Retirement call from Eagles captain Greg Peterson

Men’s Eagles captain Greg Peterson has announced his retirement from professional rugby. The 33-year-old lock, an imposing figure who stands a lofty 6’8″ (2.04m), steps away after a decade of wearing the USA jersey and 51 tests all told, which included selection the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. He took over the captaincy in 2023 and led the side in 11 tests, which concluded with victory in each of their three games in Europe last month.

Peterson’s professional career spans 15 years beginning with the Waratahs in his country of birth. He represented the Australia u20s before opting to commit to the USA in November of 2014, qualifying through his parents. A long stretch in Europe included stops in Leicester, Glasgow, Bordeaux, and Newcastle before most recently turning out with the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby.

The decision comes just a few months away from the next round of World Cup qualifiers, and according to a statement from Peterson is not one he came to easily.

“It was an incredibly hard decision to make, to step away from the game I’ve known and loved for 28 years of my life, 15 years as a career and 10 years with the USA Eagles. I believe it is the right time. I’ve had plenty of highs and lows with the Eagles, all of them have been critical to my success as a player and a person.

“The growth and interest of rugby within the US is incredibly exciting. With the people USA Rugby have in charge, the men’s and women’s 15s and sevens will have incredible opportunities. Bigger games on bigger stages to inspire the nation’s untapped love for this game and its next generation of players. It has been a privilege to play a small role in something beautiful to come.”