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US Eagles prop Chris Baumann has signed to play for the Wellington Lions in the Mitre 10 Cup, New Zealand’s highest level of provincial competition. The tighthead specialist joins the team after playing a key role in the Denver Stampede’s title-winning season in PRO Rugby. Baumann made his Eagles debut against Tonga in the 2015 Pacific Nations Cup and part of the Rugby World Cup squad. His most recent international action saw him start against both Italy and Russia in June.
The 29-year-old Colorado native has previously spent time in the Pacific at Australian club Randwick. In Wellington he joins one of New Zealand’s oldest teams that has produced numerous internationals. Current All Blacks include Dane Coles, TJ Perenara, and the Savea brothers, Ardie and Julian. Baumann will provide immediate cover for once-capped All Black Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, who is currently recovering from a broken arm suffered in Super Rugby.
Baumann will not be the only Eagles international involved in the competition. Newly-capped flanker Tony Lamborn, a native of New Zealand, will again line up for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies. The two could find themselves opposite one another as soon as next weekend as the Magpies host Wellington at McLean Park in Napier.
