USA prop Shawn Pittman is training and playing with Trinity, the rugby club for Dublin University.

Pittman follows a long line of USA players who have played under current USA assistant Tony Smeeth at Trinity, notably current Eagle flanker Scott LaValla, who captained Trinity.

College rugby is a little different in Ireland compared to the USA. Trinity plays in the All Ireland League against clubs as well as other colleges, and because of that and rules within the school, can field non-students in occasional games.

Pittman did not arrive in Ireland before the deadline to be eligible for All Ireland League games, but he can play in  games, friendlies, and the Leinster Cup. He suited up for Trinity’s 2nds on Monday against Clontarf and is expected to be on the bench for Friday night’s match against St. Mary’s.

Smeeth said the idea is to help the team, but also give Pittman some game time, since he has not played since June.

“Shawn is a good guy,” said Smeeth. “He must have put down 30 live scrums [Tuesday] in a tough session with our 1st XV. We hope to get him three games before the Russia game.”

Pittman is expected to be on the USA squad that will play Russia November 9, Tonga November 17, and Romania November 24.