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Where are the Americans playing overseas?
Here's a quick rundown, with some commentary on what status those players have:
The Stars (Top-level clubs, regular players or expected to be regular starters) Todd Clever, Flanker - NTT Shining Arcs, Japan Chris Wyles, Fullback, Center - Saracens, England Samu Manoa, Lock, Flanker - Northampton Saints Taku Ngwenya, Wing - Biarritz, France
Working Toward Stardom Scott LaValla, Flanker - Stade Francais, France Eric Fry, Prop - Manawatu Turbos, New Zealand Derek Asbun, Flanker, Hooker - Oxford University
2nd Tier (players who are expected to play a lot for non-premier teams) Andre Liufau, Prop - Uson, France Roland Suniula, Center, Flyhalf - Auch, France Mate Moeakiola, Prop - Bobigny 93, France Lou Stanfilll, Flanker, Lock - Vicenza, Italy Seta Tuilevuka, Center, Wing - Beziers Jason Law, Lock, Flanker - Oxford University
Notes: Tuilevuka has moved from Montpellier after a year overwhelmed by injury. Shawn Pittman has left London Welsh after two season there, and is still looking for a team. We're still trying to confirm where Inaki Basauri will be. Robbie Shaw was still looking at offers last time we heard.
Andrew Suniula and Mike MacDonald are recovering from surgery. Suniula is reportedly close to a deal in Italy. MacDonald, who has been a professional for six years, is examining his options.
Taylor Mokate, who was playing in New Zealand with Eric Fry, has returned to the USA for a national 7s team contract.
Chris Biller is reportedly still looking, as is Paul Emerick. Emerick has to serve out a suspension first.
And a reminder to those who may have missed it, Kevin Swiryn left Agen early last season and has retired from rugby due to pervasive injuries.
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