photo credit: Bernard Ayala / Ayala's Photography / Rugby ATL

2020 MLR Transfer Summary

Despite being five weeks into the 2020 Major League Rugby season, new players were still arriving almost on a weekly basis. The unfortunate cancellation of the remainder gives us an early chance to review the roster changes that occurred between the 2019 and 2020 seasons and to identify those who didn’t even get an opportunity to play due to visa delays. Below we take a team-by-team look at where the incoming came from and where the outgoing landed.

 

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

It was very much a changing of the guard in Austin, in just about every way. This year’s lineup was nearly unrecognizable to the team of a year ago, to be expected given the winless result. Leading the outgoing were captain Ben Mitchell, Eagles hooker Peter Malcolm, both Josh and Travis Larsen, and the entirety of their French legion.

Three weeks ago saw the beginning of the high profile signings arrive. Former All Blacks Jamie Mackintosh and Frank Halai made an instant impression but sadly we only got to see one game each from World Cup trio Pele Cowley, Kurt Morath, and Will Magie.

Injured trio Wilton Rebolo, Michael de Waal, and Roland Suniula hadn’t played a single minute in the regular season. Other returnees yet to appear were prop Phil Hanson and winger Reece Czarnecki. Australian pair Maclean Jones and Adam Ashley-Cooper were left in visa limbo, while other reinforcements were also said to be in the works.

Tongan international Dan Faleafa was meant to arrive but instead signed on as a medical joker in France. Enele Malele joined up with the Fijian Latui, and Wesley White left the team shortly after their preseason match against the Austin Huns.

 

IN (20)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Jamie Mackintosh Pau (FR) New Zealand
LH Skyler Adams New Brighton (NZ) USA
HO/TH Wilton Rebolo* Pasteur (BR) Brazil
LO Erik Jacobson Chicago Griffins USA
LO JP Novak Austin Huns USA
LO Luca Tani SFGG USA
LO/FL Potu Leavasa Warringah Rats (AU) Samoa
FL Dominic Akina Western Oregon USA
FL Michael de Waal* Lindenwood South Africa / USA
FL Stewart Morris Austin Blacks USA
N8 Lino Saunitoga Kalihi Raiders Fiji / USA
SH Pele Cowley Ponsonby (NZ) Samoa
FH Will Magie London Scottish (UK) USA
FH Kurt Morath Doncaster Knights (UK) Tonga
FH Alex Rees Austin Huns USA
CE Gabe Farley Macquarrie Uni (AU) USA / Australia
CE Roland Suniula* Seattle Seawolves USA
WI Frank Halai Pau (FR) New Zealand
WI Rodrick Waters West Houston Lions USA
FB Corey Jones Old Glory DC USA

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (15)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Sunao Takizawa NEC Green Rockets (JP) Japan
HO Peter Malcolm San Diego Legion USA
LO Josh Larsen New England Free Jacks Canada
LO Ronan McCusker** New England Free Jacks Ireland / USA
LO Ben Mitchell San Diego Legion England / Ireland
LO Dylan Pieterse Old Glory DC South Africa
LO/FL Kyle Breytenbach Houston SaberCats South Africa / USA
FL/N8 Travis Larsen Old Glory DC Canada
SH Mickaël Romera La Seyne (FR) France
CE Juan Pablo Aguirre Rugby United New York Argentina / USA
CE Simon Bienvenu Kowloon (HK) France
CE Doug Fraser Old Glory DC Canada
CE Andrew Suniula Retired (coach) USA
WI Aidan McMullan Concordia Stingers Canada
FB Soheyl Jaoudat CS Beaune (FR) Morocco

**return from loan

 

 

COLORADO RAPTORS

Another team who changed dramatically in the off-season. A handful of regulars opted to retire including captain Shaun Davies, with his halfback partner Will Magie eventually landing in Austin via London Scottish. Fallout with team management led to the departure of star flanker Hanco Germishuys to New York on the eve of the season.

