MLR Off-Season Update – December 13, 2018

It’s been a busy few weeks since our last league-wide update. Most notably the Toronto Arrows have revealed close to their entire roster for the 2019 Major League Rugby season and there have been heaps of sightings elsewhere as players arrive for preseason training.

This time we’ve changed up our approach slightly. All players who have been explicitly listed by their teams in media releases are categorized as ‘confirmed.’ Otherwise they will be listed as ‘unconfirmed.’

The simplest translation for that category is ‘unofficially confirmed.’ In nearly every case the ‘unconfirmed’ players have been verified through direct sources or social media. 

The above numbers represent confirmed players from each of the nine teams for the 2019 season as of December 13. To be clear, San Diego and Utah each have players in camp at the moment but their communication strategy thus far has been to post short videos of training or Instagram photos rather than proper media releases.

In a professional environment this is an unusual approach and wholly inadequate. With a little over six weeks until the new season kicks off kickoff it’s frustrating to see teams dragging their heels on this, but we’re here to help!

For detailed squad lists of every team see our MLR page.

It’s heating up at the shiny new Austin HQ in Round Rock and we’ve had three players confirmed since our last update. Juan Echeverría has finally been made official (we posted him back in October…) and a couple back rowers in Sebastián Kalm and Dom Bailey are also public.

Bailey is the first of five players we identified last week to be officially acknowledged. The other four are hooker Tiaan Erasmus, second row Dylan Pieterse, and outside backs Peni Tagive and Soheyl Jaoudat. Versatile Uruguay back Rodrigo Silva is also on the way.

We’ve since observed that former Seawolves prop LaRome White has joined the team in training, as has Brendan Rams, a South African prop or hooker who was set to play for the Denver Stampede in 2016 before suffering a serious knee injury.

There is also the possibility of a loan player from France – Oyonnax hooker Guilhem Bourgois is well acquainted with Elite flyhalf Timothée Guillimin.

Unconfirmed Returning (11): Mason Pedersen (PR), Chris Schade (PR/HO), Peter Malcolm (HO), Kyle Breytenbach (LO), Ben Mitchell (LO), Mickaël Romera (SH), Timothée Guillimin (FH), Andrew Suniula (CE), Alex Faison-Donahoe (WI), Sione Fangaiuiha (WI), Zinzan Elan-Puttick (FB)

Confirmed In (5): Simon Courcoul (PR, Grasse, FR), Juan Echeverría (PR, Old Christians, UR), Dom Bailey (FL, Chicago Lions), Sebastián Kalm (N8, New Orleans Gold), Andrés Vilaseca (CE, Old Boys, UR)

Unconfirmed In (9): Brendan Rams (PR, Austin Blacks), LaRome White (PR, Seattle Seawolves), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Free State, SA), Josh Larsen (LO, Otago, NZ), Dylan Pieterse (LO, Boland Kavaliers, SA), Travis Larsen (FL, James Bay, CA), Simon Bienvenu (CE, Racing 92, FR), Soheyl Jaoudat (WI, Clermont Auvergne, FR), Peni Tagive (WI, Old Blue), Rodrigo Silva (FB, Carrasco Polo, UR)

Out (11): Robert Drummond (PR, Austin Huns), Tim Fitzgerald (PR, Austin Huns), Paddy Ryan (PR, Rugby United New York), Mike Brown (HO, Rugby United New York), David LeMasters (HO, Austin Huns), Victor Comptat (LO, Houston SaberCats), Ross Deacon (FL, Rugby United New York), Hanco Germishuys (FL, Glendale Raptors), Junior Naruma (FL, Austin Huns), Pedrie Wannenburg (N8, retired), Marcus Walsh (SH, Rugby United New York)

The sleeping giants have awoken! A dozen re-signings have been confirmed though… they might want to spend some extra time learning how to spell their captain’s name properly… 

Two additions have been revealed, both international loose forwards. Hanco Germishuys and Malon Al-Jiboori are strong signings who compensate the loss of Sam Figg and John Quill, the latter reportedly leaving the team recently with an overseas deal seemingly in the works.

There have been numerous players on trial with the club in the fall. At the moment Collegiate All-American hooker Chad Gough is a certainty to join along with USA u20 midfielder Campbell Johnstone. Former Wheeling Jesuit loosehead prop Max Lum also looks to have made the grade along with Clemson flyhalf Colin Gregory.

