Where Eagles Dream - A documentary following the USA as they take on the mighty All Blacks

Where Eagles Dream, the behind the scenes documentary with USA Rugby ahead of last October's seminal fixture versus the All Blacks in Washington DC, has been released. RugbyPass was given exclusive access to film the preparations for the prestigious match and while the 104-14 result wasn't the kindest for the Americans, their enthusiasm to try and bridge the gap was vividly captured.

The documentary, which will be available for free on therugbynetwork.com, sees RugbyPass follow the Eagles in the gym, on the pitch, at their team hotel, on the bus and inside the locker room before, during and after the Test match against the touring New Zealand. 

Where Eagles Dream includes interviews with USA head coach Gary Gold and a host of players, offering an intimate glimpse into the dedication they have for the game and their team at a critical time for the sport in America.  

USA Rugby have been tipped to host rugby’s greatest spectacle - the World Cup - in 2031, but concerns exist over their team's current performances and to make their challenge versus the All Blacks even more difficult, they had to do without the services of their overseas-based professionals for the match as the game fell outside the World Rugby regulations governing player release. 

What materialised for a team that consisted of players solely chosen from the MLR was a documentary that highlighted the struggle that America faces as a professional rugby team and shone a rare spotlight on a squad that is trying to buck the narrative of being a developing rugby nation.

Coach Gold said: “As a team, we learn the toughest lessons in our toughest results. We certainly learnt a lot on that historic day and now move forward with those lessons. Our guys showed a great amount of determination and tenacity in Washington DC, I’m happy to see that shared with the world through this project.”

USA Rugby CEO Ross Young added: “A thank you goes out to Rugby Pass and The Rugby Network for their interest and investment in this project. Results aside, we are pleased to share this experience with USA Eagles fans and gain insight into the players’ journey to the biggest stage. 

"This match and event as a whole was a snapshot in time for USA Rugby, one to set goals by as we evolve within the global rugby landscape and target a Rugby World Cup on American soil.”