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The San Diego Legion have added vastly experienced New Zealander Chris Eves to their front row ranks for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. He arrives as a direct replacement for the departing Paddy Ryan, who will return to Japan to play for the Sanix Blues in the Top League following the World Cup.
Eves, 31, began his professional career in 2008 with North Harbour. After a two-year stint with Agronomia in Portugal he returned to New Zealand with Manawatu. His performances with the Turbos led to a Super Rugby contract in 2014 and he has been a mainstay with the Hurricanes ever since.
International honors with the New Zealand Māori began in 2013, and Eves has since represented the side on nine occasions. He started both matches against Japan in 2014, against Canada in 2017, and against the USA in 2018.
It remains to be seen where the Legion choose to play Eves. Though capable of playing both sides of the scrum, his professional career has largely been spent at loosehead prop. With only Aaron Mitchell remaining of their three tightheads last sign, they may also look to give Nathan Sylvia more time there given his experience there in the 2018 season.
Joining Ryan in leaving the team is US Eagles international Dino Waldren, who has signed a three-year deal with NOLA, arriving in an exchange for a foreign player card. San Diego have retained both Sylvia and Oti Pifeleti who split playing time at loosehead prop last season.
