Familiar face looks to help USA Eagles soar against Ireland

Security will be tight in the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey tomorrow night for the clash between the USA and Ireland but AJ MacGinty is no stranger to being escorted in and out of this fixture.

MacGinty, the Dublin native who played a key role in Connacht’s PRO12 campaign last year and who will be out-half for the USA against Ireland tomorrow evening, was beginning his American odyssey four years ago when Ireland beat their hosts, 15-12, in Houston.

He left Ireland with a degree in accountancy and after working for a time in a pub in New York, resumed his studies in Atlanta and began working his way through the rugby ranks in the US. He headed to the match in Houston knowing players from both teams and recalls the incredible pre-match atmosphere at the BBVA Compass Stadium.