European Pro Season Review: USA

Last week we looked at how Canada’s exiles have performed during the European club season, this week it’s the United States. ‘Steady’ might be a good word to describe the year in general for the USA’s top exports, with several playing leading roles at their clubs and a few solid supporting cast members. With professional rugby bubbling up around the surface stateside there might not be as many to hop across the pond next season but there are certainly a few more in American circles who could attract foreign interest during the off-season.

 

AVIVA PREMIERSHIP

Thretton Palamo (Bristol) It’s not been a great year for the club though it’s no great surprise that they will be returning to the Championship next season. For Palamo it’s been mixed fortunes. He started a handful of games each in the Premiership and the Challenge Cup but hasn’t been able to secure a regular role in the side with a player of similar physicality in Will Hurrell preferred. Has one more year on his contract and should see more time next season, albeit at a lower division.

Nick Civetta (Newcastle Falcons) Handed three Challenge Cup starts early in the season and made his Premiership debut as a replacement against Northampton in November but tough competition in the second row at Falcons – not least Canadian international Evan Olmstead – has blocked his path since January. Despite his limited chances he has shown considerable improvement in his short time at the club as evidenced in his international debut in November and again during the Americas Rugby Championship. Presumably has one more year on his contract though the terms were not made public.

Paddy Ryan (Newcastle Falcons) Chicago born but raised in Munster and an Irish u20 international, the 26-year-old has had limited game time this season due to injury and the presence of three other senior tighthead props with international experience at the club. Has thus far not been selected to Eagles honors and it’s not clear if either he or the selectors are interested. Still has time on his side though he could well be looking for a new club soon with his Premiership contract set to expire at the end of the season.

AJ MacGinty (Sale Sharks) Got off to a rocky start with his new club which can largely be attributed to the huge difference in playing style from Connacht. Has hit his stride in the second half of the season and is now approaching his best, good news for both club and country. Has one more year remaining on his contract and should be more comfortable next season.

Titi Lamositele (Saracens) Continues to serve his apprenticeship and has kicked on where he left off last season as a preferred bench option behind England star Mako Vunipola. After switching between both sides of the scrum last season has focused on loosehead prop, where he should find himself for the Eagles in June. Set to play a big role in the knock-out rounds with a Champions Cup Final now booked and possibly a Premiership Final as well. Signed a new deal last August and will be with Sarries for the foreseeable future.

Chris Wyles (Saracens) At the other end of the spectrum is the former Eagles captain, now retired from international rugby but still an important player at club level. With Chris Ashton suspended and Save Rawaca’s move not materializing, Wyles has perhaps seen more game time than anticipated this year though he is no longer first choice with the arrival of Scottish international Sean Maitland. Saracens do not always reveal contract extensions and it’s not clear how long is left on his deal, but at 33 years of age and with Liam Williams set to arrive after a summer with the British & Irish Lions it’s clear Wyles is approaching the end of a glittering career.

Joe Taufete’e (Worcester Warriors) Signed in December until the end of the season, the powerful Belmont Shore hooker has impressed so much that he signed an extension last month, presumably for an additional two years. Has quickly established himself as first choice with his set piece play just as valuable as his ball carrying. Will be a key figure for the Eagles in June.

 

GUINNESS PRO 12

Cam Dolan (Cardiff Blues) Another lost season for a player whose professional resume does not match his talent. Overseas status has limited his opportunities and though he played well when given them, even captaining the side in the British & Irish Cup, he is currently looking for a new home with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Still just 27 years old and capable of playing in the second or back row, it’s yet to be seen where he ends up in the fall.

Blaine Scully (Cardiff Blues) His success has likely been to the detriment of Dolan as he regularly takes up one of the overseas slots on game day. Not projected to be a first choice player given the presence of two Wales wings on the roster but has forced his way in with his hard nosed attitude, and recently captained the side against Leinster. In the second of a three-year deal at the Blues and should see that extended early in the new season. Sidelined with a dislocated elbow sustained against Ulster that will likely see him miss the rest of the season for Cardiff but should be ready just in time for the June internationals.

