MLR Off-Season Update – October 4

It’s been a month and chance since our last Major League Rugby update, and much has happened. Most notable is confirmation that the Kanaloa Hawai’i bid was not approved and the 4th season will kick off on March 20 with 13 teams and some familiar broadcast partners.

The Kanaloa news is disappointing but not particularly surprising. From the start they appeared more interested in Super Rugby than MLR, but as we found out this past week it turns out they didn’t have the financial backing for either – at least not without exceptional guarantees. One does hope a different group takes up the Hawaiian challenge in the future.

There is interest from elsewhere in the continental USA. Chicago is strongly hinted to be on the path to becoming the first Midwest franchise, and the revival of the Ohio Aviators brand is worth watching. Rumors of a potential Miami team have also circulated for some time, and it remains to be seen if the Miami Sun entry at the World Tens Series has any legs beyond Bermuda.

Five players on the latest Aviators roster for the tournament are not currently attached to MLR clubs – Chris Baumann, Paddy Ryan, Bryce Campbell, Tiaan Loots, and Cristian Rodriguez. Expect four of those to play in the 2021 season with one a question mark.

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

Not much has happened over the past several weeks for the AG’s. In fact their only announcement has been the signing of Super Rugby veteran Robbie Coetzee. The 31-year-old hooker has had some injury troubles but should feel revitalised after a long break heading into his first MLR campaign.

The original Aviators announcement listed Bryce Campbell as an Austin player, though they have since revised it to ‘unattached.’ Rest assured the midfielder will enjoy a Texas-sized cocktail or two this season, and Eagles teammate James Hilterbrand remains in the team’s sights.

Two Canadian internationals are on the way. One is big second row Reegan O’Gorman, who has played much of his rugby in New Zealand. The other shall remain nameless for now. A young All-American scrumhalf is also reportedly set to arrive.

Under Contract: Michael de Waal (FL, 2022), Pele Cowley (SH), Frank Halai (CE/WI)

Re-signed: Jamie Mackintosh (LH), LaRome White (LH), Brendan Rams (HO/TH), Mason Pedersen (TH), Moe Abdelmonem (FL), Dominic Akina (FL), Dom Bailey (FL), Marcelo Torrealba (SH), Will Magie (FH, 2022), Kurt Morath (FH, 2021), Rodrick Waters (WI), Zinzan Elan-Puttick (FB, 2022)

Draft Picks: Mason Koch (HO, Dartmouth), Lui Sitama (CE, AIC)

In: Robbie Coetzee (HO, Lions, SA), Christian Ostberg (LO, Aurillac, FR), Cam Dodson (LO/N8, GCU)

Out: Skyler Adams (LH, Dallas Jackals), Chris Schade (LH/HO), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Houston SaberCats), Wilton Rebolo (HO/TH, Rugby United New York), Juan Echeverría (TH, Peñarol, UR), Potu Leavasa (LO/FL, Counties Manukau, NZ), Rodrigo Silva (FB, Peñarol, UR)

 

DALLAS JACKALS

Three players have put pen-to-paper with the Jackals over the past month. Mike Brown arrives from RUNY to give them three solid hooker options. The backline will be bristling with talent as two young Fijian arrive in Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Jonetani Vasurakuta.

Dallas are yet to confirm Marco Fepulea’i, who should still be on the way. Look for more arrivals by way of Colorado in the coming weeks. A second row with MLR experience has also signed on as the squad for the inaugural campaign starts to fill out.

