USA Eagles prop Charlie Abel seals Oyonnax move as medical joker a decade after first French stint

Charlie Abel, the Australian-born tighthead prop who made his USA Eagles debut last month, has signed with French Pro D2 club Oyonnax Rugby as a medical joker, filling the void left by tighthead Ali Oz, who suffered a hamstring injury.

The move marks a return to France for Abel a full decade after he first played there, and comes at a career high point for the 34-year-old. Oyonnax sporting director Fabien Cibray cited Abel’s physicality as the driving force behind the recruitment.

“Following Ali’s injury, to whom we wish a speedy recovery, we wanted to strengthen the squad with an experienced player,” Cibray said. “Charlie has an extremely dynamic profile, very strong in offensive and defensive collisions.”

Abel’s path to Oyonnax has been a winding one. After time in Australia’s Shute Shield and the National Rugby Championship, he joined the NSW Waratahs’ Super Rugby squad without earning a debut, then moved to the Melbourne Rebels. He subsequently crossed to Major League Rugby, where he helped the LA Giltinis claim the championship title during a two-year stint before joining the Chicago Hounds.

With Chicago, Abel was part of history: the Hounds became the first MLR side to complete an entire campaign undefeated, and Abel started the championship final on June 22, with Chicago defeating the California Legion 35-17.

Just weeks later, Abel earned his first USA cap, coming off the bench in a 29-22 win over Spain on July 18 during the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup. The Eagles finished the July window with a perfect 3-0 record, with all three nations set to compete at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Abel also started for a USA XV against an Argentina XV in a non-Test fixture that went down to the wire, with the American side claiming a one-point victory after a last-gasp defensive stand. Abel completed 66 minutes in that match.

USA head coach Scott Lawrence has spoken warmly of Abel’s influence both on and off the field.

“For him, 34 as a tighthead prop, he’s vintage now, he’s at his best. He’s like a fine wine so to speak,” Lawrence told reporters. “He’s such an unbeaten character, he brings something different to the environment, and you can see why he just loves the game — and that’s what keeps you playing for a long time.”

The Oyonnax signing gives Abel competitive minutes in Europe with the 2027 Rugby World Cup now 14 months away.