The Raptors did well compared to most with virtually their entire team coming together before the season with the exception of Rene Ranger, a late arrival, and visa-stricken Digby Ioane. It’s not clear at this point if the latter will ever appear in a Colorado jersey.

Players with no match day appearances this season included prop Blake Rogers and backs Campbell Johnstone, Nick Johnson, and Mateo Gadsden.

 

IN (14)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Zak Taulafo Ceret (FR) Samoa
LH/HO Xendy Tatibouët Arkansas Gryphons France / USA
HO Jay Finau Life West Gladiators USA
LO/FL Michael Curry Tasman Mako (NZ) New Zealand / Samoa / USA
FL Aladdin Schirmer Seattle Seawolves USA
FL Mike Stewart Timisoara (RO) New Zealand / Samoa
N8 Sam Slade Counties Manukau New Zealand
SH Nick Boyer San Diego Legion USA
SH Sean Yacoubian St. Mary’s Gaels Scotland / USA
FH Tomás Quinlan Narbonne (FR) Ireland
CE Rene Ranger Sunwolves (JP) New Zealand
WI Ryan James San Diego Legion USA / Samoa
FB Mason Emerson Hawke’s Bay (NZ) New Zealand
FB Seth Halliman Unattached USA

 

OUT (17)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Noah Barker James Bay Canada
LH/HO Max Lum Old Glory DC USA
HO Zach Fenoglio Retired USA
LO Casey Rock Retired USA
LO/FL Jonny Layne Retired USA
LO/FL Will Munro Kurita Water Gush (JP) Australia
FL Peter Dahl Retired USA
FL Hanco Germishuys Rugby United New York USA
FL/N8 Malon Al-Jiboori San Diego Legion USA
FL/N8 Jason Damm Rugby ATL USA
N8 Murphy Taramai Hurricanes (NZ) New Zealand
SH Shaun Davies Retired (Utah coach) USA
FH Will Magie London Scottish (UK) USA
WI Harley Davidson Rugby ATL USA
FB Maximo de Achaval Retired USA
FB Dylan Taikato-Simpson Old Glory DC New Zealand / Australia

 

 

HOUSTON SABERCATS

Late arrivals were the predominant theme for the SaberCats heading into the regular season. Argentine trio Nicolás Solveyra, Diego Fortuny, and Thomas Morani were pressed into action just days after setting foot on US soil. Norfolk prop CJ Burke was an emergency call-up for the opening week with loose forward Adriaan Booysen a late but welcome addition.

The departures list was extensive. Captain Matt Trouville retired while top talent such as Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz, Thretton Palamo, and Josua Vici headed for the exit door. Three Uruguayans returned home to participate in SLAR. Last minute moves saw Irish prop Jamie Dever joining Paul Mullen in San Diego while second row Charlie Hewitt packed his bags for New York.

Starting hooker Pat O’Toole took up a short-term opportunity with Glasgow but is now curiously without a pro deal, instead turning out for All-Ireland League side Garryowen. Germany international Ayron Schramm broke his rest early in the 2019 season and did not return. The No8 remains in the USA but is without a contract or even club side.

Players on the roster who did not appear in a match day squad this season include back row Mathew Faoagali and backs Joe Kelly, Max Tacket, and Zack Godfrey. Burke, hooker Gabe Romero, and Jake Christmann were named on the bench but did not play any minutes.

 

IN (17)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Nicolás Solveyra CUBA (AR) Argentina
HO Tim Cadwallader Kowloon (HK) New Zealand
HO Diego Fortuny Uni Salta (AR) Argentina
TH CJ Burke Norfolk Blues USA
TH Boyd Wiggins Northland (NZ) New Zealand
LO/FL Kyle Breytenbach Austin Gilgronis South Africa / USA
N8 Adriaan Booysen Welwitschias (NA) Namibia
N8 Mathew Faoagali* Western Sydney (AU) USA / Samoa / New Zealand
SH Jake Christmann Chicago Lions USA
SH De Wet Roos Southern Districts (AU) South Africa / Australia
SH/FH Zachary Short Greerton Marist (NZ) USA / New Zealand
FH/CE Taylor Howden NOLA Gold New Zealand / USA
CE Tiaan Loots Dragons (UK) South Africa
CE Thomas Morani CUBA (AR) Argentina
CE/FB Matías Freyre Newman (AR) Argentina
WI Zack Godfrey* Ealing Trailfinders (UK) USA / England
WI Tim Stanfill OMBAC USA

