Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Week 19 of the Guinness Pro 14 Championship takes place this weekend. There is added attention on the competition following the qualification of Leinster, Munster and the Scarlets for the Semi Finals of the European Champions Cup. Involved in Week 19 are to be a number of players from the Americas. The following preview takes a look into their involvement.
The first player from the Americas to play in the Guinness Pro 14 Championship this weekend will be Jeff Hassler. The Canadian flier starts on the right wing for the Ospreys against Connacht. Former USA age-grade player, Hanno Dirksen also starts. He is no longer eligible for the Eagles.
On Saturday two Argentine players are to feature from the bench in Ireland. Zebre’s away trip to face Leinster in Dublin will feature Eduardo Bello as a replacement prop and Serafin Bordoli covering fly half. Both players have been regulars in the match day 23 for the Italians this season.
Italy’s other side, Benetton Treviso are at home against the Dragons. Starting at no 8 this weekend will be Canadian Robert Barbieri, who has 41 caps for Italy. Also starting the match is Argentine hooker Tomas Baravalle.
In West Wales the Scarlets are at home to the Glasgow Warriors. For DTH van der Merwe it is to be an interested fixture. The Canadian winger has won the Guinness Pro 14 Championship with both teams. He recently rejoined the Warriors from the Newcastle Falcons. He starts on the left wing with Tennessee’s Tommy Seymour playing on the other wing for the Scots.
