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USA captain Todd Clever thrown out of squad less than two months before Rugby World Cup

Did somebody say Saipan?

IN THE LAST decade, Todd Clever had become one of the most instantly recognisable American rugby players.

His long, wavy ponytail made him stand out like a sore thumb, but he also had a reputation for being hard as nails, as Tommy Bowe can attest to, following their meeting with Ireland at the last World Cup.

Tim Nesdale / YouTube

But despite Clever being one of the USA’s most important players since he made his debut in 2003, his 2015 tournament looks in doubt, after being thrown out of the Eagles’ squad at the weekend.

The USA Eagles released a statement, explaining that “multiple squad conduct violations” were the reason for Clever being sent home from their Nations Cup campaign.

In a brief statement, head coach Mike Tolkin said: “Such behavior is contrary to the team culture that players and management have been fostering within the Eagles over time”

The statement gave no indication as to whether the captain  - who is just five caps short of setting the national record – will be reconsidered for selection for the tournament in September.

Here’s hoping the trouble didn’t stem from his appearance in ESPN’S Body Issue.

The Body Issue / YouTube

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    Mute Adrian Gannon
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    Jul 20th 2015, 12:05 PM

    Replaced as captain by Chris Wyles and then reportedly missed two mandatory sessions/meetings. Unfortunate but no one player is greater than the team!

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    Mute Peter Slattery
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    Jul 20th 2015, 12:44 PM

    You could say his behavior isn’t very… clever.

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    Mute mcdb06
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    Jul 20th 2015, 4:01 PM

    I thought I told you to trim those sideburns!!

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    Mute Kieran Flub Fanning
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    Jul 20th 2015, 11:19 AM

    Best player they have exceptions must be made

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    Mute hard yaka
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    Jul 20th 2015, 11:33 AM

    Roy Keane saipan

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    Mute Andy Byrne
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    Jul 20th 2015, 1:07 PM

    Rules are rules and they apply to everyone!

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Jul 20th 2015, 6:10 PM

    Nothing like Roy Keane. This guy broke the rules, was unprofessional and didn’t care about his team, Keane was the opposite, he wanted to win a World Cup not just go on a holiday and his biggest problem was the set up was unprofessional not him.

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    Mute Dead Ball Browne
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    Jul 20th 2015, 10:28 PM

    Does Anthony Foley have his #!

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    Mute Sean O Sullivan
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    Jul 20th 2015, 11:46 AM

    That wasn’t ‘clever’ on his part, ill show myself out

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