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (23)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Jake Turnbull Old Glory DC USA
LH Mateo Sanguinetti Peñarol (UR) Uruguay
LH/TH Jamie Dever San Diego Legion Ireland
HO Amro Gouda Rugby ATL USA
HO Pat O’Toole Garryowen (IR) USA
TH Matt Almeida USA / Portugal / Tonga
TH Paul Mullen San Diego Legion USA
LO Charlie Hewitt Rugby United New York England
LO Matt Trouville Retired USA
LO/FL Chris Parker England / USA
FL Chris Coyle USA
FL Chad Joseph Dallas RFC New Zealand / USA
N8 Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz Old Glory DC USA
N8 Alejandro Nieto Peñarol (UR) Uruguay
N8 Ayron Schramm Germany
SH Santiago Arata Peñarol (UR) Uruguay
SH Connor Murphy Dallas RFC England
SH Chris Saint Dallas RFC USA
CE Conor Mills Houston United USA
CE Thretton Palamo Old Glory DC USA
WI Kelly Kolberg Dallas RFC USA
WI Deion Mikesell New England Free Jacks USA
WI Josua Vici Colomiers (FR) Fiji

 

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

Technically every player for the expansion sides are new but for the purpose of this exercise we considered incoming to be those who did not partake in the spring exhibition campaign for the Free Jacks. Of note is that every one of New England’s additions including late arrival Ben Landry made an appearance during the regular season.

Two players announced previously did not stick with the club. Fiji u20 prop Isaac Cavu was not given medical clearance due to a pre-existing injury. His place on the roster went to Samoan international Donald Brighouse. Former Wales Rugby League center Peter Lupton also withdrew prior to the season.

Of those who did appear during the exhibition campaign, two have emerged with other professional teams. Tighthead prop Dolph Botha returned to South Africa and played for the Griffons in the Currie Cup. Fullback Bryan Ptomey has moved to the NOLA Gold.

Six players on the roster did not make a match day appearance this season – injured prop Tony Purpura, hooker Diego Maquieira, back rows Jon Kokinda and Pago Haini, and outside backs Stephen Dazzo and Ahmad Harajly. Winger Christian Adams was an unused replacement against San Diego.

 

IN (15)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Tolu Fahamokioa Hawke’s Bay (NZ) Tonga
TH Donald Brighouse Taranaki (NZ) Samoa
TH Kensuke Hatakeyama Suntory Sungoliath (JP) Japan
LO Josh Larsen Austin Gilgronis Canada
LO/FL Ben Landry Ealing Trailfinders (UK) USA
FL Naulia Dawai Otago (NZ) Fiji
FL Zack Stryffeler NOLA Gold USA
N8 Brad Hemopo Manly Marlins (AU) New Zealand / USA
SH John Poland Munster (IR) Ireland
CE Sam Beard Cardiff RFC (UK) New Zealand / Wales
CE Liam Steel Bay of Plenty (NZ) New Zealand / Samoa
CE/FB Mitch Wilson Life Running Eagles USA
WI Deion Mikesell Houston SaberCats USA
WI Poasa Waqanibau Fijian Drua (FI) Fiji
FB Beaudein Waaka Manly Marlins (AU) New Zealand

 

OUT (2)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
TH Dolph Botha Griffons (SA) South Africa
FB Bryan Ptomey NOLA Gold USA

 

 

NOLA GOLD

The Gold were a relatively settled side with new signings supplementing an already competitive roster. Of the outgoing list by far the most significant was the unexpected departure of star player Tristan Blewett, who has opted to concentrate on his university studies for the time being.