On the staffing front there is a new forwards coach in Peter Borlase. The former Canterbury prop replaces Kieran Browner, who has stepped down to spend more time with his family.

Confirmed Re-signed (12): Kelepi Fifita (PR), Blake Rogers (PR), Luke White (PR), Kody O’Neil (LO), Connor Cook (FL), Shaun Davies (SH), Carlo de Nysschen (SH), Will Magie (FH), Mika Kruse (CE), Chad London (CE), Ata Malifa (CE), Harley Davidson (WI)

Confirmed In (2): Hanco Germishuys (FL, Austin Elite), Malon Al-Jiboori (N8, San Diego Legion)

Unconfirmed In (4): Max Lum (PR, Southbridge, NZ), Chad Gough (HO, Utah Utes), Colin Gregory (FH/FB, Clemson), Campbell Johnstone (CE, Mount St. Mary’s)

Out (9): Dylan Fawsitt (HO, Rugby United New York), Ben Landry (LO, Ealing Trailfinders, UK), John Quill (FL), Sam Figg (N8, NSW Country Eagles, AU), Grigor Kerdikoshvili (N8, Lelo Saracens, GE), Jake Christmann (SH, Utah Warriors), Bryce Campbell (CE, London Irish, UK), Dustin Croy (WI), Seth Halliman (FB)

Houston now have the bulk of their squad tied down with 25 players confirmed and another two – Uruguayan forwards Diego Magno and Alejandro Nieto – on the way. Only a handful of players who appeared last season are status unknown, one being powerhouse midfielder Joey Iosefa.

Adam Macklin announced his retirement on social media but the team has moved quickly to replace him with another Ireland u20 international prop in Charlie Connolly. Also arriving are Australian flanker Luke Beauchamp and Austin Elite lock Victor Comptat.

The Paul Mullen mystery continues at the moment. While he was originally signed by the Newcastle Falcons through to December, Mullen joined the Eagles as an unattached player and did not return to Newcastle following the November tests, instead traveling to the Aran Islands to visit family. This could well end with the big prop in a SaberCats jersey once again in 2019.

Former Romania defense coach Neil Kelly has been added to the staff. It’s an area that was problematic in 2018 – they conceded an average of 32 points per game – so this looks a savvy addition.

In other news construction on the new AVEVA Stadium has been delayed meaning the early season fixtures will be played at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. It was a popular venue in last year’s preseason and while fans and team alike are keen to move into their new home, the backup is still an improvement over last year’s regular season venue.

Confirmed Under Contract (9): Jamie Dever (PR), Jake Turnbull (PR), Charlie Hewitt (LO), Matt Trouville (LO), Conor Murphy (SH), Sam Windsor (FH), Osea Kolinisau (CE/FB), Josua Vici (WI), Zach Pangelinan (FB)

Confirmed Re-signed (8): Codi Jones (PR), Gabe Romero (HO), Robert Meeson (LO), Chris Coyle (FL), Cecil Garber (FL), Kieran Farmer (FH), Conor Mills (CE), Malacchi Esdale (WI)

Confirmed In (8): Charlie Connolly (PR, RGC 1404, UK), Pat O’Toole (HO, San Diego Legion), Victor Comptat (LO, Austin Elite), Luke Beauchamp (FL, Brothers, AU), Mathew Faoagali (FL, Penrith Emus, AU), Ayron Schramm (N8, Heidelberger RK, DE), Santiago Arata (SH, Old Christians, UR), Max Tacket (CE, Burnaby Lake, CA)

Unconfirmed In (2): Diego Magno (LO, MVCC, UR), Alejandro Nieto (N8, Champagnat, UR)

Out (7): Petey Hepburn (PR, retired), Adam Macklin (PR, retired), Diego Maquieira (HO, New England Free Jacks), Lindsey Stevens (HO, Eastern Suburbs, AU), Justin Allen (LO, Rotherham Titans, UK), Kyle Sumsion (FL/N8, Rugby United New York), Chris Slater (SH, New England Free Jacks)

The Gold now have 30 players out in the open. With further renovations taking place on their newly renamed ‘Gold Stadium’ at Archbishop Shaw in Marrero, this is a team trending in the up direction. We just wish they’d get back on the Twitter train…

Two more players are incoming. All-American flanker Kevin O’Connor has been confirmed by GM Ryan Fitzgerald and Eagles winger Deion Mikesell will join the team after spending four months with the Clermont Auvergne academy program in France.

