Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Uruguay are soon to have two players in the Oyonnax Academy system. Teritos tighthead prop Reinaldo Piussi will join second row Manuel Leindekar at the French Pro D2 club from Carrasco Polo following the completion of the World Rugby u20 Trophy competition to be held in Romania this August.
Piussi, who turned 19 last month, was part of Uruguay’s u20 side that competed in the same competition last season despite being two years younger than the cut-off age. He remains eligible for the u20 program in both 2018 and 2019. At 1.90 (6’3″) and 130kg (285lbs), the tighthead specialist impressed with his size and strength in his one start and three replacement appearances.
Leindekar signed a long-term development deal with Oyonnax in December 2015 and now has one year remaining on his contract. He has since been fast-tracked into the senior Teros side and Piussi could be soon to follow with incumbent starter Mario Sagario likely to retire following the 2019 World Cup.
