NFL Draft pick Cassh Maluia set for USA Eagles Test debut against Canada in Tokyo

Former New England Patriots linebacker Cassh Maluia will make his Test debut for the USA Eagles in the Pacific Nations Cup 2026 third-place playoff against Canada in Tokyo, coach Scott Lawrence confirmed, with the 2020 NFL draftee headlining several changes to the starting side beaten by Japan last Saturday in Osaka.

Maluia was taken 204th overall by the Patriots in the 2020 NFL Draft, spending time with the six-time Super Bowl champions before signing with the Tennessee Titans in August 2021 and eventually transitioning to rugby. He arrives in the Test arena off a strong Major League Rugby campaign with the California Legion, who reached the championship decider before falling to an unbeaten Chicago Hounds side.

Lawrence was clear about what he wants from his debutant midfielder. “We just want Cassh to express himself. That’s the most important thing. He’s worked really hard to get an opportunity,” the USA coach said. “He offers us something unique in the way that he plays and in his abilities. We just talk about him being able to access 100 per cent of Cassh.”

“We just want the Cassh that we’ve seen every day for the last three months. That’s all we’re asking.”

Maluia will partner Dominic Besag in midfield, with Tavite Lopeti — who scored a try last weekend — shifting to the bench. Luke Carty also comes in for Chris Hilsenbeck at fly-half, while Julin Roberts earns a start on the wing at No. 14. Ruben De Has, Noah Brown, and Mitch Wilson retain their places in the backline.

In the forwards, former HSBC SVNS Series star Lance Williams earns his second Test start at openside flanker, alongside Marno Redelinghuys at blindside and Makeen Alikhan at No. 8. Captain Jason Damm again partners Nathan Den Hoedt in the second row, with hooker Shilo Klein flanked by loosehead prop Fakaosifolau Pifeleti and tighthead prop Tonga Kofe. The Eagles have opted for a 5-3 forward-to-back split on the bench, with Michael Baska providing backline cover.

Canada arrive in Tokyo also looking to bounce back from defeat, having won by 14 points when these two sides last met roughly 13 months ago. Lawrence framed the selection changes as part of a broader squad-building strategy. “The things that we have to build is experience so we have to [give players opportunities],” he said.