The two-time defending champion West RFU squad for the national All-Star championships has yet to be named, although one thing is almost set in stone and that is that John Tarpoff will probably be on the team.
According to West coach Ron Laszewski, Tarpoff, a starter for Welsh club Llanelli, will more than likely slot in as their tighthead prop, "Tarp will also have the luxury of playing and training with John McBride while with the West.
"It's my, and many others, opinion that McBride is one of the best front row technicians in the US today and I'm sure Tarp will take advantage of his situation."
Tarpoff, who plays professionally in Wales and who hails from St Louis, made the USA Eagles squad for this past summer's Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
Laszewski is assisted by USA Rugby's All-American head coach Larry Naifeh who coaches at the University of Oklahoma. Naifeh coached the last two West All-Star teams.
"As far as personnel, the squad isn't complete yet," added Laszewski. "Larry and I have learned that it makes our job pretty easy when we select players that have heaps of experience winning big rugby matches. There are many players floating around the West that have won numerous national championship trophies at both the club and territorial levels. So, look for these kinds of players to take most roster spots."