MLR Off-Season Update – August 31

Four weeks after our last update and there has been a considerable number of signings though some teams remain conspicuously silent. Below we summarize all the off-field action over the past month with a few extras as of yet unreported.

Confirmation one way or the other of a potential 14th team – Kanaloa Hawai’i – is imminent with their initial three-month negotiation period now expired. Should they be approved they will have to put together a playing roster in record time with the 2021 season scheduled to kick off in mid-February.

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

The AG’s are not messing about and are putting together a respectable squad with 19 players now confirmed for 2021. Only one new signing has come in the past month but Christian Ostberg should soon be joined by other. A Canadian international lock is said to be on the way to partner the big Texan.

Bryce Campbell is yet to be formally announced while fellow Eagles regular James Hilterbrand has also been linked. The latter has been plying his trade with Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield, one of several players with MLR connections competing in the Sydney competition.

Four international halfbacks have now been locked in with Pele Cowley, Marcelo Torrealba, and Kurt Morath joining Will Magie. The backline will also feature big Frank Halai, who returns for the second year of his contract and could switch back to his preferred wing spot after helping out at center this year.

A pair of returning front rowers were confirmed. Jamie Mackintosh will play for Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup before heading back to Texas in a player-coach role. Brendan Rams adds power and bulk at either hooker or tighthead prop. Michael de Waal is fit and ready for 2021, the fourth flanker on the AG’s roster.

Under Contract: Michael de Waal (FL, 2022), Pele Cowley (SH), Frank Halai (CE/WI)

Re-signed: Jamie Mackintosh (LH), LaRome White (LH), Brendan Rams (HO/TH), Mason Pedersen (TH), Moe Abdelmonem (FL), Dominic Akina (FL), Dom Bailey (FL), Marcelo Torrealba (SH), Will Magie (FH, 2022), Kurt Morath (FH, 2021), Rodrick Waters (WI), Zinzan Elan-Puttick (FB, 2022)

Draft Picks: Mason Koch (HO, Dartmouth), Lui Sitama (CE, AIC)

In: Christian Ostberg (LO, Aurillac, FR), Cam Dodson (LO/N8, GCU)

Out: Skyler Adams (LH, Dallas Jackals), Chris Schade (LH/HO), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Houston SaberCats), Wilton Rebolo (HO/TH, Rugby United New York), Juan Echeverría (TH, Peñarol, UR), Potu Leavasa (LO/FL, Counties Manukau, NZ), Rodrigo Silva (FB, Peñarol, UR)

 

DALLAS JACKALS

After a quick start things have gone a little quiet from Dallas. Just three players have been announced over the past month – Scottish hooker James Malcolm, Canadian lock Hank Stevenson, and Argentine flanker Conrado Roura. That makes it 19 players confirmed thus far for the expansion franchise, just a little over halfway.

A number of gaps still need to be filled, most notably flyhalf with none announced to date. Second row recruit Theo McFarland has been named in Samoa’s wider sevens training group while another Samoan, former Colorado prop Marco Fepulea’i, remains unconfirmed by the club.

Draft Picks: Bronson Teles (FL, Arizona Wildcats), Tommy Clark (FL/N8, AIC), Levi van Lanen (CE, Wisconsin-Whitewater), Conner Mooneyham (WI, Life Running Eagles)

In: Skyler Adams (LH, Austin Gilgronis), Kelepi Fifita (LH/TH, Colorado Raptors), Chad Gough (HO, Colorado Raptors), James Malcolm (HO, London Scottish, UK), Kareem Odeh (TH, Life Running Eagles), Theo McFarland (LO, Manuma Samoa, WS), Kody O’Neil (LO, Colorado Raptors), Hank Stevenson (LO, Toronto Nomads), Wian Conradie (FL, Doncaster Knights, UK), Conrado Roura (FL, Ceibos, AR), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, Colorado Raptors), Jinho Mun (SH, Dallas Harlequins), Campbell Johnstone (CE, Colorado Raptors), Chad London (CE, Colorado Raptors), Ryan James (WI, Colorado Raptors)

 

HOUSTON SABERCATS

It’s heating up in Houston with four returning players and three newcomers confirmed in recent days. The returnees come as no surprise with regulars Kyle Breytenbach, Luke Beauchamp, Matías Freyre, and captain De Wet Roos all set for another run in 2021.

