Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Rampaging Tonga ‘A’ center Paki Afu is the latest in a busy week of signings for Austin Elite ahead of the upcoming Major League Rugby season. The 27-year-old made a splash during the Americas Pacific Challenge tournament in Montevideo, scoring two tries in an impressive performance against Canada ‘A’. Afu was the second player announcement of the day and one of a half-dozen confirmed since Monday.
Former France age-grade flyhalf Timothée Guillemin was the first player unveiled on Wednesday, an expected signing who has made the move across from Austin Huns. Tuesday saw a pair of outside backs added in Antonio Winn from the Austin Blacks and Allan Hanson, formerly of the Ohio Aviators in PRO Rugby. On Monday it was another Austin Blacks regular and former Davenport scrumhalf Knute O’Donnell along with Huns winger Sani Taylor.
Last week saw the additions of Huns prop Mason Pedersen and former USA Sevens rep Zac Mizell, a versatile back who has been signed primarily as a flyhalf. Both Pedersen and Mizell were also part of PRO Rugby in 2016 for the San Diego Breakers and Aviators respectively. Both Pedersen and Mizell have represented the All-Americans and USA Select XV.
Already confirmed by the team are Eagles hooker Peter Malcolm, Australian midfielder Sione Fangaiuiha, Collegiate All-American winger Vetekina Malafu, Huns fullback Zinzan Elan-Puttick, and USA u20 scrumhalf Michael Reid. Prominent French coach Alain Hyardet will lead the team in their inaugural season.
