After 51 Tests and two Rugby World Cups, USA Men’s Eagles captain Greg Peterson has called time on his professional rugby career. Peterson leaves behind a special legacy with the Eagles, having served as both a leader and a key player during a 10-year international career.
Peterson began playing the sport at five years old in Sydney, Australia, and later went on to play for prestigious rugby-playing high school The Scots College. The forward then moved into the professional ranks with the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby.
Before playing for the Eagles, Peterson entered the fray of international rugby with the Australia U20 side at the 2011 and 2011 World Rugby U20 Championships. Peterson’s first leadership role came soon after with the North Harbour Rays in the 2014 NRC season.
That same year, Peterson debuted for the Eagles against Romania in November. The second-rower was selected in the USA’s squad for the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015, and he was also picked four years later for the showpiece event in Japan.
Peterson has played all over the world. After heading overseas to pursue opportunities with Leicester Tigers, Glasgow Warriors, Union Bordeaux Begles and Newcastle Falcons, Peterson signed with San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby earlier this year.
But after the USA’s unbeaten run during the November international window, Peterson has retired from professional rugby 10 years after debuting at Test level. The USA will look to begin their Rugby World Cup qualification next year without their inspirational skipper.
“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,” Peterson said in a statement.
“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. I want to thank all the coaches, medical staff, administrative staff and teammates for your support, guidance and help throughout my playing career.
“I want to thank my parents, Carl and Diane, for giving me the drive, support and encouragement and most importantly, my wife Tess, without her, all that I achieved wouldn’t have been possible.”
Peterson captained the USA in their three November internationals against Portugal, Tonga and Spain. The skipper played the 80 minutes in two of those matches, and very well would’ve done the same against the Spaniards had it not been for a yellow card and subsequent suspension.
But it was still a memorable month for USA Rugby. As one of only 12 Men’s Eagles to have passed the 50-Test mark, Peterson leaves behind a mark on American rugby that will be felt for generations to come.
“The next step is daunting, yet exciting and I believe my career as a rugby player has given me some incredible skills and experiences to prepare for it,” Peterson explained.
“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 the game and its next generation of players. It has been a privilege to play a small role in something beautiful to come.”
