20 Domestic Players to Benefit from PRO Rugby

The announcement of the launch of a professional rugby competition in North America came at a pivotal moment. Coming fresh off of a disappointing World Cup campaign, the USA and Canada both were in need of a shot in the arm. Whether PRO Rugby will be the catalyst to improved international performances is question that will only be answered in time. However, it is evident that there will be a lot of rugby players that will benefit from being involved in a professional rugby environment.

With the season launching in April and ending in July alongside at least a two month preseason period, that is half of a year covered for most of the players. While the ultimate goal is to have players in year round professional environments, a starting place was needed.

With 2016 being an Olympic year, the players likely to represent the USA in Rio were purposely left off of the list. With a handful of key 7s players also contributing to XVs, it will be interesting to see how many make the transition permanent at the conclusion of the Olympics.

All that aside, Americas Rugby News took a look at the Eagle Pool, some prospects outside of the pool, and other interesting prospects to come up with a list of the 20 players that could most benefit from the launch of PRO Rugby North America.

Truthfully, no one knows how it is going to all fall into place. Given the opportunity to train in a professional environment, it is highly likely that there will be some players, completely off the National team radar, that could progress quickly. While the prospect of getting paid to play could bring others into the fold.

1. Seamus Kelly – At only 24 years old, Kelly has become a fixture in the Eagles’ midfield and recently made his first World Cup appearance. As long as he remains healthy, there isn’t any reason to believe that Kelly won’t be in his prime come 2019. However, with only a brief trial at Gloucester, he hasn’t been able to lock down an overseas gig which has slowed his progress. He is a perfect match for PRO Rugby North America and could become one of their first marketable players.
2. Niku Kruger – The 24 year old South African born scrumhalf earned his way into the World Cup squad and showed that he could be the heir apparent to Mike Petri at scrumhalf. A physical presence at the position, he’ll benefit massively in a full time environment. Between Eagle call ups and pro rugby, Kruger should see plenty of high level rugby to advance his skill.
3. Mike Te’o – It seems as if Te’o has been on the radar for a long time, but at only 22 years old he has a lot of rugby in front of him. Already capped as an Eagle in 7s, Te’o can play scrumhalf, flyhalf, and fullback in XVs. He was one of the first American players to be placed in the Taranaki Development program in New Zealand and impressed while he was there.
4. Ben Tarr – Prop is a position that lacks depth for the Eagles, so there will be some players that have a great chance to improve their position within the Eagle pool while playing professionally. Ben Tarr is one such player. At only 21 years old, the young Australian has been capped twice by the Eagles. Currently playing for Glendale, Tarr is a prop to look at for the future.
5. Joseph Taufete’e – The 23 year old Taufete’e is another front row prospect for the Eagles. He burst on the scene and rammed his way into the World Cup squad, impressing with his physicality and surprising onlookers with his ball carrying ability. In a full time environment Taufete’e could be a wrecking machine by 2019.
6. Zach Fenoglio – At 26 years old, Fenoglio is one of the oldest players on the list. Still, he could easily still be in the Eagles picture in 2019. In the past year, the hooker went from understudy to Phil Thiel to sharing time equally. Fenoglio could be a player looked upon to serve as veteran leadership on teams that will likely be made up of younger players.
7. Ben Pinkelman – The 21 year old could be the next in a long line of talented Eagle back row players. Pinkelman has represented the USA in both 7s and XVs at the age grade level. He played in the ARC for the USA Selects and is now in the Eagle 7s player pool. Pinkelman also spent time in South Africa at the Sharks Academy. It is hard not to see Pinkelman eventually getting an overseas contract, but while still stateside he should be a name on the PRO Rugby list.
8. LeMoto Filikitonga – At 22 years old, the bruising center from Metropolis have represented the USA at the U20 level and made his USA Select debut earlier this year on his way to being in the World Cup player pool. Filikitonga has also been in camp with the 7s team showing his versatility.
