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US Eagles World Cup loose forward Matt Trouville is headed south. The long-time ATAVUS Academy Regional Manager and Seattle Saracens captain will join the Houston Strikers for the 2018 Major League Rugby season in a dual role that will see him combine playing with coaching as the first Strikers Academy Director. Under his umbrella will be a Rookie Rugby program, academy and u20 sides, and connection with four local high school sides to be supported by the club.
Australian-born Trouville, 30, has won five caps for the Eagles since his debut in 2014, the last coming against South Africa at RWC 2015. He was due to participate in the 2016 Americas Rugby Championship but was forced to withdraw after suffering a serious knee injury. He joins two other current Seattle members in making the move – Director of Rugby Justin Fitzpatrick will be taking the reins as Head Coach and fellow Australian Sam Windsor has been signed as a flyhalf.
Houston is one of nine clubs officially tabbed to take part in the inaugural Major League Rugby season in 2018 and are unique in that they are the only side with no prior history. The other clubs are: Austin Huns, Chicago Lions, Glendale Raptors, Griffins Rugby (Dallas), Kansas City Blues, New Orleans RFC, Rugby Utah, and Seattle Saracens. A 10th side has reportedly been added, though unconfirmed, with speculation pointing to Metropolis RFC of Minneapolis.