Incoming are Georgian test prop Nikoloz Khatiashvili, Fijian lock Apisai Tauyavuca, and center Moa Maliepo, a New Zealander of Tongan ancestry who is capped by Romania. They replace Boyd Wiggins, Victor Comptat, and Tiaan Loots respectively. Wiggins has opted to retire from professional rugby.

Two Canadian players have already been confirmed in prop Nik Hildebrand and flyhalf or fullback Robbie Povey. There are two more reportedly on the way from the Pacific Pride, Canada’s centralized development program, though their identities are yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile the new academy program – Rugby HTX – is off to a rocking start with more than 70 hopefuls taking part at their first identification combine. Coaches Paul Emerick, Taylor Howden, Brett Mills, Josh Schnell, and manager Grant Cole liked the look of 14 players who received invites to the team.

Under Contract: Kyle Breytenbach (LO), De Wet Roos (SH), Matías Freyre (CE/FB)

Re-signed: Luke Beauchamp (FL), Cecil Garber (FL), Sam Windsor (FH), Kieran Farmer (FH/WI), Malacchi Esdale (WI), Zach Pangelinan (FB)

Draft Picks: n/a

In: Nik Hildebrand (LH/TH, Pacific Pride), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Austin Gilgronis, 2022), Nikoloz Khatiashvili (TH, Enisei STM, RU), Apisai Tauyavuca (LO, Zebre, IT), Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Utah Warriors), Moa Maliepo (CE, Timisoara, RO)

Out: Boyd Wiggins (TH, retired), Victor Comptat (LO, Olympique Marcquois, FR), Tiaan Loots (CE)

 

LA GILTINIS

Not a peep from Los Angeles this month which might be understandably worrying but fans can expect to see the team back in the press later this week. Head Coach Darren Coleman remains preoccupied with the Shute Shield, where his Gordon team are undefeated and top of the table.

Revealed in Australian media circles is that former Wallabies hooker Adam Freier is set to be appointed Operations Manager. Will he be leading a cocktail glass or is a new team name on the way? As with Kanaloa, whatever that answer is should be out in the open in short order.

Draft Picks: Stephen McLeish (HO, Lindenwood Lions), Watson Filikitonga (CE, Iona College)

In: Blake Rogers (LH, Colorado Raptors), Nick Boyer (SH, Colorado Raptors)

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

The Free Jacks turned on the information faucet just prior to our last update and since then nine players have been confirmed. Of those five are returnees – hooker Steven Hinshaw, lock Jackson Thiebes, halfbacks John Poland and Tadhg Leader, and outside back Mitch Wilson.

On the way are four quality recruits. South African prop Erich de Jager, Tonga flanker Jack Ram, England age-grade center Harry Barlow, and Scotland international Dougie Fife. Meanwhile confirmed as outgoing are back rows Naulia Dawai and Brad Hemopo, with Eagles winger Deion Mikesell departing for France.

Under Contract: Donald Brighouse (LH/TH, 2021), Kensuke Hatakeyama (TH, 2021)

Re-signed: Steven Hinshaw (HO, 2022), Jackson Thiebes (LO, 2022), John Poland (SH, 2023), Tadhg Leader (FH, 2021), Mitch Wilson (WI/FB, 2022)

Draft Picks: Spencer Krueger (TH, Ohio State), Justin Johnson (FL, Life Running Eagles)

In: Erich de Jager (TH, Cheetahs, SA, 2021), Jack Miller (FL, Colorado Buffaloes), Jack Ram (FL, Coventry, UK, 2021), Tera Mtembu (N8, Sharks, SA, 2023), Tom Brusati (SH, St. Mary’s Gaels), Harry Barlow (CE, Harlequins, UK, 2022), Dougie Fife (WI/FB, Edinburgh, UK, 2022)

Out: Naulia Dawai (FL/N8), Brad Hemopo (FL/N8, Northern Suburbs, AU), Deion Mikesell (WI, Carcassonne, FR)

 

NOLA GOLD

The Gold took a well deserved vacation in August after their blitz of announcements following the draft. There are still returnees to be confirmed and a couple departures on deck, but the guts of the team is now out in the open and it is a formidable lineup in what is gearing up to be a loaded Eastern Conference.