9. JP Eloff – Another player that seems to have been on the Eagle radar for years, Eloff is the younger brother of former Eagle Philip Eloff. One of the most developed back line players in recent history, Eloff has been an All American in both 7s and XVs. Primarily slotted in at flyhalf, Eloff is capable of playing other backline positions. With the best Eagle flyhalf playing his trade overseas, there is going to be an opportunity for some domestic pivots to raise their hands.
10. Zach Pangelinan – The versatile back has been on the fringe of the Eagles squad in both 7s and XVs, but can’t seem to stick despite being one of the best performing domestic players. At 27 years old, Pangelinan is tied for the oldest player on this list, but could be a key contributor to a PRO Rugby squad. He is capable of playing nearly every position in the backline, a good foot, and experience to lead. Pangelinan is capable of anchoring a team.
11. Cam Falcon – The young hooker was one of the players sent by USA Rugby to the Taranaki Academy in New Zealand where he had a full rugby immersion. Falcon has played for the USA Selects at the ARC and represented the USA at the age grade level. He brings a lot of experience to the table despite his age. The timing of PRO Rugby could be perfect for Falcon, who graduates from LSU this Winter.
12. Kingsley McGowan – The electrifying back starred for St. Mary’s and helped the Gaels to two straight Division I titles. McGowan represented the USA at the Junior World Trophy and since been a Collegiate All-American among many other accolades. McGowan has been in camp multiple times with the Eagles 7s program. Having finished his collegiate eligibility, McGowan has the pace to play wing, but has slotted in a multiple backline positions.
13. John Cullen – After converting from football, Cullen has adapted exceptionally to rugby. Already capped three times as an Eagle, it is hard not to see more caps coming in the future for the powerful second row/No. 8. Cullen moves well for a big man and has also played 7s. At 25 years old, Cullen is in position to benefit greatly from PRO Rugby and build his case for the Eagles’ lineup.
14. Shalom Suniula – One of the most decorated players on this list, Suniula has played both 7s and XVs for the Eagles. With AJ MacGinty signed to an overseas contract, Suniula stands as the best domestic based flyhalf in the USA. His experience would be a valuable asset to any professional team in the USA.
15. David Tameilau – Another player sent by USA Rugby to Taranaki for their development program, Tameilau played in the Junior World Trophy for the USA before taking a break from rugby to play college football. The big man has since returned and is working on breaking into the Eagle picture. At 25 years old, he’s another player that could be in his prime by the 2019 World Cup.
16. Angus MacLellan – The 23 year old Davenport University prop is the product of a developing player pathway in the USA. Represented the USA at U20, moved up to the USA Selects and played in the ARC, Collegiate All-American, and now in the Eagle player pool. Given the lack of depth at prop for the USA, it might not be long before he is capped. Throw in a semester playing for Trinity in Ireland and a trip to New Zealand and you have a recipe for there to be some competition in the Eagle front row.
17. Sebastian Kalm – This could be one of the more interesting stories to see play out. Kalm, a powerful Lindenwood University back row player, impressed at the Collegiate Stars & Stripes Camp this past summer. Kalm has represented Chile at the U20 level and seems destined to play international rugby. But for whom? A stint in the new PRO Rugby competition could put Kalm on a path to represent the USA.
18. Kyle Sumsion – The 25 year old flanker Captained BYU to back to back Varsity Cup titles and collected five Collegiate All American nods while at BYU. Already capped by the Eagles, Sumsion may have more if not for a very deep back row picture for the Eagles. The opportunity to play professionally full time could produce even more caps for the back rower.
19. Jake Anderson – Another recent college grad that could be deciding on the next step in his rugby career, Anderson starred for Cal and collected All American nods in both 7s and XVs. Projected as a fullback, Anderson can also play flyhalf and has an excellent kicking game.
20. Ben Landry – A powerful and young second row prospect, Landry was a Collegiate All American despite coming out of a smaller rugby school. He followed with appearances for the USA Selects at the ARC and then onto the Eagle training squad. An international cap might not be too much further away.