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Rugby United New York have added a pair of big men to their second row stocks. Matt Wirken and Myles McQuone will play for the team in their 2019 Major League Rugby campaign. Both arrive having spent the inaugural MLR season with the New Orleans Gold.
A product of Lindenwood University, Wirken started five matches for the Gold as a tighthead lock. Standing at a lofty 6’7″ (2.01m), the 28-year-old showed impressive mobility for such a large frame and proved an effective ball carrier. He has most recently been spotted playing for NYAC.
McQuone, 25, is slightly shorter at 6’6″ (1.98m) but also lighter and more agile. His game time with New Orleans was limited to less than 50 minutes all told, with just five appearances as a replacement. A standout with the Fairfield Yankees, McQuone suited up for the New England Free Jacks in their match against the Ontario Arrows in Halifax and made a big impact as an early second half substitution.
Wirken and McQuone join Eagles international Nate Brakeley and the towering Dave Shotton as primary lock options for New York’s first season in the league. They will also find familiar faces in Gold teammates Matt Hughston and Anthony Parry, the latter returning to New York after playing for NOLA on loan.