Draft Picks: Bronson Teles (FL, Arizona Wildcats), Tommy Clark (FL/N8, AIC), Levi van Lanen (CE, Wisconsin-Whitewater), Conner Mooneyham (WI, Life Running Eagles)

In: Skyler Adams (LH, Austin Gilgronis), Kelepi Fifita (LH/TH, Colorado Raptors), Mike Brown (HO, Rugby United New York), Chad Gough (HO, Colorado Raptors), James Malcolm (HO, London Scottish, UK), Kareem Odeh (TH, Life Running Eagles), Theo McFarland (LO, Manuma Samoa, WS), Kody O’Neil (LO, Colorado Raptors), Hank Stevenson (LO, Toronto Nomads), Wian Conradie (FL, Doncaster Knights, UK), Conrado Roura (FL, Ceibos, AR), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, Colorado Raptors), Jinho Mun (SH, Dallas Harlequins), Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (FH, Naitasiri, FI), Campbell Johnstone (CE, Colorado Raptors), Chad London (CE, Colorado Raptors), Jonetani Vasurakuta (CE, Nadroga, FI), Ryan James (WI, Colorado Raptors)

 

HOUSTON SABERCATS

The SaberCats continue to trickle out information and they could well be the team to watch in the West. Valdemar Lee-Lo, Charlie Connolly, Thomas Morani, and Zack Godfrey will all return next season and the signing of Seattle lock Jérémy Lenaerts should not go unnoticed. He adds steel to an already powerful Houston scrum.

Two young Canadian signings are still to be announced, as is the Rugby HTX roster which contains several players with MLR appearances on their resume. Much of the focus has been on the new academy side but new arrivals – and some key returnees – should pop up in the social media feed soon.

Under Contract: Valdemar Lee-Lo (LH), Kyle Breytenbach (LO), De Wet Roos (SH), Matías Freyre (CE/FB), Zack Godfrey (WI)

Re-signed: Charlie Connolly (TH), Luke Beauchamp (FL), Cecil Garber (FL), Sam Windsor (FH), Kieran Farmer (FH/WI), Thomas Morani (CE), Malacchi Esdale (WI), Zach Pangelinan (FB)

Draft Picks: n/a

In: Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Austin Gilgronis, 2022), Nik Hildebrand (LH/TH, Pacific Pride), Nikoloz Khatiashvili (TH, Enisei STM, RU), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Seattle Seawolves, 2022), Apisai Tauyavuca (LO, Zebre, IT), Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Utah Warriors), Moa Maliepo (CE, Timisoara, RO)

Out: Boyd Wiggins (TH, retired), Victor Comptat (LO, Olympique Marcquois, FR), Tiaan Loots (CE)

 

LA GILTINIS

LA were meant to poke their sleepy heads up in early September – alas nothing. Perhaps the delayed kickoff for 2021 allowed for more time in reflection. They are also waiting on Darren Coleman to finish out the Shute Shield season with Gordon, who obliterated Penrith this past weekend to maintain their spot at the top of the table with one week left in the regular season.

Moves have been behind the scenes. Lindsey Stevens was acquired in a trade with NOLA while draft pick Stephen McLeish is the first outgoing player from LA without even playing a game for the team. The signing of Canada star DTH van der Merwe is said to be a done deal, while ex-Raptors Luke White and Mika Kruse are still waiting to be announced alongside Blake Rogers and Nick Boyer.

Australian talent will definitely be on display, though of the five Super Rugby players named in June only flanker Angus Cottrell remains in the picture. Matt Giteau recently launched Backline Wines in partnership with Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper. Could all three be involved in MLR next season?

Draft Picks: Stephen McLeish (HO, Lindenwood Lions), Watson Filikitonga (CE, Iona College)

In: Blake Rogers (LH, Colorado Raptors), Lindsey Stevens (HO, NOLA Gold), Nick Boyer (SH, Colorado Raptors)

OUT: Stephen McLeish (HO, NOLA Gold)

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

This past month was one of the biggest in Free Jacks history. A steady stream of signing announcements perhaps overshadowed a highly impressive new academy program that should pay dividends to the club for years to come.

On the player front the newcomers are South African front rowers Xandré Vos and Pieter Jansen, ex-Colorado scrumhalf Sean Yacoubian, and Mitre 10 Cup duo Joe Johnston and Aleki Morris-Lome. The latter lifted the Ranfurly Shield last weekend, wrestling the Log o’ Wood away from Donald Brighouse who had won it the week before!

