Former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers man Peter Lupton is to captain the USA in internationals against South Africa this week.
Lupton featured for Leeds Rhinos at loose forward in an academy Grand Final victory over rivals Bradford Bulls but started his Super League career with London Broncos.
He then went on to play for Hull FC, Castleford Tigers and Crusaders in the top flight, meaning he played 176 games, scoring 37 times.
He also represented Wales on an international level, including three World Cup appearances in 2013.
One of those appearances came against the USA, in a 24-16 win for the Americans – but now he is an international for them instead.
Former Leeds Rhinos man to captain country in historic internationals
Credit: CHRIS MANGNALL /SWPIX.COM
Lupton, after time in the lower divisions in the UK, moved to the USA in 2016 to join the Boston 13s, before being named as head coach in 2017.
This is a role he holds today, despite a brief spell in rugby union, and he will now captain the nation in their first-ever internationals in South Africa, games which will be for IRL world ranking points.
He has already made two appearances for the States, first in a narrow 30-26 victory over Jamaica in 2023 and most recently in a draw against Canada in March this year.
He said, via a statement: “This tour is a great test for the USARL to show the intent of being a strong nation for the next World Cup cycle.”
Elsewhere in the USA squad is another former Super League man in Daniel Vidot, who played for Salford Red Devils and a number of NRL sides.
Meanwhile, another former Red Devil, Sean Rutgerson, is the side’s coach.
The squads of both the USA and South Africa are strictly comprised of domestic players, in an attempt to build towards future international competitions.
South Africa are looking forward to the 2025 World Series, a qualification tournament for the 2026 World Cup, and have signalled their intent to bid for the 2030 edition.
