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Saracens have quietly promoted USA international Kapeli Pifeleti from their senior academy to their professional squad. The soon-to-be 21-year-old is one of three hookers named in the roster for the remainder of the 2019-20 Premiership season alongside British & Irish Lions starter Jamie George and England u20 international Tom Woolstencroft.
Pifeleti himself represented England at u18 level before opting for Eagles honors. He made his test debut against Brazil in February 2019 with his most recent cap coming against Canada in July of last year. Long-listed for the 2019 World Cup, he ultimately missed out to established trio Joe Taufete’e, Dylan Fawsitt, and James Hilterbrand.
After spending the 2019 Major League Rugby season on loan with the San Diego Legion, Pifeleti returned to Saracens that fall. He made two Premiership appearances before the season was suspended with his first senior start for the club coming against Northampton Saints in October.
The Premiership will return to action this coming weekend ending a four-month pandemic-enforced hiatus. Following the completion of the season in October, Saracens will drop to the Championship having been relegated due to repeat salary cap breaches.
Other Americas players on the club’s roster for the upcoming season include US Eagles flyhalf Will Hooley and former Pumas center Juan Pablo Socino. Both signed during the off-season. Pumas prop Juan Figallo continues to be sidelined due to concussion suffered while playing against England at RWC 2019.
