The United States currently leads Pool A in the Nations Cup, having wrapped up July with an unblemished record after victories over Portugal, Zimbabwe, and Spain. With November approaching, Scott Lawrence’s Eagles are determined to sustain their momentum, and having Provence hooker Kapeli Pifeleti back in top form will be crucial.
The hooker, who achieved two tries in July and was pivotal in his team’s successes against the Lobos and Los Leones, has been dealing with an injury he anticipates will heal by mid-October, allowing time to regain some match fitness ahead of November.
“My top priority is to recover from this injury. After that, I aim to be selected for the team and prepare to support both Provence and the USA. I want to play some quality rugby, and I’m excited about making my comeback.”
In July, Pifeleti contributed two tries, helping his team secure the top position, showcasing some of his finest rugby this season. While he played a significant role in the team’s accomplishments, the hooker prefers to emphasize the crucial contributions from the USA coaching staff, which has been vital in achieving their results.
“I do my best to assist whenever possible. There are so many outstanding coaches in the Eagles camp these days who have truly committed themselves to creating the ideal environment for our success. From Professor Bob [Dave Williams] to Jim Molony, they have proven to be invaluable assets.”
Pifeleti is confident that the achievements from July were the result of hard work, attributing the relentless effort and the rigorous physical demands of training to their success.
“July was tough for us, as the coaching staff really pushed us, refining our playing style and even enhancing our kicking strategy. While it was challenging, being pushed was beneficial, and the results are evidence of that.”
In their match against Portugal, the reigning Men’s Rugby Europe Championship title holders, the Eagles appeared strong, with the contingent based in France making a notable impact. Players like Jack Iscaro from Stade Français, along with Kapeli Pifeleti and Perry Mayo from USO Nevers, elevated their performance levels, with the Provence hooker believing that experience in Top 14 and Pro D2 was instrumental.
“Just look at Jack Iscaro, who has been overpowering opponents in the scrum since joining Stade Français. He was competing in the MLR just two seasons ago and now stands out in the Top14. That form and experience ultimately enhance our capabilities, reflecting in our performance, gameplay, and overall movement during matches.”
Pifeleti expressed his joy at Perry Mayo, who was born and raised in France but chose to represent the United States, making his debut and showcasing why he is viewed as one of the most formidable attacking players in Pro D2.
“Perry is an incredible player and was among Pro D2’s leading try scorers last season, bringing that threat to the Eagles in July, scoring tries and evading the defense.”
Reflecting on his journey, Pifeleti notes he has evolved as a player since joining Provence while appreciating his past experiences with Saracens, which served as an eye-opener for his career.
“This has been the most consistent period of my playing career, helping me grow. Playing regularly for Provence and then joining the Eagles has been fantastic for my development. I had a learning curve to navigate and had to refine my mindset, particularly regarding recovery, which has transformed my game.”
Simultaneously, the atmosphere at Provence has encouraged him to evolve the elements of his game that he hadn’t fully recognized before moving to France in March 2025.
“I have developed as a leader, too. I previously didn’t see that side of me, but I’ve come to understand that how I communicate and present myself on the field influences my impact during carries and tackles.”
Though it has been quite some time since he lived in his native Utah, Pifeleti confesses that a return isn’t on his agenda just yet, as he has found a place he cherishes in Provence.
“I desire to remain in France for as long as possible. It suits me perfectly. It’s a very straightforward, physical style of play, but that also drives me to improve. I wasn’t fluent in French when I first arrived, but I persevered and have been relishing the French culture.”
Living in France, competing in one of rugby’s most challenging leagues, and being guided by esteemed coaches like Philippe Saint-André have been invaluable experiences for Pifeleti. However, he emphasizes that his focus is not on reminiscing about the past or anticipating the future too far ahead; instead, he aims to embrace the present and maximize every moment.
“My approach is to take it week by week and enjoy the journey. Sometimes, getting too caught up in outcomes makes you forget to appreciate the moment. Week by week—that’s my preferred way of progressing.”
As November draws nearer, Pifeleti is already looking forward to being back in Test match action, hoping to share the field with his older brother, Faka?osi Pifeleti, and contribute to his country’s continued positive results. With the USA sitting in first place in Pool A as they move into the second month of the Nations Cup, Pifeleti stresses the team’s mentality, emphasizing that each match and every minute hold significance.
“I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, thinking only about Georgia while facing Hong Kong China and Romania first. It promises to be an exciting month. We must enhance our consistency, which is something we are aiming to achieve shortly. But we are currently in a good position, and we simply want to keep advancing.”