Other fringe players from last season currently in training with the side are front rower Amro Gouda, second row Billy Stewart, and back row Todd Dupre. With the senior squad effectively sorted there are limited roster spots yet to be filled.

There are some interesting positional choices thus far in their preseason matches. Matt Harmon will play hooker for a second week in a row on Saturday against Stars Rugby, while Malcolm May is getting a look at No8. Nick Feakes is set to play fullback and Zack Stryffeler is getting a run on the flank, where he lined up for the Ohio Aviators in 2016.

Confirmed Re-signed (18): Hubert Buydens (PR), Ben Tarr (PR), Derrek van Klein (PR), Cam Falcon (PR/HO), Eric Howard (HO), Nikola Bursic (LO), William Waguespack (LO), Vince Jobo (FL), John Sullivan (FL), Holden Yungert (SH), JP Eloff (FH), Taylor Howden (FH/CE), Bobby Johns (CE), Zack Stryffeler (CE), Tim Maupin (WI), Joeli Tikoisuva (WI), Michael Baska (FB), Cameron Troxler (FB)

Confirmed In (12): Kevin Sullivan (PR, Cal Golden Bears), Matt Harmon (PR/HO, Life), Kane Thompson (LO, Taranaki, NZ), Ignacio Dotti (LO, Los Cuervos, UR), Kyle Baillie (FL, London Scottish, UK), Malcolm May (FL, Penn State), Cam Dolan (N8, San Diego Legion), Scott Gale (SH, Brisbane City, AU), Nick Feakes (FH/FB, Lindenwood), Tristan Blewett (CE, Southern Kings, SA), Con Foley (CE, Brisbane City, AU), Shawn Riley (WI, Southern Pines)

Unconfirmed In (2): Kevin O’Connor (FL, Trinity College, IR), Deion Mikesell (WI, Lindenwood)

Out (7): Anthony Parry (PR, Rugby United New York), Myles McQuone (LO, Rugby United New York), Matt Wirken (LO, Rugby United New York), Matt Hughston (FL, Rugby United New York), Chad Joseph (FL, Dallas Reds), Sebastián Kalm (N8, Austin Elite), Peceli Rinakama (FH, Utah Warriors)

New York is moving a little slowly in the player release department but the wheels are now moving and with a second preseason match scheduled this weekend against the Capital Selects we should see more names confirmed very soon. For Mike Tolkin & Co. this seems to be more about figuring out which local players to sign on and waiting for visas to come through on some overseas talent.

On that front there appear to be at least five incomers. Two from South Africa – SWD Eagles prop Teunis Nieuwoudt and No8 Alwyn van Vuuren who has been playing rugby league with Collegians in Australia. The other three are Irish. Dolphin captain James Rochford is another prop with former Ireland u20 hooker Sean McNulty coming from Leinster. Coming from Shannon is former Munster academy midfielder Will Leonard.

Myles McQuone and Matt Wirken made their first RUNY appearances against New England, as did prop Paddy Ryan and winger Derek Lipscomb. A new name to keep an eye on is Seimou Smith, an impressive athlete who made the most of his opportunity against the Free Jacks at outside center. Chris Mattina is another solid addition from the Eagles Sevens program.

The team should be well-covered at flyhalf. Cathal Marsh will be first choice with Harry Bennett another option. Eagles cap James Bird is another who could be available while Canada ‘A’ utility back Jack Fitzpatrick played for the side in the spring.

A new addition to the coaching staff is Tiffany Faaee, who captained the USA side to a 4th place finish at the 2017 Women’s World Cup. She will work alongside Kees Lensing with the forwards and is tasked with sharpening up overall tackling technique.

Confirmed Re-signed (10): Dylan Fawsitt (HO), Mike Brown (HO), Nate Brakeley (LO), Ross Deacon (FL/N8), Mike Petri (SH), Marcus Walsh (SH), Seamus Kelly (CE), Mike St. Claire (WI), Luke Hume (WI), Connor Wallace-Sims (FB)

Unconfirmed Re-signed (4): Anthony Parry (PR), Kirk Hamilton (PR), Gavan D’Amore-Morrison (FL), Harry Bennett (FH)

Confirmed In (7): Paddy Ryan (PR, Austin Elite), Alex MacDonald (FL, Trinity College, IR), Matt Hughston (FL, New Orleans Gold), Kyle Sumsion (FL/N8, Houston SaberCats), Cathal Marsh (FH, Leinster, IR), Chris Mattina (CE, Eagles Sevens), Ben Foden (FB, Northampton Saints, UK)

