Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The last weekend of pool play in the British & Irish Cup is upon us, and a number of Americas players are again in action as teams vie for spots in the knock-outs. Leinster ‘A’, Doncaster, Yorkshire Carnegie, London Welsh, and Bedford have already qualified with the last three spots up for grabs. Cornish Pirates, Jersey, and Munster ‘A’ are the front runners but are far from certainties.
Aaron Carpenter returns at no8 to skipper the Pirates against Welsh in a match that could well decide their fate. Joining him in the side is Brett Beukeboom in the second row, but Matt Evans drops out after leading the team a week ago.
Another Canadian Aaron, this one of the Flagg clan, is back on the blindside for Moseley against Ealing, while Shane O’Leary retains his spot at flyhalf for Connacht Eagles against the Dragons Selects. The Blanchet Bros – Justin and Sam – run out for Bedford Blues at blindside flanker and right wing respectively against Scarlets Select.
The last two Canucks on show are second rows Tyler Hotson and Jon Phelan, with the former getting the start this week and the latter in reserve as Doncaster take on Jersey. Both Argentines – hooker Martín García Veiga and prop Ignacio Sáenz Lancuba – are present for the Islanders, albeit on the bench.
Lastly in-form Pumas prop Gastón Cortes continues at tighthead for Bristol against Ulster Ravens at Ashton Gate. Should Bristol win they could well earn themselves a last-ditch spot in the playoffs.
