Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
We’ve worked out way through the forwards (front row / second row / back row) and now it’s time for the backs. Traditionally the weakest position in Tier 2 nations and the Americas are certainly no exception, though once again Argentina seem to have a production line of quality playmakers at their disposal. That status is not exclusive to the Americas – Argentine halfbacks with their natural footballing ability are in demand the world over.
Disclaimer:
These are not official depth charts, but attempt to replicate recent selection history as closely as possible. In virtually every case, an absent player who might currently be more appropriate shares the same status – pro or amateur – as the player included. Players included are those considered for the World Cup. In some cases those players have since retired from international rugby. Players are listed by their most recent club affiliation.
It’s important to note that some ‘amateur’ players in the Americas are not entirely unpaid. Some players receive a monthly stipend to supplement their income, particularly those on the World Sevens Series. A significant portion of those retain full-time jobs outside of their rugby commitment. While these players might not be truly ‘amateur’ in the strictest sense, for the purpose of this exercise those who are not full-time employees of a professional fifteen-a-side club or franchise will be considered so.
SCRUMHALF
On face value Argentina’s pro stocks look thin at scrumhalf, but that is by choice rather than necessity. Even first choice duo Martín Landajo and Tomás Cubelli have turned down numerous contract offers in recent years, choosing instead to remain at home. Their patience has paid off, though Cubelli will now play his Super Rugby in Australia for the next two seasons. Fully pro test veterans Nicolás Vergallo (Tarbes) and Agustín Figuerola (Lyon) have been deemed surplus to requirements, with a number of young prospects moving up the ladder in their place.
Canada’s scrumhalves are amateur, though they all train extensively with the national program. Gordy McRorie comes from Scottish stocks and appears content to stay in his new home. Phil Mack had a brief stay in a training capacity with Ospreys, and Jamie Mackenzie spent two seasons with Esher. Dan Joyce featured with the u20s this year and plays his rugby for Trinity College in Dublin.
Los Teros have star scrumhalf Agustin Ormaechea and beyond that strictly local players. Santiago Arata has shown potential with the u20s and could be the next Uruguayan scrumhalf to turn pro.
Scrumhalf has proved a particularly challenging position for the Eagles, with no senior professionals and Mike Petri virtually unchallenged for the jersey. Petri spent a season split between Newport Gwent Dragons and Sale Sharks but never cracked either lineup. Robbie Shaw has pro experience with Bristol, Leeds (now Yorkshire Carnegie), and London Scottish but has floated in and out of Eagles contention. Louis Mulholland from the u20 program is with Bath University, and former u20 captain Tom Bliss is contracted to Wasps but plays his rugby on loan for Ealing Trailfinders. Imports Shaun Davies (Life) and Niku Kruger came through South African provincial academies – Davies from Natal and Kruger via Mpumalanga – only to find limited success thus far in America.
| ARG | ||
| Martín Landajo | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Tomás Cubelli | Brumbies (AUS) | PRO |
| Felipe Ezcurra | Hindú (ARG) | AMATEUR |
| Gonzalo Bertranou | Los Tordos (ARG) | AMATEUR |
| CAN | ||
| Gordon McRorie | Calgary Hornets (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Phil Mack | James Bay (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Jamie Mackenzie | UBCOB Ravens (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Sean White | James Bay (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| URU | ||
| Agustín Ormaechea | Mont-de-Marsan (FRA) | PRO |
| Alejo Durán | Trébol Paysandú (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Guillermo Lijtenstein | Trébol Paysandú (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Santiago Arata | Pucaru Stade Gaulois (URU) | AMATEUR |
| USA | ||
| Mike Petri | NYAC (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Shalom Suniula | Seattle Saracens (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Niku Kruger | Glendale Raptors (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Robbie Shaw | Hartpury (ENG) | AMATEUR |
FLYHALF
Few countries can boast more talent at flyhalf than Argentina. Nicolás Sánchez is now regarded as one of the very best in the world, and there is a long line of talent both domestic and overseas behind him. Patricio Fernández is on the verge of breaking into the Clermont side, while classy pros like Santiago Fernández (Pau) and Sebastián Poet (Tarbes) are not even in the frame in the eyes of the selectors.
Canada’s least settled position shows no signs of resolving any time soon. None of the domestic options have any professional experience and are more likely to be found on a 7s side than a high level XVs game. Connor Braid (ex-Glasgow) has flirted with the position in the past but is more comfortable and effective at centre. Shane O’Leary (Connacht) has played for Canada at u20 level but turned down an offer to contest for a World Cup spot, and Conor McCann faded after spending time in the Clermont academy and is only just starting to return to form with Toronto club Balmy Beach, albeit as a centre or fullback.
Uruguay have the outstanding Felipe Berchesi but there is a significant drop-off with no professionals or heavily lauded prospects underneath.
US Eagles fans jumped for joy when AJ MacGinty finally qualified on residency after years of ordinary selections in the no10 shirt. Unfortunately the crust is so thin that head coach Mike Tolkin didn’t even bother to bring a backup to the World Cup, choosing instead to use Shalom Suniula in the b-lineup against the Springboks. Toby L’Estrange had a short-lived run with London Welsh but didn’t stick. Garrett Brewer plays for Newbridge in Leinster, well below even All-Ireland level. Gearoid MacDonald has returned to Lansdowne from Australia, and Will Magie was last spotted with Old Albanians.
| ARG | ||
| Nicolás Sánchez | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Santiago González Iglesias | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Benjamín Urdapilleta | Castres (FRA) | PRO |
| Patricio Fernández | Clermont Auvergne (FRA) | PRO |
| CAN | ||
| Nathan Hirayama | Richmond (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Liam Underwood | Balmy Beach (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Patrick Parfrey | Swilers (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Gradyn Bowd | UVic Vikes (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| URU | ||
| Felipe Berchesi | Carcassonne (FRA) | PRO |
| Manuel Blengio | Old Christians (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Matías Arocena | Old Christians (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Martín Secco | Los Cuervos (URU) | AMATEUR |
| USA | ||
| AJ MacGinty | Connacht (IRE) | PRO |
| Toby L’Estrange | NYAC (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Will Holder | Army (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Garrett Brewer | Newbridge (IRE) | AMATEUR |
HALFBACKS SUMMARY
Argentina have extraordinary talent and depth at both halfback positions. Canada have serviceable players but none currently of professional standard. Uruguay have a strong starting pair but limited depth below. The Eagles have class at flyhalf in MacGinty but fall desperately short otherwise.
Tomorrow we slide further out into the midfield.
