helping the team, then I’m doing my job. It’s a lot of fun and I’m learning a lot. I’ve got a really good supporting cast around me.”
Storti has clearly adapted well in making the switch from college rugby to MLR and international rugby in his first year. Although still inexperienced, USA rugby fans and young players alike have a talented outside back to be excited about and look up to. Storti has proved to be a shining example of a young American who has come through the pathway—entering the MLR Draft and going on to achieve success in his first season. After the recent 2025 MLR Draft, the former St. Mary’s College star stands as an example for the new draftees to follow.
“I think for me, coming into that first MLR season, I didn’t really know what to expect,” reflects Storti when asked about his first year of professional rugby. “Getting capped before joining MLR was really good, as it made me ready for that jump.
“I’ve learned a lot of lessons in my first year. Obviously, it was pretty disappointing with the results, but I felt like there was a lot of growth and development with our whole rookie class and our young Anthem squad. It’s pretty cool to see all of us rookies do well and shine. Hopefully, we continue to build and grow throughout the league.
“I think for the new draftees coming in, my advice would be to tick all your boxes before you arrive for preseason: make sure you’re fit, make sure your pass and catch are up to par, and take care of all those little things you can control. You’re going to learn a lot—it’s going to feel like drinking water out of a fire hose at first, but then you roll with it and you’ll find your opportunity to make the most of it.”
Certainly, Storti has taken his opportunities at both MLR and international level, and now sets his sights on Saturday’s PNC clash against Japan. The Eagles’ fullback will no doubt need to draw on everything he has learned to deliver a top performance if he and his teammates are to upset the Brave Blossoms. Storti emphasizes how Scott Lawrence’s men aim to “make everyone feel that same belief that we (the squad) have.” He and the Eagles will need every bit of confidence if they are to succeed on Saturday. For Storti and the USA, the Rugby World Cup dream is still very much on the line.
USAvCAN – Erich Storti – Photo by Davey Wilson
AloJapan.com