Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
For some it is panic time, while for others it is all about maintaining focus. Such is the differential status of teams in England’s elite domestic competition this season. A host of Americas Players are to play in Premiership – Week 20 this weekend.
Kicking-off week 20 will be a home match for Gloucester who host the Exeter Chiefs in Friday’s only match. Coming off elimination in the European Challenge Cup Gloucester have made a host of changes including Mariano Galarza. The Puma started in the loss against the Dragons but will miss the Exeter fixture.
On Saturday England’s largest stadium, Wembley will play host to Saracens vs Harlequins in a London derby. Starting for Saracens in the backline will be Chris Wyles and Marcelo Bosch. They are to be accompanied by two further Americas players with Hayden Smith and Titi Lamositele on the bench.
Also on Saturday will be an Eastern Midlands derby with the Northampton Saints hosting the Leicester Tigers in a vital fixture as the play-offs take shape. With it being 4th vs 5th it is a match in which both clubs need points. Starting at loosehead prop will be Marcos Ayerza.
The best, though, will be saved for last as the focal point of week 20 will be that of the Newcastle Falcons vs London Irish on Sunday. The result of the match is highly likely to determine which club finishes bottom and is therefore relegated to England’s second division. There are to be a number of Americas players on premiership duty for these clubs. Starting in the Newcastle mid-field will be former Pumas Juan Pablo Socino and Gonzalo Tiesi. Canadians Jebb Sinclair and Ciaran Hearn are to start for London Irish.
