Almost a year to the day after announcing his plans to pursue a rugby career, Psalm Wooching will draw a start for the United States national team.
Wooching — a 2012 Kealakehe grad — will suit up as the team’s starting flanker against Chile in the team’s final home match of the Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) on Saturday.
ARC is the top elite tournament for North and South American nations.
Last February, Wooching shocked many when he announced his plan on Twitter to pursue a rugby career rather than the NFL. He was coming off a senior season where he gained a reputation as a feared defender in the Pac-12, leading the Washington in sacks on the way to a berth in the College Football Playoff.
“I will be exchanging shoulder pads for short shorts and rugby boots,” Wooching wrote. “My first love and sport I excelled in was rugby, and it is time for me to follow my heart.”
That journey has quickly come full-circle for Wooching, who will be among a few fresh faces for the US squad against Chile.
“A few players have gone back to their professional setup,” said USA General Manager Dave Hodges. “While that is a challenge we acknowledge and work through, the players who have come into the camp this week have helped energize the team and will add a positive impact to the group.”
The US is currently undefeated in the ARC, notching back-to-back wins over Argentina XV (17-10) and rival Canada (29-10). Chile is winless, sitting firmly at the bottom of the standings.
It will not only be an honor for Wooching to take the field sporting the Red, White and Blue, but it’s also a huge step in advancing his career. By appearing in the match, he will earn his first career cap.
Wooching said in an interview earlier this year that by getting his cap, it will open up doors for him to sign overseas with a professional team full-time when he’s not playing for the national squad.
“I’m ready to take that next step,” Wooching said.
The match against Chile will be broadcast live online on The Rugby Channel (www.therugbychannel.tv).