Paul Emerick hinted in an interview with RUGBYMag.com Wednesday that his Eagle days could be coming to a close soon.

Emerick was a major bright spot for the USA, and has been all season, with his major improvement is avoiding getting in trouble with the refs.

“I have had a pretty disciplined year,” he said. “You want to be aggressive but I also didn’t want to get in trouble.”

He also scored a try against Ireland and set up the USA’s only try against Italy. He now is second all-time with 14 tries for the Eagles, and is one cap behind Mike Hercus for most caps by a USA back.

The former University of Northern Iowa All American said he still hopes to find a place with a professional club, but that has always been hard despite his accomplishments. He has a European passport now, which should make it easier, but Emerick said the situation has to be right.

Whether he goes that route or stays with Life University, he has some decisions to make about test match rugby.

“I know I am coming to the point where I have to think about what I am going to do after rugby,” he said. “I am at 47 caps and sure I’d love to have 50. But it has to be the right situation where I have to make the commitment to play test rugby. It would be nice to get 50 caps, I’m not going to lie.”

Looking ahead, the longtime pro said he’d like to get into coaching, starting by shadowing coaches and eventually running a team.

“I’ve had a lot of experience playing this game and I think it’s only right I try to give something back,” he said.

Emerick acknowledged that some things had gone well for him, but quickly changed the subject to his captain.

“I think of my career and when I felt I played my best, and it was when I was 25-28 years old,” Emerick said. “Todd Clever is right in that zone now and he’s just been amazing. He’s ahead of where I was. He has become a great leader and he is just so physical – he gets into contact without a second thought.”