Titi Lamositele

The prop is a two-time winner of EPCR’s elite competition, lifting the trophy with Saracens in 2017 and 2019. Lamositele, a 32-time USA international, also helped Montpellier Hérault Rugby to the Challenge Cup title in 2021.

The 28-year-old has made a total of 31 appearances in EPCR competitions across his time with Saracens and Montpellier, including four for the TOP 14 club last season’s Heineken Champions Cup, and scored his maiden EPCR try against Harlequins in the 2021/22 Round of 16.

Chris Wyles

Utility back Wyles was a prolific try-scorer in EPCR competitions, crossing 24 times in 67 games. He dotted down twice in three matches for Northampton Saints in the 2006/07 Heineken Cup, his debut EPCR campaign, before joining Saracens.

There, he went on to lift EPCR’s top prize on two occasions – in 2016 and 2017 – scoring nine tries across those triumphant seasons. Wyles retired at Saracens in 2018 with 13 USA appearances to his name.

Dan Lyle

Former USA captain Lyle, who turned out 45 times for his national side, amassed well over 100 appearances for Bath Rugby and helped the English club secure the Heineken Cup in 1998. He scored two tries that campaign, including one in the quarter-finals.

The No.8 led Bath in the 2001/02 season, when they reached the last eight of the Heineken Cup, before leaving for Leicester Tigers the following year. He retired with 30 EPCR appearances to his name.

David Ainu’u

The most recent American winner of the Heineken Champions Cup, Ainu’u was part of the Stade Toulousain side that secured a record-equalling fifth title in 2021, coming off the bench in the final against Stade Rochelais.

The 23-year-old, who has appeared 19 times for USA, is gearing up for his fifth Heineken Champions Cup campaign in 2023/24, having played 10 times in the competition over the previous four seasons.

Taku Ngwenya

Wing Ngwenya is best remembered by EPCR fans for his stunning 80-metre try for Biarritz Olympique against Ospreys in the 2009/10 Heineken Cup quarter-finals in San Sebastián.

The 36-time USA international played 232 games for Biarritz, including 45 in EPCR competitions, before spending a couple of seasons at CA Brive.

Ngwenya averaged just under a try every other EPCR game, crossing 24 times in 52 matches, and lifted the Challenge Cup with Biarritz in 2012, having been on the losing side in the 2010 Heineken Cup final.

Samu Manoa

Versatile forward Manoa featured for three different clubs in EPCR competitions and achieved Challenge Cup glory with Northampton in 2014.

A fan favourite at the English outfit, he scored a hat-trick of tries against Benetton Treviso in the 2014-15 Champions Cup pool stage, his final campaign with the club before joining RC Toulon.

A 22-time USA international, he appeared 12 times in EPCR’s elite competition over the next three seasons with Toulon, and after a season with Cardiff Blues, he had amassed seven tries in 43 games in EPCR competitions.

Blaine Scully

An assured wing and full-back, Scully announced himself with a try on his Heineken Cup debut for Leicester against Benetton in the 2013/14 season.

He joined Cardiff ahead of the 2015/16 campaign and went on to clinch the Challenge Cup with the Welsh region in 2018, going over in the final against Gloucester Rugby. The nine-time USA international totalled seven tries in 24 games in EPCR competitions.

To celebrate Independence Day, we’re taking a look at some of the leading American players in EPCR history, with several having lifted the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge.