Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
With just a few hours to go until the 2020 Major League Rugby season kicks off in Houston, no less than six teams have made changes to their rosters for the upcoming campaign. The SaberCats have summoned former Navy prop CJ Burke from the Norfolk Blues while second row Robert Meeson makes a sudden return after being initially left out in the cold.
Meanwhile their opponents had a significant absentee from their roster for the game. US Eagles flanker Hanco Germishuys has left the Colorado Raptors following a contract dispute. It’s not clear at this time if there is any hope for reconciliation or if he will choose to play for another side. It’s a significant blow to the Raptors who are already low on numbers in the forwards.
The NOLA Gold have added former Houston hooker Lindsey Stevens in time for their opener against Old Glory DC. ‘Skeeter’ returns from his native Australia where he was first choice with Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield. The 24-year-old is eligible for both Canada and the USA, and fills an immediate gap with South African recruit Cullen Collopy still awaiting visa clearance.
Austin have also been hit hard by visa delays and have been forced to draft in two Austin Huns to their team to face the Toronto Arrows on Sunday. Former Arkansas Razorbacks captain Alex Rees can cover both halfback positions while 39-year-old flanker JP Novak could also debut from the bench.
The season-ending injury to Lance Williams and uncertain status of Jackson Kaka and Richard Stanford with Utah has left the Warriors scrambling for bodies. Fijian lock Puna Vuli and Junior All-American prospect Charlie Hola have been promoted to the senior squad. A new hooker has also been signed in former Australia u20 select Sama Malolo. Just 21 years old, he is set to arrive from Japan where he has been on the books for Suntory Sungoliath.
It was a very busy day for the San Diego. SaberCats prop Jamie Dever has moved west to the Legion, while Italy lock Joshua Furno has re-joined the side. Eagles back row Malon Al-Jiboori is one of four USA Sevens residents who will also be available. The other three are all outside backs – Maceo Brown, Marcus Tupuola, and Faitala Talapusi.