Returning players confirmed are props Kyle Ciquera and Quentin Newcomer, locks Ronan McCusker and Conor Kindregan, and outside back Beaudein Waaka. Draft pick Spencer Krueger was also confirmed to have signed, expect Justin Johnson to follow.

On the outgoing front look for hooker Sean McNulty and scrumhalf Erik Thompson to appear with other MLR teams next season. McNulty is heading westward with Thompson eyeing a new home in Texas.

Under Contract: Donald Brighouse (LH/TH, 2021), Kensuke Hatakeyama (TH, 2021), Conor Kindregan (LO, 2021), Ronan McCusker (LO, 2021), Beaudein Waaka (FB, 2022)

Re-signed: Kyle Ciquera (LH, 2021), Steven Hinshaw (HO, 2022), Quentin Newcomer (TH, 2023), Jackson Thiebes (LO, 2022), John Poland (SH, 2023), Tadhg Leader (FH, 2021), Mitch Wilson (WI/FB, 2022)

Draft Picks: Spencer Krueger (TH, Ohio State), Justin Johnson (FL, Life Running Eagles)

In: Xandré Vos (LH, Southern Kings, 2022), Pieter Jansen (HO, Lions, 2022), Erich de Jager (TH, Cheetahs, SA, 2022), Joe Johnston (FL, Bay of Plenty, NZ, 2022), Jack Miller (FL, Colorado Buffaloes), Jack Ram (FL, Coventry, UK, 2021), Tera Mtembu (N8, Sharks, SA, 2023), Tom Brusati (SH, St. Mary’s Gaels), Sean Yacoubian (SH, Colorado Raptors, 2023), Harry Barlow (CE, Harlequins, UK, 2022), Aleki Morris-Lome (CE, Otago, NZ, 2022), Dougie Fife (WI/FB, Edinburgh, UK, 2022)

Out: Sean McNulty (HO), Naulia Dawai (FL/N8), Brad Hemopo (FL/N8, Northern Suburbs, AU), Erik Thompson (SH), Deion Mikesell (WI, Carcassonne, FR)

 

NOLA GOLD

The Gold have already done most of their shopping but still had one big surprise to unveil, trading for Legion-ary midfielder JP du Plessis. Also arriving in the three-team affair is LA draft pick Stephen McLeish, while Lindsey Stevens heads in the opposite direction.

Other outgoings are still to be confirmed but one can probably surmise that all the star names in the current backline don’t all fit into a match day 23. Expect a couple to depart before the season though not to MLR clubs.

Under Contract: Eric Howard (HO, 2021), Dino Waldren (TH, 2022), Billy Stewart (LO, 2021), Kane Thompson (LO, 2022), Kyle Baillie (LO/FL, 2022), Nikola Bursic (LO/FL, 2021), Holden Yungert (SH, 2021), Scott Gale (SH/FH, 2022), Robbie Coleman (FH, 2022), Con Foley (CE, 2022), Carl Meyer (CE/FB, 2022), Julián Domínguez (WI, 2022)

Re-signed: Matt Harmon (LH, 2023), Kevin Sullivan (LH, 2023), Ignacio Dotti (LO, 2022), Moni Tonga’uiha (FL, 2023), Malcolm May (FL/N8, 2022), Nick Feakes (WI, 2023), Tim Maupin (WI, 2022), JP Eloff (FB, 2022)

Draft Picks: Brian Nault (LH/TH, Central Washington), Andrew Guerra (FL, Notre Dame College)

In: Stephen McLeish (HO, LA Giltinis), Devin Short (FL, San Diego Legion, 2022), Damian Stevens (SH, Olímpia Lions, 2023), Cian Barry (SH/FH, UCLA), Juan Cappiello (CE, Mont-de-Marsan, FR, 2023), JP du Plessis (CE, San Diego Legion, 2024), Jack Webster (CE, LSU), Kyle Rogers (FB, unattached, 2022)

Out: Lindsey Stevens (HO, LA Giltinis)

 

OLD GLORY DC

The OG’s have set about shoring up their scrum and confirmed three new front rowers over the past month. Experienced props Jamie Dever and Steven Longwell are joined by hooker James King, while promising youngster Will Vakalahi signed a contract extension. Reserve halfback Sean Hartig is also a confirmed returnee.

