24-team World Cup would suit MacGinty

AJ MACGINTY is pumped to fire Bristol’s potent back division this season, but after having a rare full pre-season this summer admits he has been watching the World Cup with mixed feelings. 

- PAUL REES

The outside-half was the USA’s captain last year when, having lost to Uruguay and Chile in the Americas qualification phase, they drew with Portugal in Dubai last year after conceding a last-minute penalty and missed out on the final place in France.

It was a major setback for the USA who are hosting the 2031 World Cup and MacGinty admitted qualification for the 2027 tournament in Australia was essential.

“For four years my big picture was playing in the France World Cup,” said MacGinty. “Not to be there is extremely disappointing, to say the least. It was, and is, a brutal feeling.

“We felt ashamed at letting down American rugby by not getting the job done. We were not good enough and Portugal and Uruguay have gone pretty well in the World Cup with Chile having their moments.

“There has been a revamp in USA rugby with a new coaching team and high performance unit. It is about relaying foundations to make sure that we are at the next World Cup and get out of the group when we are the hosts in 2031.