Of those incoming, half were extended roster members. The most notable signing who did not appear is Sharks hooker Cullen Collopy who was hit with a visa delay. Former SaberCats regular Lindsey Stevens was a timely arrival from Australia to fill the void.

Back row Tabo Maree remained injured at the season’s cancellation. Metropolis halfback Trace Bolstad was brought in as emergency cover for two matches but did not play any minutes. Outside back Joeli Tikoisuva was an unused replacement against Colorado.

Extended roster members who did not make an appearance include front rows Konor Coan and Kavika Peniata, second row Will Waguespack, flanker Giovanni Lapp, center Osaiasi Tonga’uiha, and outside backs Kenneth Jinkens, Jonathan Poole, Bryan Ptomey, and Cameron Troxler. All played for New Orleans RFC when not required by the Gold.

 

IN (13)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH/HO Konor Coan* University of Otago (NZ) USA / New Zealand
HO Lindsey Stevens Eastern Suburbs (AU) Australia / USA / Canada
TH Dino Waldren San Diego Legion USA
FL Giovanni Lapp* New Orleans RFC USA
N8 Tabo Maree* Arkansas State South Africa / USA
SH Trace Bolstad Metropolis USA
FH/FB Robbie Coleman Gordon (AU) Australia
CE Osaiasi Tonga’uiha* Life West Gladiators USA / Tonga
CE/FB Carl Meyer Ebbw Vale (UK) South Africa
WI Julián Domínguez Pucará (AR) Argentina
WI Kenneth Jinkins* Tampa Bay Krewe USA
WI Jonathan Poole* Life Running Eagles USA
FB Bryan Ptomey* New England Free Jacks USA

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (13)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Hubert Buydens Trinity Western (coach) Canada
HO Mason Briant Buller (NZ) USA
HO/TH Alex Maughan** Rugby ATL USA
TH Ross Davies Dallas RFC Wales / USA
FL Vince Jobo Austin Blacks South Africa / USA
FL Tony Lamborn Blues (NZ) USA
FL Caleb Meyer Utah Warriors USA
FL Zack Stryffeler New England Free Jacks USA
SH Michael Baska Utah Warriors USA
FH Tadhg Leader** New England Free Jacks USA
FH/CE Taylor Howden Houston SaberCats New Zealand / USA
CE/WI Tristan Blewett South Africa
CE/WI Bobby Johns USA

**return from loan

 

 

OLD GLORY DC

As with New England, our incoming list for Old Glory includes all those who did not partake in their exhibition calendar. In that respect their turnover was more significant with virtually their entire first choice lineup new to the side ahead of their inaugural regular season.

One announced signing – Mitch MacCartney – did not eventuate, instead opting to retire before making a single appearance for the team. His roster spot went to returnee Tyler Myles. Two players from the 2019 campaign have emerged elsewhere. Front row Cullen Barelka landed with 404, Rugby ATL’s development side, with outside back Corey Jones now at Austin.

Wrestling convert Cory Daniel was the only new arrival who did not make a regular season appearance. Top prospect Jack Iscaro was a long-term injury casualty in the preseason. Front row pair Wale Williams and Mo Katz were unused replacements against NOLA and ATL respectively.

Other roster members who did not made a match day appearance were flanker Dacoda Worth, halfbacks Sean Hartig and Myles, and wingers Vetekina Malafu and Ryan Burroughs.

 

IN (24)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Tendai Mtawarira Sharks (SA) South Africa
LH Jake Turnbull Houston SaberCats USA
LH/HO Max Lum Colorado Raptors USA
HO Mike Sosene-Feagai Auckland (NZ) USA
TH Gordon Fullerton Te Awamutu (NZ) New Zealand / USA
LO Api Naikatini Seattle Seawolves Fiji
LO Tevita Naqali Fijian Drua (FI) Fiji
LO Dylan Pieterse Austin Gilgronis South Africa
FL Cory Daniel* Unattached USA
FL Matt Hughston Rugby United New York USA
FL Mungo Mason Edinburgh (UK) Scotland
FL Jack McLean Penn State USA
FL Nic Mirhashem Cal Golden Bears Spain / USA
FL/N8 Travis Larsen Austin Gilgronis Canada
N8 Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz Houston SaberCats USA
SH Danny Tusitala Auckland (NZ) Samoa
FH Mike Dabulas Penn State USA
FH Jason Robertson Bay of Plenty (NZ) New Zealand
CE Doug Fraser Austin Gilgronis Canada
CE Ciaran Hearn London Irish (UK) Canada
CE Thretton Palamo Houston SaberCats USA
WI Declan O’Donnell Waikato (NZ) New Zealand
WI Renata Roberts-Te Nana Northland (NZ) New Zealand
FB Dylan Taikato-Simpson Colorado Raptors New Zealand / Australia

