USA host Portugal in historic Independence Day rugby Test

Portugal’s national rugby team begin their Nations Cup campaign on Saturday, July 4, with a historic first Test against the United States on American soil, as the Eagles host Os Lobos on Independence Day in Denver.

The match at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park kicks off at 7pm local time in Denver (2am on Sunday in mainland Portugal).

World Rugby has billed the fixture as one of the standout matches of the opening round, with Portugal arriving in impressive form after winning the 2026 Rugby Europe Championship in March and extending their unbeaten run to seven matches.

The United States, meanwhile, are playing their first Test of 2026 and will be led by captain Jason Damm, who starts in the second row. Head coach Scott Lawrence has selected former Germany international Christopher Hilsenbeck at fly-half, while Perry Mayo is in line to make his Test debut. Experienced playmaker AJ MacGinty remains unavailable, with Luke Carty named among the replacements.

For the Eagles, the fixture is an important step in preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and the longer-term build-up to hosting the tournament in 2031.

Portugal will once again be captained jointly by José Madeira and Tomás Appleton. Veteran scrum-half Samuel Marques returns to the squad, although key players Rodrigo Marta and Nicolás Martins are unavailable.

World Rugby highlighted Portugal’s effective kicking game, strong lineout and disciplined style as major strengths that have helped propel Os Lobos to one of the best runs in their history.

A victory in Denver would extend Portugal’s impressive run of form and provide another significant result as Os Lobos continue to establish themselves among rugby’s rising nations.

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