Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Make it five South African imports for Rugby ATL. Former Southern Kings forward Stefan Willemse has joined up with his new teammates in Georgia as preparations begin in earnest for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. He follows midfielder Ryan Nell from the Pumas, with countrymen Johan Momsen, Marno Redelinghuys, and Kurt Coleman also signed up.
Willemse, 27, made his Currie Cup debut for Eastern Province in 2013. He was drafted into the Kings in 2016, playing two seasons of Super Rugby as a blindside flanker. Following the 2017 campaign he moved to the Pumas where he has been first choice for the past three seasons, most recently lining up at lock.
A pair of St. Mary’s graduates have also checked in, namely dynamic No8 Vili Helu, 23, and winger Tommy Wallace, 25. Helu has played for the USA Falcons sevens side while Wallace was one of six Gaels to spend time in Canberra training with the Brumbies academy in 2017.
Another joining the team is 2018 Austin Elite utility back Zac Mizell. The 31-year-old Eagles Sevens international covers flyhalf and fullback. Canada ‘A’ winger Karsten Leitner, 24, is set to sign in the new year once ongoing rehabilitation of a serious Achilles injury is complete.
