US keen to make their mark in IRB U20s tournament
Top-seeded Americans aim to open strongly against hosts Hong Kong
With their hearts set on returning to the top-tier competition, the United States will be going all out to make a statement in their opening game of the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT) against hosts Hong Kong on Monday.
The US crashed out of the last IRB Junior World Championship - the tournament for the world's elite juniors - in France and are keen to regain their spot among the big boys next year when the under-20 age-group competition is held in Italy.
US skipper Ollie Drew stressed the squad aimed to win the eight-team tournament at Hong Kong Football Club.
"It was a great experience for the USA to be in the Junior World Championship last year and we are definitely targeting a return next season," said Drew, a second-row forward.
It was a great experience for the USA to be in the Junior World Championship last year and we are definitely targeting a return next season
"We know we will have to work hard to get through before we can think about that. But I'm happy with our build-up, having had three training camps back home since December."
The United States are top seeds in the tournament and will take on bottom seeds Hong Kong in the last of four games on Monday evening (7pm kick-off).