Former Lions and Pumas centre Wayne van der Bank says playing Test rugby for the USA “was always part of a five-year plan”.
The 29-year-old was part of a USA Eagles alignment camp in San Diego last week, alongside fellow South Africans Dan Kriel and Rhyno Herbst.
Van der Bank, who has played for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby since 2022, qualifies for the USA next year ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“I think it’s a great privilege to represent any country,” Van der Bank told Netwerk24. “It was a really good week with the guys, and it was great to get to know coach Scott [Lawrence] and all the players.
“It was also good to understand how they see the game and what they want to build.”
MORE: Ex-Junior Boks set to soar with USA Eagles
A product of Hoërskool Menlopark, Van der Bank made his senior debut for the Lions in 2017 before moving to the Pumas, and also spent time in the Junior Boks and national sevens structures without earning official caps.
“It was always part of a five-year plan – to be eligible to play [for the USA], and hopefully to be part of a World Cup,” he said. “When I said that five years ago, I didn’t know if it would actually happen.
“But after this camp, I’m definitely very driven and motivated. I’ll do everything in my power to get selected.”
ALSO: JP’s assistant gets USA gig
Van der Bank has been a standout performer in America and was named MLR Player of the Year in 2024.
“Growing up in South Africa, every guy dreams of playing for the Springboks,” he said. “But playing for America would be just as big an honour for me.
“I’d value it the same. I’d work just as hard. We really enjoy life here, the club looks after me and my wife incredibly well, and we’ve grown to love America.”
The post USA Eagles opportunity excites Saffa appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
