Guam's Pangelinan boots soccer into touch to star for US

He's one of the most exciting new faces of US sevens rugby and is also tipped to play in the 2011 World Cup at 15s, but Zach Pangelinan has anything but a conventional background in the sport.

The 20-year-old is from the US territory of Guam and played at Hong Kong Stadium two years ago - as a footballer. He was part of the Guam side that lost 15-1 to Hong Kong in an East Asian Cup qualifier. 'We actually played here in this stadium but it wasn't as packed as this,' said Pangelinan, who earned 22 international caps in soccer as a midfielder and striker.

Pangelinan started playing rugby only 18 months ago and is making his international debut this weekend, impressing observers with his speed, skill and awareness.

'He has amazing potential,' said US coach Al Caravelli. 'He's very, very fast, a great defender and a phenomenal kicker with those great feet from soccer.'

Having represented Guam in soccer since the age of 14, Pangelinan's eyes were opened to rugby by his principal during his final year of high school. Now, he's hooked, playing club rugby for OMBAC in San Diego as a flyhalf and dreaming of a professional contract.

'I like the physical part and the sidesteps, rugby's way more fun. It's taken me to more places and brought me more opportunities,' he said.