NOTTINGHAM Rugby scrum half Tim Usasz has once again earned a call-up to the USA national side in their quest for World Cup qualification.

The 26-year-old made a big impression touring with the Eagles during the summer, knocking captain Mike Petri off the starting spot within two weeks.

The USA face two difficult tests against Uruguay in a series which will determine who goes through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Usasz is delighted to be involved again.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to going out to America and being part of the squad again.

"We had a pretty tough Churchill Cup during the summer and then played Canada in the World Cup qualifiers.

"We only managed to beat Georgia in the Cup and had some difficult games against the likes of England Saxons but it was a great experience."

The USA failed to qualify for the tournament earlier this year when they lost out in a similar series to Canada and Usasz said: "We had a good first game against Canada. But in the second we were outclassed and obviously didn't make it through to the Rugby World Cup.

"We've got another shot this month against Uruguay, who we have to beat if we want to be involved in New Zealand.

"I think it'll be a tough couple of games but I'm really looking forward to it because it will be really good to catch up with the boys and play a bit of rugby out there.

"We play both home and away so I won't be back here until the end of November so will miss out on the Bristol and Heriots games over the next couple of weeks.

"I will be back in action for the British and Irish Cup game against Neath on November 29.

"It's not ideal to be unavailable for big games like Bristol but it's a huge honour to go out and represent your country."

Usasz will be in action for the USA Eagles against Uruguay on November 14 and then again on November 21.