Dual international Hilsenbeck leads USA's Nations Cup charge after switching from Germany

Christopher Hilsenbeck kicked a match-winning penalty with two minutes remaining to give the USA Eagles a dramatic Nations Cup victory over Portugal, capping a remarkable journey that has seen the 34-year-old fly-half represent two nations across 13 years of international rugby.

Scott Lawrence’s side have now won their opening two Nations Cup fixtures — against Portugal and Zimbabwe — and head into Saturday’s clash with Spain as strong contenders. Hilsenbeck was central to the comeback against the Lobos, slotting the decisive kick from close range after the USA trailed by two points, a scenario that eerily mirrored a successful kick he had made against the same opponents back in 2015, only then while wearing Germany’s colours.

Born in California, Hilsenbeck moved to Heidelberg with his parents when he was just a few months old and grew up entirely in Germany before earning his first international cap for the German national team. He went on to represent Germany for seven years, stepping away from the international scene to concentrate on his club career with RC Vannes in France.

The pivot back to Test rugby came in late 2024. After conversations with then-USA backs coach Stephen Brett and a move to the Chicago Hounds in Major League Rugby, Hilsenbeck secured his American eligibility and made his Eagles debut against Belgium on 6 July 2025 — coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes of a 36-17 win.

“When I was in my final years in France, the chance to play for the Eagles sprang up, and so I started to look into the MLR and my American citizenship,” Hilsenbeck said. “I had a chat with Stephen Brett and made the decision to go for that goal of playing for my country of birth.”

Far from being overawed by the occasion, Hilsenbeck says the experience of debuting for the USA felt entirely different from his first cap for Germany more than a decade earlier.

“I was way more nervous when I debuted for Germany,” he admitted. “When you are younger, things always look different, as everything is new. However, because I learned to appreciate everything, I can say I enjoyed making my debut for the US much more. I wasn’t anxious or nervous and wasn’t overthinking with the ‘ifs and don’ts’.”

Hilsenbeck also reflected on his time with Germany with evident pride, despite the painful failure to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. “My whole life was spent in Germany, as I moved there when I was a few months old. I am German and American, and that’s why I was so staunch when I made my debut for Germany.”

With the Eagles in commanding form and Hilsenbeck delivering in the clutch, the USA’s Nations Cup campaign is building genuine momentum ahead of the Spain fixture.