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Old Glory DC are closing in on Mary Washington halfback Harry Masters. The 24-year-old undrafted free agent revealed the pending move in a television interview with WIN News. Once the contract has been formally completed, he should reunite with teammate Matthew Gordon, a 2nd round draft pick, and former UMW Director of Rugby Tim Brown at DC.
[EDIT: Old Glory DC have clarified that while the team are in talks with Masters, a formal contract has yet to be signed between the player and club.]
Masters hails from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, and joined UMW in 2017. He has played both halfback positions for the University but at 5’8″ (1.72m) and 175lbs (80kg) likely projects as a scrumhalf in Major League Rugby.
In 2019 Masters was a 3rd team Collegiate All-American selection and started at No9 for MCAA’s against the Canadian University All-Stars at Infinity Park. Gordon lined up at lock in that match but should feature as a loose forward for DC.
While both Masters and Gordon will have completed the three-year residency requirement later this year, they will first need to be approved by World Rugby before being declared officially eligible to represent the USA. College athletes must provide evidence of primary residency and self-sufficiency to achieve clearance in their adopted country.
Now approaching their second season of MLR, Old Glory have also acquired a pair of towering second row prospects in the off-season. 6’7″ (2.01m) David Beach was signed as a free agent prior to the Collegiate Draft with 6’8″ (2.03m) Kutztown standout Casey Renaud picked 11th overall.
