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USA Eagle and current Newcastle Falcon forward Todd Clever has joined forces with the Austin Huns in their quest to bring professional rugby to Texas. As of April 1st, Clever joins the Huns Management Group as a co-owner and strategic partner. Last month the Huns announced ambitious plans to professionalize their team and build a stadium to be used for professional rugby on their current grounds.
Clever is also charged with developing a professional structure for the team, recruiting players, contributing to the development of a state of the art training center, and serving as an ambassador for the Austin Youth Summer Camps.
Austin Huns Rugby is pleased to announce that USA Eagles icon, Todd Clever, will be an official partner in creating the professional rugby team and complex in Austin, TX.
“Having one of the most iconic U.S. players on our team will bring invaluable insight to the success of this project,” says Richard Osborn, President of Huns Rugby Management in a release from the club. “He will strongly compliment our efforts to create an impactful, high-caliber rugby program in Texas, which we hope to serve as a model for other clubs in the country.”
“I’m really excited about the project in Austin. From youth development to an elite structure, I know I can make a difference and am happy to bring my experience to the table.” said Todd Clever. “This is not a retirement from my playing career. I still have the burning urge to compete, but I understand You can’t play professional rugby forever and this opportunity to partner with the Huns is ideal for my transition from playing to the administrative side of things. I’m looking forward to bringing the knowledge that I have from my 10+ years of overseas professional rugby.”
Rumors have been swirling that Clever was set to join the San Diego PRO Rugby franchise, but given the responsibilities of his new position it seems unlikely that he would be able to juggle his duties with the Huns and playing PRO Rugby in San Diego. By his own accord, Clever doesn’t appear ready to quit playing professionally, so it remains a possibility.
Where the Huns rofessional side lands is another story entirely as PRO is currently using the centrally owned approach and not selling stand alone franchises. Griffins Rugby, a Red River Conference competitor of the Huns, has also begun to professionalize their squad in recent years. With known professional interests in Houston, there is a chance that fans are seeing the very early signs of a professional competition in Texas.