Unconfirmed In (9): Teunis Nieuwoudt (PR, SWD Eagles, SA), James Rochford (PR, Dolphin, IR), Sean McNulty (HO, Leinster, IR), Myles McQuone (LO, New Orleans Gold), Matt Wirken (LO, New Orleans Gold), Alwyn van Vuuren (N8, Collegians RLFC, AU), Will Leonard (CE, Shannon, IR), Seimou Smith (CE, SCSU), Derek Lipscomb (WI, Old Blue)

By far the most mysterious team at the moment is San Diego. There have been zero player announcements with the closest thing being pictures of six players – Dylan Audsley, Pat Blair, Nick Boyer, Ryan Matyas, Mike Te’o, and new arrival Psalm Wooching – at a public function over the weekend.

Nate Augspurger is in recovery mode after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury and Anthony Salaber has left the team to pursue a law degree in Sacramento. The new website is live but all you’ll find there is a schedule and a beanie selling tickets.

Unconfirmed Re-signed (15): Faka’osi Pifeleti (PR), Nathan Sylvia (PR), Sione Tu’ihalamaka (PR), Pat Blair (HO), Gil Covey (HO), Siaosi Mahoni (LO), Devin Short (FL), Drew Gaffney (N8), Nick Boyer (SH), Nate Augspurger (SH/WI), Dylan Audsley (CE), Ryan Matyas (CE/WI), Nick Lupian (WI), Conor Kearns (FB), Mike Te’o (FB)

Unconfirmed In (3): Psalm Wooching (FL, Seattle Saracens), Keni Nasoqeqe (N8, Belmont Shore), Jasa Veremalua (WI, Fiji Sevens, FI)

Out (7): Tony Purpura (PR, New England Free Jacks), Pat O’Toole (HO, Houston SaberCats), Cam Dolan (N8, New Orleans Gold), Malon Al-Jiboori (N8, Glendale Raptors), Ben Cima (FH, Seattle Seawolves), Tadhg Leader (FH, New England Free Jacks), Anthony Salaber (CE)

The Seawolves are bringing the band back together. With 24 players already officially returning and another – Will Holder – presumably still around this is the team with the least turnover from year one. No need to mess with a winning formula.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t adding upgrades. Ben Cima is set to take over the No10 shirt and Roland Suniula adds depth in the midfield. Djustice Sears-Duru gives them five quality props and JP Smith is the second scrumhalf that was a priority signing.

Another lock was also on the shopping list, and he looks to be incoming from the Manawatu Turbos in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup. Brad Tucker was in talks with the team for the 2018 season but didn’t quite fit in the salary cap. It looks as though he will make the jump for 2019.

The latest addition – just announced today – is a good one. Stephan Coetzee joins the team from the Southern Kings as a replacement for Ray Barkwill at hooker. All things considered Seattle looks in pretty good shape.

Confirmed Re-signed (24): Kellen Gordon (PR), John Hayden (PR), Olive Kilifi (PR), Tim Metcher (PR), Mike Shepherd (HO), Dan Trierweiler (HO), Taylor Krumrei (LO), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO), Cam Polson (LO), Eric Duechle (FL), Nakai Penny (FL), Vili Toluta’u (FL), Cole van Harn (FL), Riekert Hattingh (N8), Aladdin Schirmer (N8), Phil Mack (SH), George Barton (CE), William Rasileka (CE), Shalom Suniula (CE), Sequoyah Burke-Combs (WI), Dion Crowder (WI), Peter Tiberio (WI), Brock Staller (WI/FB), Mat Turner (FB)

Confirmed In (3): Stephan Coetzee (HO, Southern Kings, SA), Ben Cima (FH, San Diego Legion), Roland Suniula (CE, Austin Elite)

Unconfirmed In (3): Djustice Sears-Duru (PR, Toronto Arrows), Brad Tucker (LO, Manawatu Turbos, NZ), JP Smith (SH, Eastern Province, SA)

Out (7): Louie Henson (PR), LaRome White (PR, Austin Elite), Ray Barkwill (HO), Peter Smith (FH, Toronto Arrows – Coach), Mike Garrity (CE), Mozac Samson (CE), Jeremy Misailegalu (WI, Utah Warriors)

Toronto has thrown down the gauntlet. In the space of 39 days between being officially unveiled by MLR and their media conference in Toronto on Tuesday, the team has loosed 34 Arrows into the public arena. It’s clear these guys mean business.

