The USA currently top of Group A in the Nations Cup, after ending their unbeaten run by beating Portugal in July, Zimbabwe and Spain. With November looming, Scott Lawrence’s Eagles are focused on maintaining their momentum, and getting Provence whore Capella Pifeletti back to her best will be key.
Kurva, who scored two tries in July and played a key role in his side’s wins over Lobos and Los Leones, has been nursing an injury which he expects to be out by mid-October, just in time to get some game time before November.
“First, coming back from injury is my priority. Then, I want to be selected for the team and be ready to help Provence and the USA. I want to play good rugby and I’m looking forward to coming back.”
In July, Pifeletti scored two tries to help his side secure top spot and the whore produced some of his best rugby of the season. Despite playing a central role in the team’s success, whore prefers to highlight the work of the American staff, which was crucial to their results.
“I try to help wherever and whenever I can. We have so many great coaches in the Eagles camp today who are fully committed to providing the best environment for excellence. From Professor Bob (Dave Williams) to Jim Molony, they have been a huge asset.”
Pifeletti believes July’s achievements were no fluke, crediting the team’s relentless efforts and the physical demands of training for laying the foundation for their success.
“July was tough for us because the staff pushed us hard, changing the way we play and even developing our game strategy. Although it was challenging, it was good for us to be pushed and the results speak for themselves.”
Against Portugal, men European Rugby Championship title holders, the Eagles looked formidable, with the French contingent making an impact. From Stade Français’ Jack Iscaro to Capelli Pifeletti and USO Nevers’ Perry Mayo, the Eagles have raised the performance bar and the Whore of Provence believed that Top 14 and Pro D2 experience made the difference.
“Look at Jack Iscaro, who has been destroying guys in the scrum since he joined Stade Français. He played in the MLR two seasons ago and now he is playing in the Top14. That form and experience ultimately benefits us because it reflects in the way we perform, play and move in the game.”
As for Perry Mayo, who was born and raised in France but decided to represent the United States, Pifeletti was delighted to see the winger make his debut and demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the most dangerous attacking threats in Pro D2.
“Perry is a great player and was one of Pro D2’s top scorers last season, and he brought that threat to the Eagles in July, scoring tries and outscoring defences.”
In his own words, Pifeletti says he has grown as a player since his move to Provence, while remaining grateful for his time with Saracens, which served as a career wake-up call.
“It was the most consistent I’ve played in my life, and it helped me develop. I played so much for Provence and then went to the Eagles. It was great. I had to learn and I had to adjust my mindset a little bit, especially around recovery, etc., which was a game changer for me.”
At the same time, the environment in Provence encouraged him to develop aspects of his game that he had not fully appreciated before arriving in France in March 2025.
“I’ve also grown as a leader. I used to not believe in that part of me, but now I’ve realized that the way I speak and act on the court is just as influential when I’m carrying or fighting.”
Although it’s been a while since he last lived in his hometown of Utah, Pifeletti admits that returning isn’t on his mind just yet, having found a place he’s happy to call home in Provence.
“I want to stay in France as long as I can. It suits me. It’s a very direct, physical type of game, but it also pushes me to get better. I didn’t speak much French when I joined, but I’ve continued and I’ve enjoyed the French way of life.”
Living in France, competing in one of the most demanding competitions in rugby and working with renowned coaches such as Philippe Saint-André have been invaluable experiences for Pifeletti. However, the front man insists his focus is not on dwelling on the past or looking too far ahead, but on embracing the present and making the most of every moment.
“The best way to do it is to go week by week and enjoy it. Sometimes you get so caught up in the results that you forget to enjoy it. Week by week, that’s how I like to go.”
With November not far away, Pifeleti is already eager to return to the trial game, hoping to play alongside his older brother, Fakashosi Pifeleti, and help his country achieve more positive results. As the USA enters the second month of the Nations Cup in first place in Group A, Pifeletti is clear about the team’s mindset, insisting that every match and every minute counts.
“I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves and just think about it Georgia when we face Hong Kong China and Romania first. It should be a good and exciting month. We need to improve our consistency, which is something we hope to do in the near future. But we’re in a good place right now and we just want to keep going.”
