For the second Rugby World Cup in a row, USA's hopes may depend largely on an Irishman. Eddie O'Sullivan led the side in New Zealand four years ago, but Dubliner Alan "AJ" MacGinty looks set to start at fly half for the Eagles this month.
MacGinty qualified to play for the Americans on residency grounds and despite only making his debut in July, he looks set to make an impact in Pool B against the likes of South Africa and Scotland.
A product of Blackrock College, MacGinty played through the levels of the school team and onto Blackrock RFC where he eventually played for the Seniors in the All Ireland League. His father Alan Sr. was the coach of the schools team and is the Principal at the College.
The 25 year old moved Stateside with friends to America in 2012 and started playing in New York before eventually settling near Atlanta, Georgia with a job at Life University.
It was at Life University, that MacGinty caught the eye of the American coach Mike Tolkin during a game between a US Developmental side and Life University in late 2013. MacGinty impressed for the University and was called into the Eagles squad this year as soon as he became eligible to play for USA.
He joined the Developmental Team for a tour of South America before earning his first cap against Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup where he quickly became first choice. It was a successful tournament for the Dubliner and included scoring a winning drop game in their defeat of rivals Canada.
MacGinty and USA get their World Cup campaign underway on Sunday against Samoa in Brighton.
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