Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Against the back-drop of the Six Nations is week 16 of the Guinness Pro 12. Involved in the Celtic-Italian League this weekend are players from the Americas. Below is the Weekend Guide, documenting what to expect.
The first player from the Americas to play in the Pro 12 this weekend was be DTH van der Merwe. The Canadian winger started for the Scarlets who played away to the red-hot Munster. van der Merwe played a starring role in the Scarlets’ shock 30-21 away win, scoring a try.
With Scotland vs Wales being played on Saturday the Guinness Pro 12 will have no matches played until Sunday. That said Italy will take-on England on Sunday. Ireland will play host to France on Saturday. Treviso host Connacht with Robert Barbieri starting at No 8. The Toronto back-rower is capped by Italy.
Starting for the Ospreys will be a player lost to the USA – Hanno Dirksen. He will play wing against the Glasgow Warriors on Sunday. Uncapped Sam Underhill will play from the bench. Born in Ohio, Underhill played u20’s for England. As he is uncapped the possibility exists for him to play for the Eagles. Dirksen no longer can.
Zebre have home advantage against Ulster in the final week 16 fixture. Starting for the Italians will be former Pumas props Guillermo Roan and Bruno Postiglioni. Roan will play at Tight Head and Postiglioni at Loose Head. Uncapped Argentine fly half, Serafin Bordoli will start at pivot. USA eligible Callum Black is to be a replacement for Ulster.