One off the rumor mill is news that the team will be playing at a different venue in 2021. Cardinal Stadium’s unsightly field lines made for frustrating broadcasts and hopefully the new home can at least improve on that.

Under Contract: Apisai Naikatini (LO, 2021), Ciaran Hearn (CE, 2021)

Re-signed: Jack Iscaro (LH, 2021), Mo Katz (HO, 2021), Will Vakalahi (TH, 2021), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (N8, 2021), Sean Hartig (SH, 2021), Mike Dabulas (FH, 2021), Doug Fraser (CE, 2022), Thretton Palamo (CE, 2021)

Draft Picks: Casey Renaud (LO, Kutztown), Matthew Gordon (FL/N8, Mary Washington)

In: Jamie Dever (LH/TH, San Diego Legion), James King (HO, Valley RFC, HK, 2021), Steven Longwell (TH, Verona, IT, 2021), David Beach (LO, Mystic River), Harry Masters (SH, Mary Washington)

Out: Tendai Mtawarira (LH, retired), Matt Hughston (FL)

 

RUGBY ATL

It was a very quiet month for ATL but there was good news with the signing of top draft pick Mike Matarazzo who was originally intending to spend a year in the UK. The Notre Dame captain suited up at No8 in this past weekend’s intra-squad match which can be viewed on the team’s Facebook page.

Returning players who featured and are yet to be officially confirmed by the club are Alex Maughan, Paris Hollis, Sam Chaney, Harry Higgins, Vili Helu, and Eamonn Matthews. Backfielders Richard Shore, Ryan Britain, and Tommy Wallace all appeared in the MLR preseason.

Former RUNY lock or blindside flanker Alex MacDonald is currently on trial with the team, as is undrafted GCU prop Lincoln Sii. Curiously two players who suited up on Saturday have reportedly already signed with other MLR teams.

Re-signed: Chance Wenglewski (LH, 2022), Neethling Gericke (HO, 2022), Duane Aholelei (TH, 2023), Conor Keys (LO, 2023), Marno Redelinghuys (LO/FL, 2022), Matt Heaton (FL, 2023), Maciu Koroi (FL/N8, 2021), Duncan van Schalkwyk (SH, 2023), Martini Talapusi (FH/FB, 2021)

Draft Picks: Mike Matarazzo (LO/N8, U of Notre Dame, 2021), John Scotti (CE/WI, Arkansas State)

In: Jonas Petrakopoulos (LH/TH, Rugby United New York, 2022), Bautista Ezcurra (CE, Jaguares, AR, 2022)

Out: Jamie Ferrante (LH, retired), Harley Wheeler (WI, USA Sevens)

 

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

After a slow start RUNY bounced back in a big way this past week. Kirk Hamilton and Charlie Hewitt were added to the returnees list, while Kara Pryor and Evan Mintern were confirmed for 2021 having missed out on 2020 due to visa complications and COVID-19.

The biggest news came last with top Canadian prospect Quinn Ngawati signing on from the Toronto Wolfpack. He isn’t the finished article yet but should be challenging for a spot at the 2023 World Cup. Look for him to rotate in the midfield behind projected starters Will Leonard and Troy Lockyear this season.

Mike Brown confirmed his move to Dallas, while Paddy Ryan is rumored to be heading back to Texas after he plays for Ohio in Bermuda later this month. As mentioned above Alex MacDonald has joined ATL on trial though he could yet end up at a different MLR club.