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (2)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH/HO Cullen Barelka 404 Rugby USA
FB Corey Jones Austin Gilgronis USA

 

 

RUGBY ATL

The only side not to field a team in an exhibition capacity prior to the 2020 preseason, ATL’s incoming list instead identifies those imported from other MLR or overseas clubs. Otherwise their additions come from US-based college or amateur club sides.

Former professional football player Frederick Henry-Ajudua was part of the preseason group but has since left the team. His roster spot went to versatile Southland forward Bill Fukofuka, previously of the San Francisco Rush during the 2016 PRO season.

Roster members who did not make an appearance during the regular season include tighthead prop Sam Chaney, flanker Paris Hollis, scrumhalf Eamonn Matthews, flyhalf Zac Mizell, and center Zach Young. Canada ‘A’ winger Karsten Leitner was set to join but has yet to fully recover from a serious Achilles injury.

 

IN (17)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
HO Amro Gouda Houston SaberCats USA
TH Duane Aholelei Clermont Auvergne (FR) Tonga
TH Cronan Gleeson Munster (IR) Ireland
LO Conor Keys Rotherham Titans (UK) Canada
LO Johan Momsen Griquas (SA) South Africa
LO Stefan Willemse Pumas (SA) South Africa
LO/FL Marno Redelinghuys Western Province (SA) South Africa
FL Matt Heaton Mowden Park (UK) Canada
FL/N8 Jason Damm Colorado Raptors USA
FL/N8 Harry Higgins West Harbour (AU) USA
N8 Ross Deacon Rugby United New York USA / Ireland
N8 Bill Fukofuka Southland (NZ) Tonga / New Zealand
FH Kurt Coleman Eastern Province (SA) South Africa
CE Ryan Nell Pumas (SA) South Africa
CE/WI Jeremy Misailegalu Utah Warriors USA
WI Harley Davidson Colorado Raptors USA
FB Rory van Vugt Southland (NZ) New Zealand

 

 

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

New York showed comparatively low turnover in the off-season with the loose forwards the hardest hit on the departures list. Matt Hughston and Ross Deacon moved to Old Glory and ATL respectively while John Quill appears to have retired, having already closed the curtains on his international career.

Luke Hume’s terrible knee injury in the Semi Final against San Diego precluded his involvement in 2020 while promising outside center Seimou Smith opted to step away from the sport for the time being. Gavan D’Amore-Morrison chose to focus on the Eagles Sevens program in Chula Vista.

RUNY were hit particularly hard by visa delays with all three Irish signings – Cormac Daly, Evan Mintern, and Jason Higgins – and Māori flanker Kara Pryor never arriving. Softening the blow somewhat were the late and unexpected signings of second row Charlie Hewitt and flanker Hanco Germishuys while Mathieu Bastareaud settled in the back row.

Versatile forward Alex MacDonald was injured in the preseason hit-out against the New York Barbarians. Other players who did not to appear this season include loosehead prop Brian McKellar, midfielder Jake Feury, and wingers Erik Tack and Derek Lipscomb. Utility back JP Aguirre was an unused replacement against Houston.

