Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
This past weekend saw players running-out for the first time in the English pre-season. Taking to the field were Americas players who received game time for their respective clubs in the Aviva Premiership.
Featuring for the Newcastle Falcons on Saturday were players from Canada, the USA and Argentina. The Falcons faced English second division sides Nottingham and Doncaster at Kingston Park.
Last season’s leading Inside Center in England, Juan Pablo Socino had a fine performance. His trademark hard-hitting mid-field runs gave the Falcons impressive go-forward ball. He would also score a try in the match. His brother, Santiago Socino, started at hooker. Playing second-row was Canada’s Evan Olmstead while Eagle Nick Civetta was among the replacements.
While it has been Jebb Sinclair in the headlines this week it was a fellow Canadian who played for London Irish. Ciaran Hearn was involved as a replacement for the club on Sunday. London Irish took-on the Harlequins in Hazelwood. St. Lucia flier Marland Yarde played for the Harlequins.
USA fly half AJ MacGinty had a fine performance for the Sale Sharks. Starting opposite former Puma, Benjamín Urdapilleta he landed conversions as Sale completed a convincing 31-14 victory. Urdapilleta converted both of Castres’ tries.
Looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2016-2017 season, the Northampton Saints had a big win on Saturday. The 71-21 victory over Welsh region, the Dragons featured Juan Pablo Estelles. The former Puma started on the left wing for the Saints.
On Thursday Saracens were in action. The London-based side continued with their connection to Bermuda, playing a warm-up fixture against the USA Islanders. Captaining the Premiership club was former USA captain Chris Wyles. Playing left wing, the man from Connecticut scored a hat-trick.