There are 22 players returning and 12 newcomers, and very few loose ends. With only two hookers signed up at the moment look for academy members Jack McRogers and Cam Sandison to fill in when required.

The recent departure of Djustice Sears-Duru to Seattle provides an opportunity for Mike Smith at loosehead prop where Canada are thin on quality. Tom Dolezel is also more than capable of filling in – he won all of his test caps on the left side of the scrum.

Perhaps another area of interest is outside center. All of the midfield options are better suited to the No12 shirt, but there is also huge depth in the outside backs. Dan Moor should get a look having played there in his university days, and Jack Evans is another who could get consideration.

Even the coaching staff has now been revealed. As expected Chris Silverthorn will head up the team with the usual suspects and there is one interesting addition – MLR-winning flyhalf Peter Smith arrives after retiring from the Seawolves. If nothing else the Arrows should have well-prepared kickers!

Bottom line, this is a very impressive outfit who seem to be getting things right on and off the field. Next week they will confirm their playing venues for the 2019 season. The use of plural is intentional.

Confirmed Re-signed (22): Rob Brouwer (PR), Tom Dolezel (PR), Cole Keith (PR), Mike Smith (PR), Steven Ng (HO), AJ Quattrin (HO), Paul Ciulini (LO), Mike Sheppard (LO), Josh van Horne (LO), Tom van Horne (LO), Peter Milazzo (FL), Lucas Rumball (FL), Marcello Wainwright (FL), Kolby Francis (N8), Riley DiNardo (SH), Andrew Ferguson (SH), Shawn Windsor (FH), Jamie Leveridge (CE), Mitch Richardson (CE), Kainoa Lloyd (WI), Johnny Sheridan (WI), Aaron McLelland (FB)

Confirmed In (12): Morgan Mitchell (PR, Southland Stags, NZ), John Moonlight (FL, Canada Sevens), Jack Nay (N8, Saracens, UK), Jamie Mackenzie (SH, Balmy Beach), Sam Malcolm (FH, Manawatu Turbos, NZ), Spencer Jones (FH/CE, Westshore), Guiseppe du Toit (CE, UVic Vikes), Dan Moor (CE/WI, Yorkshire Carnegie, UK), Leandro Leivas (WI, Old Christians, UR), Gastón Mieres (WI/FB, Lobos, UR), Jack Evans (FB, Cardiff RFC, UK), Theo Sauder (FB, UBC Thunderbirds)

Out (3): Djustice Sears-Duru (PR, Seattle Seawolves), Alex Gliksten (SH, Saracens, UK), Will Kelly (FH, Dragons, UK)

Utah, like, San Diego, have yet to make any official player announcements with random pictures on social media and a Warrior logo in a Santa hat all we’ve been offered. Throw us a bone here people.

Thankfully after pining over various Instagram stories we’ve been able to identify some newcomers, with Eagles prop Huluholo Mo’ungaloa the most notable of the new batch. There is still no mention of Josh Reeves by anyone involved with Utah. Perplexing to say the least.

Unconfirmed Re-signed (17): Angus MacLellan (PR), Alex Tucci (PR), Alex Vorster (HO), John Cullen (LO), Matt Jensen (LO), Jackson Kaka (FL), Kenny Scott (FL), Saia Uhila (N8), Lance Williams (N8), AJ Tu’ineau (CE), Jared Whippy (CE), Fetu’u Vainikolo (CE/WI), Vernon Ale (WI), Josh Anderson (WI), Tonata Lauti (WI), Josh Whippy (WI/FB), Don Pati (FB)

Unconfirmed In (8): Huluholo Mo’ungaloa (PR, Life West), Logan Daniels (HO, Hamilton Marist, NZ), Tucker Francis (FL, Park City Haggis), Jake Christmann (SH, Glendale Raptors), Ian Luciano (SH, New England Free Jacks), Josh Reeves (FH, Bandeirantes, BR), Peceli Rinakama (FH, New Orleans Gold), Jeremy Misailegalu (WI, Seattle Seawolves)

Out (4): David Tameilau (N8, Glasgow Warriors, UK), Kurt Morath (FH, Doncaster Knights, UK), Jonny Linehan (FH, retired), Paul Lasike (CE, Harlequins, UK)