Utility back Marcel Brache is on track to play in next year's rugby World Cup in Japan - and he has the Western Force to thank for it.
Brache has now notched 10 international caps for the USA, including the shock 30-29 win over Scotland earlier this month.
That victory was America's first over a tier-one rugby nation, boosting the country's hopes of causing some similar boilovers at the World Cup.
Brache has flourished since arriving at the Force at the end of 2013.
The 30-year-old stuck by the franchise when it was axed from Super Rugby last year, and his form in World Series Rugby helped him secure a berth in the US side for their recent Test wins over Scotland, Russia and Canada.
The US beat Russia 62-13 and Canada 42-17 either side of their shock victory over Scotland.
Brache, who was born in the US before being raised in South Africa, thanked the Force for taking a punt on him in 2013.
"It's down to the foundations the Force have laid for me, getting me to a place where I can play international rugby for my country," Brache said.
"I'm so grateful to the Force, for firstly developing me into a player and a human that I am, and then to allow me to go over each time to represent my country."
The US face a monumental challenge at the World Cup after being placed in a group featuring France, England, Argentina and Tonga.
"We wouldn't have it any other way," Brache said of the task ahead.
"We've got some tough sides to compete against. We'll just take it in our stride.
"(The win over Scotland) was a huge game for all of us. It's something we'll definitely cherish for a long time."
Brache will now turn his attention back to WSR.
The Force will be aiming to snap a two-game losing streak when they take on a Samoan representative side on July 14 at nib Stadium.
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