More signing announcements are set for this coming week, with at least one a well known international player. Flyhalf remains a position that needs bolstering. Could one of those names this week fill the void left by the departure of Cathal Marsh?

Re-signed: James Rochford (LH), Dylan Fawsitt (HO), Rob Irimescu (HO), Kirk Hamilton (TH), Nate Brakeley (LO), Charlie Hewitt (LO), Hanco Germishuys (FL), Kyle Sumsion (FL/N8), Harry Bennett (FH), Will Leonard (CE), Troy Lockyear (CE/FB), Connor Wallace-Sims (WI), Ben Foden (FB, 2021)

Draft Picks: n/a

In: Zak Taulafo (LH, Colorado Raptors), Wilton Rebolo (HO/TH, Austin Gilgronis), Samu Tawake (TH, Manawatu, NZ), Kara Pryor (FL, Northland, NZ), Evan Mintern (N8, Cork Constitution, IR), Connor Buckley (SH, Iona College), Conor McManus (SH, Canterbury, NZ), Quinn Ngawati (CE, Toronto Wolfpack), Apenisa Cakaubalavu (WI, Fiji Sevens), Fa’asiu Fuatai (WI, Bay of Plenty, NZ), Joel Miranda (FB, Jockey Salta, AR)

Out: Jonas Petrakopoulos (LH/TH, Rugby ATL), Mike Brown (HO, Dallas Jackals), Paddy Ryan (TH), Alex MacDonald (LO/FL), Mathieu Bastareaud (N8/CE, Lyon, FR), Cathal Marsh (FH)

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

September was similar to August in terms of announcement frequency for the Legion, but there was big news in both incoming and outgoing. Nathan Sylvia, Keni Nasoqeqe, Tevita Tameilau, and Ryan Matyas were confirmed as returning though of those only Tameilau was out of contract.

Ma’a Nonu’s return to France could have been predicted but few expected JP du Plessis to leave as well. We can confirmed that Luke Burton is also moving elsewhere meaning San Diego have lost their starting 10-12-13 combination from 2020. Unless new names arrive they could be turning back the clock with Joe Pietersen, Dylan Audsley, and Matyas taking their place.

The departure of du Plessis opens some cap space to divert elsewhere and at least some of that has gone into signing two South African internationals. Bjorn Basson and Cecil Afrika join the outside backs, a spot that hasn’t really been lacking for the Legion since their start.

Meanwhile Jamie Dever has moved to his third MLR club, signing for Old Glory, and leaving San Diego a little light at prop. That spot could be filled by Northland loosehead Luatangi Li who was meant to join earlier this year. Sylvia’s ability to play both sides of the scrum is valuable as the team waits anxiously on Paul Mullen to return from exile in the Aran Islands.

Off the pitch the team also launched a new academy program though details were not immediately available. A big name was added to the coaching staff – England supremo Eddie Jones will act as an advisor for co-coaches Scott Murray and Zack Test. By this time next year we will know if three heads are better than one.

Under Contract: Nathan Sylvia (LH), Dean Muir (HO), Ben Mitchell (LO), Psalm Wooching (FL, 2022), Keni Nasoqeqe (N8), Josh Thiel (FH/CE), Ryan Matyas (CE/WI, 2021)

Re-signed: Aaron Mitchell (TH), Siaosi Mahoni (LO), Tevita Tameilau (N8), Nate Augspurger (SH), Save Totovosau (WI)

Draft Picks: Patrick Madden (FH/CE, Cal Poly), Cole Zarcone (WI, Central Washington)

In: Chris Robshaw (FL, Harlequins, UK, 2022), Bjorn Basson (WI, Enisei STM, RU), Cecil Afrika (FB, Blitzboks, SA)

Out: Jamie Dever (LH/TH, Old Glory DC), Devin Short (FL, NOLA Gold), Luke Burton (FH), JP du Plessis (CE, NOLA Gold), Ma’a Nonu (CE, Toulon, FR)

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

Languishing in the basement of MLR player news is the Seawolves, who still haven’t confirmed a single signing for 2021 outside of draft picks Aaron Mathews and Nick Taylor and player-coach Mat Turner. Recall that it was London Irish who informed us of Ross Neal’s return.