 

IN (9)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Alec McDonnell Lindenwood USA
HO/N8 Rob Irimescu Penn State USA / Romania
HO/TH Jonas Petrakopoulos Greerton Marist (NZ) Netherlands / USA
TH Will Burke Buffalo RFC USA
LO Charlie Hewitt Houston SaberCats England
FL Hanco Germishuys Colorado Raptors USA
CE Juan Pablo Aguirre Austin Gilgronis Argentina / USA
CE/N8 Mathieu Bastareaud Lyon (FR) France
FB Troy Lockyear Cal Golden Bears England / USA

 

OUT (12)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Chance Wenglewski** Rugby ATL USA
HO Sean McNulty** New England Free Jacks England / Ireland / USA
HO/TH Callum Mackintosh Scotland
TH Chris Sullivan Retired USA
LO Myles McQuone NYAC USA
FL Matt Hughston Old Glory DC USA
FL John Quill USA
N8 Ross Deacon Rugby ATL USA / Ireland
CE Seimou Smith USA
WI Gavan D’Amore-Morrison USA Sevens USA
WI Luke Hume USA
WI Marcus Satavu USA

**return from loan

 

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

The Legion had a smaller number in their core group than other teams, instead relying on local club stalwarts and USA Sevens extras to bolster their lineup when required. Some of those players appeared during the preseason but only three – Chris Turori, Malon Al-Jiboori, and Tai Enosa – were named in lineups during the season. Turori was an unused replacement against New York.

Key departures in the front row required replacement in the off-season as Kapeli Pifeleti and Paddy Ryan moved overseas while Pat Blair switched his focus back to sevens and Dino Waldren went to NOLA. Eagles pair Peter Malcolm and Paul Mullen shored things up while Jamie Dever was a late arrival from Houston.

Notably three high-profile signings did not join after being announced. Prop Chris Eves instead took up a spot with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby, while legal problems forced back row Steffon Armitage to sign for Biarritz in France. Second row Dominic Day decided to retire and pursue business opportunities.

All members of the senior squad took the field over the first five weeks. Extended squad members who did not include utility forward Sione Tu’ihalamaka, lock Tai Tuisamoa, flanker Derrick Broussard, centers Maceo Brown and William Wardlaw, and outside backs Marcus Tupuola and Faitala Talapusi.

World Cup flyer Mike Te’o split his duties between the Legion and the Eagles Sevens group in Chula Vista before departing for London Scottish. He would ultimately not make an appearance for the club as the Championship season was cancelled shortly after his arrival in England.

 

IN (14)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH/TH Jamie Dever Houston SaberCats Ireland
HO Peter Malcolm Austin Gilgronis USA
TH Paul Mullen Houston SaberCats USA
LO Ben Mitchell Austin Gilgronis England / Ireland
LO Tai Tuisamoa* Belmont Shore USA
FL Derrick Broussard* OMBAC Philippines
FL/N8 Malon Al-Jiboori Colorado Raptors USA
N8 Tevita Tameilau Glasgow Warriors (UK) USA
SH Devereaux Ferris Life West Gladiators USA
FH Luke Burton Biarritz (FR) Australia
FH/FB Josh Thiel Pacific Pride (CA) Canada
CE Ma’a Nonu Blues (NZ) New Zealand
CE William Wardlaw* Belmont Shore Scotland
WI Tira Patterson Fijian Lutui (FI) Fiji

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (13)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
HO Pat Blair USA Sevens USA
HO Kapeli Pifeleti Saracens (UK) USA
TH Paddy Ryan Sanix Blues (JP) Australia
TH Dino Waldren NOLA Gold USA
FL Alec Barton USA
FL/N8 Drew Gaffney USA
N8 Jordan Manihera Retired New Zealand
SH Nick Boyer Colorado Raptors USA
CE Nick Lupian USA
WI/FB Ryan James Colorado Raptors USA / Samoa
FB Will Holder USA Sevens USA
FB Conor Kearns USA
FB Kyle Rogers USA

 

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

The two-time defending champions kept nearly their entire senior roster intact during the off-season. Phil Mack moved up into a full-time coaching role while international trio Api Naikatini, Cam Polson, and Samu Manoa moved on. Of those only Naikatini continues to play.

