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Rugby United New York have named four more returning players for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. Kyle Sumsion, Cathal Marsh, Will Leonard, and Gavan D’Amore-Morrison make it 19 confirmed returnees and 6 newcomers confirmed by the club thus far for the new campaign.
Former Eagles flanker Sumsion combined his playing role with a coaching gig at West Point Academy after leaving the Houston SaberCats following the 2018 MLR season. The 29-year-old played 10 games for New York in 2019, starting five as part of the regular loose forward rotation with John Quill, Matt Hughston, James Denise, and Ross Deacon.
Marsh, 27, was a high-profile addition who arrived from Leinster having represented Ireland at u20 level. He lived up to his billing in 2019, starting 14 games and scoring 69 points despite his goal kicking being restricted due to a groin injury. RUNY will have strength in depth at No10 with Marsh and Harry Bennett both returning for 2020.
The midfield will also be an area of strength with Will Leonard joining the likes of Mark O’Keeffe, Chris Mattina, and new signings JP Aguirre and Mathieu Bastareaud. Leonard, 24, is entering the second of a three-year contract. The Ireland native played a dozen games at inside center this past season.
D’Amore-Morrison made the permanent switch from openside flanker to the left wing this past season, playing eight games but starting just one. The 27-year-old AIC graduate has been suiting up for Old Blue in the off-season, and also recently represented a USA select side at the Oktoberfest 7s.