Phil Mack has found a new team to coach in Canada’s Pacific Pride program, while would-be signing Peter Nelson signed for French club Bressane. Stalwart lock Jérémy Lenaerts was surprisingly allowed to leave for Houston with a Southern Hemisphere import reportedly to replace him, and our latest intel is that star winger Jeff Hassler is also on the move to another MLR team.

Re-signed: Ross Neal (CE), Mat Turner (FB)

Draft Picks: Aaron Matthews (FH/CE, St. Mary’s Gaels), Nick Taylor (CE, Lindenwood Lions)

In: tba

Out: Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Houston SaberCats), Jeff Hassler (WI)

 

TORONTO ARROWS

Little was expected from the Arrows having already confirmed 29 players for 2021, but there was significant news in the addition of ex-Wales coach Rob Howley as an advisor in a collaborative deal with Rugby Canada. Some have been critical of the move but Howley’s redemption could be a big win for Canadian rugby heading towards RWC 2023.

There are still a handful of player announcements to come, most returnees, and there could yet be one more eye-opener in Toronto’s bag of tricks. In the meantime they have become the latest MLR side to churn out their own craft beer – Prop Pilsner.

Re-signed: Richie Asiata (LH), Steven Ng (HO), Andrew Quattrin (HO), Cole Keith (TH, 2022), Tyler Rowland (TH), Paul Ciulini (LO), Mike Sheppard (LO), Kolby Francis (LO/N8), Tomás de la Vega (FL), Lucas Rumball (FL), Marcello Wainwright (FL), Manuel Diana (N8), Andrew Ferguson (SH), Tayler Adams (FH), Will Kelly (FH), Shawn Windsor (FH/FB), Guiseppe du Toit (CE), Spencer Jones (CE), Ben LeSage (CE), Mitch Richardson (CE), Leandro Leivas (WI), Johnny Sheridan (WI), Gastón Mieres (WI/FB)

Draft Picks: n/a

In: Gastón Cortes (TH, Leicester Tigers, UK), Adrian Wadden (LO, Leeds Beckett, UK), Siaki Vikilani (N8, Pacific Pride), Jason Higgins (SH, Cork Constitution, IR), Manuel Montero (WI, Olímpia Lions, PY), Juan Cruz González (FB, CAU Madrid, ES)

Out: Dan Moor (WI, retired), Sam Malcolm (FB, Kamaishi Seawaves, JP)

 

UTAH WARRIORS

The Warriors are adverse to ‘early’ player announcements it seems. In fact they recently doubled down on social media, evidently content to ride the delayed season start with no indication that any roster updates would be coming in the near future. It’s a confusing strategy to be sure.

Unofficially the team has confirmed back row Bailey Wilson and midfielder Calvin Whiting will be back in 2021. A community combine was also held last Thursday night at Zions Bank Academy with players in attendance from as far away as Hawai’i. Some may find themselves suiting up for the Warriors Selects squad during their fall exhibition schedule.

Speaking of Zions Bank, the team did unveil huge news that they intend to construct a brand new 10,000 seat stadium in time for the 2023 season. A location is still to be determined but if it comes through as advertised it will join Houston’s AVEVA Stadium as the only purpose-built facilities in MLR.

Under Contract: John Cullen (LO), Bailey Wilson (FL), Dwayne Polataivao (SH), Calvin Whiting (CE)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Elijah Hayes (TH, Iowa Central), John Powers (FH/FB, Iona College), Derek Ellingson (CE/WI, St. Mary’s Gaels), Danny Giannascoli (FB, Loyola Maryland)

In: tba

Out: Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Houston SaberCats)