Half of those in the ‘departed’ list remain just a phone call away as they suit up for the Seattle Saracens. Two such players were recently plucked back into active duty – Peter Tiberio and William Rasileka, though the latter did not make an appearance prior to the suspension. Eagles prop Olive Kilifi was absent from the roster due to injury.

Some heavyweight recruits were sounded out but injuries severely limited their impact. Ross Neal lasted only 40 minutes of the season opener against San Diego and Harry Davies did not play at all after coming off in the preseason match against Tasman. Seattle’s highest-profile signing Juan Manuel Leguizamón was left awaiting visa clearance. Peter Nelson’s intended arrival was foiled by the pandemic.

Extended squad members Joe Montgomery and Matt Brennan are the only other players on the roster who did not make an appearance on a match day roster.

 

IN (11)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Joe Montgomery* Seattle Saracens USA
LO FP Pelser Griquas (SA) South Africa
FL Andrew Durutalo Ealing Trailfinders (UK) USA
SH Jope Motokana Seattle Saracens Fiji / USA
FH Ryno Eksteen Cheetahs (SA) South Africa
CE Matt Brennan* Burnside (NZ) USA
CE Ross Neal Wasps (UK) England
WI Siti Tamaivena Westside Ronins Fiji / USA
WI Suli Tamaivena Westside Ronins Fiji / USA
WI/FB David Busby Ulster (UK) Ireland
WI/FB Harry Davies* Bedford Blues (UK) Wales

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (13)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Olive Kilifi Seattle Saracens USA
HO Dan Trierweiler Seattle Saracens USA
TH Ryan Youngman Seattle Saracens Scotland / USA
LO Api Naikatini Old Glory DC Fiji
LO/FL Samu Manoa USA
LO/FL Cam Polson Canada
FL Cole van Harn Seattle Saracens USA
FL/N8 Aladdin Schirmer Colorado Raptors USA
SH Phil Mack Retired (coach) Canada
CE Roland Suniula Austin Gilgronis USA
WI Sequoyah Burke-Combs Seattle Saracens USA
WI Dion Crowder Seattle Saracens USA
FB Moses Lalasava Seattle Saracens Fiji / USA

 

 

TORONTO ARROWS

The smallest number of incoming belongs to the Arrows. Like Seattle, many of their outgoing remain available in an emergency situation. World Cup selects Luke Campbell and Kainoa Lloyd notably did not find new professional homes this season, instead suiting up for James Bay in the BC Premier League.

All of Toronto’s overseas signings were in place prior to the season’s start, and all made significant contributions over the five weeks played. Promising local scrumhalf Dylan Young was a late addition to the extended roster during the preseason, while Canadian international Patrick Parfrey was yet to rejoin the squad due to academic commitments.

Injury prevented flanker Marcello Wainwright and center Spencer Jones from taking part. Other players on the roster who did not make an appearance this season are front rowers Jack McRogers and Mike Smith, and veteran flyhalf or fullback Shawn Windsor.

 

IN (8)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH Richie Asiata Canterbury (NZ) New Zealand / Australia
TH Tyler Rowland Pacific Pride (CA) Canada
FL/N8 Tomás de la Vega CUBA (AR) Argentina
N8 Manuel Diana Old Christians (UR) Uruguay
SH Dylan Young* Queen’s Gaels Canada
FH Tayler Adams Eastwood (AU) New Zealand
FH Will Kelly Dragons (UK) Canada
CE Ben LeSage UBC Thunderbirds Canada

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (12)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
LH/TH Tom Dolezel London St. George’s Canada
LH/TH Doug Wooldridge Castaway Wanderers Canada
TH Morgan Mitchell Kamaishi Seawaves (JP) New Zealand
FL John Moonlight Ajax Wanderers Canada
N8 Luke Campbell James Bay Canada
N8 Jack Nay Tonbridge (UK) England
N8 Andrew Wilson Oakville Crusaders Canada
CE Jamie Leveridge Oakville Crusaders Cayman Islands / Canada
WI Kainoa Lloyd James Bay Canada
WI Avery Oitomen Cardiff Met (UK) Canada
FB Jack Evans Swansea (UK) Canada / Wales
FB Theo Sauder Canada Sevens Canada

 

 

UTAH WARRIORS

The team for 2020 in Utah was ‘reloaded’ and they saw considerable change in the off-season. Notably their entire coaching staff was new while on the player personnel front there were numerous additions and fortunately all were cleared in time to take part in the opening weeks.

