PRO Rugby Roster Update

Professional rugby in North America has nearly arrived! It’s hard to believe we’re less than a week away, yet here we are. There have been several changes to PRO rosters over the past couple weeks so we’re a quick summary of who is in and who is out. Look for full detailed rosters coming later this week in our individual team previews as we begin our coverage of the exciting new competition.

DENVER

The team has suffered two early blows with utility front row Brendan Rams ruled out for the season with a knee injury, and second row Casey Rock also bowing out. Eagles ARC duo Ben Landry and Brodie Orth are expected to be the starting lock pair but depth looks a little thin with Glendale’s Luke White, new addition Logan Collins, and possibly Pedrie Wannenburg as cover.

Hooker looks more problematic with only Zach Fenoglio a specialist. Chris Baumann has played there before and suggestions are that Hanco Germishuys will be trialed in the front row when he returns from his Junior All-American duties.

Three more internationals have been added to the group. Loosehead prop Nick Wallace, flanker Peter Dahl, and scrumhalf Mose Timoteo are all very solid additions. In the backs Maximo de Achaval brins versatility being able to cover fullback or flyhalf.

OHIO

The twin towers that were promised won’t come to pass this year as giant lock Justin Allen has not been able to secure a visa in time to participate this season. With Nick Civetta and Kyle Baillie the only experienced locks in the group, they made need to bring someone in. Versatile Columbus forward Dominic Pezzutti has been training with the squad but looks undersized for the second row. Pierce Dargan has played there in the past though he has been earmarked as a flanker.

Jamie Mackintosh could be an emergency option at lock with Demecus Beach also available at loosehead prop. Anthony Parry is another local with the team, he’s a tighthead prop, while hooker/flanker Chris Schade is another newcomer. Cam Falcon could get a look at prop as well given the dearth of options, with back row Peter Malcolm a possible at his old position of hooker if needed.

The backs look more settled, though Matt Hughston, Alex Elkins, and newcomer Zach Stryffeler are all capable of playing as a three quarter or loose forward. Mason Baum is another big body who looks to be part of the options out wide, while Notre Dame winger Shawn Riley has also been added.

SACRAMENTO

It’s still a bit of a mystery who will make up the forwards outside a starting roster. Heavyweight English utility James Reddey looks to be making the switch to prop, leaving Robert Meeson and Siona Sina as the lock pair and only three known loose forwards. More names should emerge during the week.

SAN DIEGO

A few big men have joined the backs-heavy group training at EXOS. Football convert Sione Tu’ihalamaka is with the team and could see time as initially as a lock, though prop looks his best fit in the future. Former Eagles second row Brian Doyle is with the team and reports are that Tai Tuisamoa will also suit up. Tim Barford has arrived from Boston and will feature on the flank.

Speedy UCLA outside back Sebastian Sharpe is in the team, while Andrew Suniula was seemingly confirmed by USA Rugby’s recent Elite Training Squad, though he has yet to be spotted in a San Diego jersey. One who has is former France 7s standout Jean-Baptiste Gobelet. Primarily a winger during his career with Biarritz, at 6’5″ it’s conceivable that he could find himself wearing a single digit given that he was a forward in sevens.

SAN FRANCISCO

Speaking of big bodies, enormous Life West prop Fancy Namulau’ulu has joined an already imposing San Fran front row. Former Cal Golden Bears lock Nick Grass, now at SFGG, is a new addition in the forwards along with loose fowards Isaac Helu and Siupeli Sakalia. The latter could also get a look in the front row.

Two new names have popped up out wide. Promising teenager Junior Helu, another from Life West, will boost midfield options along with Volney Rouse, who won a single cap for the Eagles as a replacement against Russia in 2010. Rouse adds versatility and experience to a good looking backline.