Langilangi Haupeakui (Glasgow Warriors) Signed on for two years after exploding out of the blocks in PRO Rugby but somehow it all went pear-shaped just as quickly. Red-carded on debut and played only four games as a replacement before opting not to return after the Christmas break, citing family reasons, and being subsequently released. Has since turned out for San Francisco Golden Gate but was not part of the ARC squad and now seems miles away from another Eagles cap.

Greg Peterson (Glasgow Warriors) Has only recently returned from a shoulder injury that wiped out a large chunk of the season and ruled him out of the November internationals. Got through 80 minutes of work against Zebre last weekend and should be ready to go for the Eagles in June. Signed a new contract in December that will see the big lock staying in Glasgow through to the 2019 World Cup.

 

TOP 14

Takudzwa Ngwenya (Brive) Signed on as a medical joker until the end of the season after a spell in San Diego. Perhaps not quite as electric as his glory days but still a high quality finisher who has seven tries in 18 appearances for the club this season. Out of contract in June but the local press suggests a permanent deal with the club is imminent.

Victor Comptat (Brive) Towering academy lock has been a regular in the Espoirs this season where his presence virtually guarantees lineout possession. Yet to make his senior club debut and will probably need to add a little more bulk first but with an aging second row unit could see some action next season. At just 20 years old will be one to watch for the Eagles selectors over the next couple years.

Mose Fuala’au (Clermont Auvergne) Now 21 years old, he was part of the elite academy unit this year and frequently manned the midfield for the Espoirs. Has been overlooked until now by the Eagles selectors but is coming to the age where he should be getting a look. Should spend one more season in the academy but with several high caliber centers at the club he could look elsewhere to get more game time.

Samu Manoa (Toulon) After a sub-par season last year, suggestions of a possible return to Northampton have cooled as his influence in the side has risen. Split his time between the second and back rows and in general played very well with his trademark physicality at the fore. Halfway through a four-year contract that carries him through to the 2019 World Cup. Suffered a fractured forearm earlier this month and with an estimated eight week recovery time his domestic season is over though he should return in time for some of the June tests.

 

PRO D2

Christian Ostberg (Aurillac) Started the season on a high with a handful of appearances including his first Pro D2 start in November against Charente. Shoulder and ankle injuries have since kept him on the sidelines though he is nearing a return to action. Used both as a lock and loose forward, his contract expires in June and with head coach Jeremy Davidson set to move on Ostberg could do the same.

David Tameilau (Narbonne) Thrown a lifeline by Narbonne after a deal to play for Newcastle Falcons fell through, the powerful loose forward has repaid the club with his fine form. Quickly established himself as a first choice No 8 though he has also been used as a second row or blindside flank in recent weeks. Recently signed a new two-year contract that will carry him through to the 2019 World Cup.

Eric Fry (Vannes) After a few weeks with St. Nazaire in Fédérale 1 was quickly snapped up by Vannes who have put the big loosehead prop to work. Started only five matches but has been used as a second half replacement in a dozen more, scoring two tries in the process. Signed a new deal that will keep him at the Stade de la Rabine for at least one more season.

 

GREENE KING IPA CHAMPIONSHIP

Tom Bliss (Richmond) After a messy divorce with PRO Rugby returned to the UK. Was meant to be training with semi-pro outfit Richmond but injury and a blossoming career as a fitness coach have kept him on the sidelines all season and it’s not clear when – or if – he will return.

Ronnie McLean (Richmond) Cast aside after his one-and-only cap in 2014, the 31-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers in the Championship and has played a major role in leading the club to a 10th place finish, despite competing against largely full-time outfits. Unlikely to win a recall to international duty but should enjoy another run in the Championship next season.

 

FÉDÉRALE 1

Iñaki Basauri (Nantes) Another forgotten man whose last cap came against Romania in 2012, Basauri is still plying his trade as a second row in France, where he has been for the best part of a decade, one short stint in Italy aside. Managed to get in more than a dozen games this season while doubling as a conditioning coach.