U.S. Rugby Eliminated In Quarterfinals, Ending Bid For A Medal

U.S. Rugby will not receive a medal as an 18-0 loss to Australia eliminated them from the quarterfinals, despite a convincing 33-17 victory over Uruguay providing them with a glimmer of hope. Perry Baker scored four tries to help the Eagles prevail over Uruguay. After being soundly defeated by the Aussies, Team USA faced Ireland on Saturday in a fifth-place matchup, losing 17-14 while Argentina bested the U.S. 19-0 in a placement game earlier in the day.

Things started out solid for the Eagles as they kept up defensively – however, Australia’s James Turner scored the first try of the match as a result of a penalty and a bad lineout. The Americans failed to pass midfield in the second half while Maurice Longbottom converted a drop kick for points and tacked on a try in the final stages of the game, putting the final nail in the coffin.

2024’s Olympic games will be Baker’s final tournament as the 38-year-old announced his intent to retire following the games. The Volusia County, Florida native has the most career tries as an American while winning World Rugby Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019.

Since debuting in 2016, U.S. Men’s Rugby hasn’t medaled. Fiji, Australia, France and South Africa are the four semifinalists.

Article by Christian Bongiorno