All five hookers who appeared in 2019 were no longer with the team, with Fiji World Cup select Veremalua Vugakoto taking over the starting role and Australia u20 cap Sama Malolo the last of the off-season signings to arrive. The back row also saw re-jigging with Thomas Tu’avao and Charlie Hola joining after the initial roster named in November.

Other signings post-November were Canadian international Robbie Povey, local product Dom Toluono, and USA u20 cap James Vaifale. All would see significant time, Povey as a flyhalf and fullback, Toluono and Vaifale at center and wing respectively after Blake Hohaia and Fetu’u Vainikolo were injured.

Second row Richard Stanford, flanker Jackson Kaka, and scrumhalf Joseph Nicholls were not on the final roster after being initially included. Former All Blacks flanker Brad Thomson was another who signed earlier in the year but instead went to Super Rugby with the Chiefs.

The Warriors had a large reservoir of local players in reserve who did not make a match day appearance. Prop Alex Tucci, flanker Lance Williams, and winger Tonata Lauti were injured. Other senior squad members who hadn’t yet seen game time were props Frikkie de Beer and Michael Payne, flanker Caleb Meyer, winger Nolan Tuamoheloa, and the versatile Kenny Scott.

 

IN (18)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
HO Sama Malolo Suntory Sungoliath (JP) Australia
HO Ricky Tu’ihalangingie BYU Tonga / USA
HO Veremalua Vugakoto Fijian Latui (FI) Fiji
TH Michael Payne* BYU USA
TH Kalolo Tuiloma Counties Manukau (NZ) New Zealand / Samoa
FL Caleb Meyer* NOLA Gold USA
FL Thomas Tu’avao Utah Misfits England / USA
FL Bailey Wilson Utah Valley Australia / Scotland / USA
N8 Jurie van Vuuren Eastern Province (SA) South Africa
N8 Charlie Hola Tempe Old Devils USA / Tonga
SH Michael Baska NOLA Gold USA
SH Dwayne Polataivao Doncaster Knights (UK) Samoa
FH Hagen Schulte CSM Bucuresti (RO) Germany
FH/FB Robbie Povey Birmingham Moseley (UK) Canada
CE Tyler Fisher West Harbour (AU) South Africa
CE Blake Hohaia Northland (NZ) New Zealand
CE Dom Toluono Utah Lions USA / Samoa
WI James Vaifale Tempe Old Devils USA / Samoa

*no regular season appearances in 2020

 

OUT (18)

POS NAME TEAM ELIGIBILITY
HO Blake Burdette Retired USA
HO Logan Daniels New Zealand
HO Jeremy Leber Australia / USA
HO Metai Tu’imoala USA / Samoa
HO Alex Vorster USA
FL Arthur Bergo Corinthians (BR) Brazil
FL Tom Kacor Chicago Lions USA
FL Jackson Kaka USA
N8 Les Soloai New Zealand / USA
SH Johnny Ika Hawke’s Bay (NZ) Tonga
SH Ian Luciano Mystic River Australia / USA
SH Joseph Nicholls Zimbabwe / USA
FH Josh Reeves Corinthians (BR) Brazil
FH/FB James Semple Retired New Zealand
CE/FH Tim O’Malley NEC Green Rockets (JP) New Zealand
CE Iniki Fa’amausili USA
WI/CE Jeremy Misailegalu Rugby ATL USA
WI Josh Anderson USA
FB Don Pati USA

 

About Americas Rugby News

Formally created in June 2015, this website's goal is to increase media exposure of the Tier 2 rugby nations, and create a hub with a focus on the stories of rugby in the Americas - North, Central and South.

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