Under Contract: Eric Howard (HO, 2021), Dino Waldren (TH, 2022), Billy Stewart (LO, 2021), Kane Thompson (LO, 2022), Kyle Baillie (LO/FL, 2022), Nikola Bursic (LO/FL, 2021), Holden Yungert (SH, 2021), Scott Gale (SH/FH, 2022), Robbie Coleman (FH, 2022), Con Foley (CE, 2022), Carl Meyer (CE/FB, 2022), Julián Domínguez (WI, 2022), JP Eloff (FB, 2021)

Re-signed: Matt Harmon (LH, 2023), Kevin Sullivan (LH, 2023), Ignacio Dotti (LO, 2022), Moni Tonga’uiha (FL, 2023), Malcolm May (FL/N8, 2022), Nick Feakes (WI, 2023), Tim Maupin (WI, 2022)

Draft Picks: Brian Nault (LH/TH, Central Washington), Andrew Guerra (FL, Notre Dame College)

In: Devin Short (FL, San Diego Legion, 2022), Damian Stevens (SH, Olímpia Lions, 2023), Cian Barry (SH/FH, UCLA), Juan Cappiello (CE, Mont-de-Marsan, FR, 2023), Jack Webster (CE, LSU), Kyle Rogers (FB, unattached, 2022)

Out: tba

 

OLD GLORY DC

Slow and steady appears to be the motto for Old Glory. Recently it’s been all returning players confirmed in the form of hooker Mo Katz, flyhalf Mike Dabulas, and Canadian midfielders Ciaran Hearn and Doug Fraser. September should be a big month of announcements for DC.

Under Contract: Apisai Naikatini (LO, 2021), Ciaran Hearn (CE, 2021)

Re-signed: Jack Iscaro (LH, 2021), Mo Katz (HO, 2021), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (N8, 2021), Mike Dabulas (FH, 2021), Doug Fraser (CE, 2022), Thretton Palamo (CE, 2021)

Draft Picks: Casey Renaud (LO, Kutztown), Matthew Gordon (FL/N8, Mary Washington)

In: David Beach (LO, Mystic River), Harry Masters (SH, Mary Washington)

Out: Tendai Mtawarira (LH, retired), Matt Hughston (FL)

 

RUGBY ATL

Like DC, ATL have some catching up to do. Much of their energy went into their new logo reveal and while the image is striking, we remain disappointed that the team didn’t fully take the plunge with a full re-brand. That non-decision took some of the wind out of the marketing sails.

On the player front, only three names were confirmed over the past month. Maciu Koroi and Martini Talapusi signed new one-year deals with a two-year contract going to front row prospect Jonas Petrakopoulos, surprisingly left in free agency by Rugby United New York.

Unofficially confirmed for next season are hooker Amro Gouda, loose forward Harry Higgins and backfielders Kurt Coleman, Jeremy Misailegalu, Harley Davidson, and Zander van Schalkwyk. GCU prop Lincoln Sii has joined their 404 academy side.

Re-signed: Chance Wenglewski (LH, 2022), Neethling Gericke (HO, 2022), Duane Aholelei (TH, 2023), Conor Keys (LO, 2023), Marno Redelinghuys (LO/FL, 2022), Matt Heaton (FL, 2023), Maciu Koroi (FL/N8, 2021), Duncan van Schalkwyk (SH, 2023), Martini Talapusi (FH/FB, 2021)

Draft Picks: Mike Matarazzo (LO/N8, U of Notre Dame), John Scotti (CE/WI, Arkansas State)

In: Jonas Petrakopoulos (LH/TH, Rugby United New York, 2022), Bautista Ezcurra (CE, Jaguares, AR, 2022)

Out: Jamie Ferrante (LH, retired), Harley Wheeler (WI, USA Sevens)

 

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

The Roosters – another team reluctant to adopt their ‘true’ name – were on a tear but have recently pulled back on the reins. Confirmed as returning are hooker Rob Irimescu, center Will Leonard, and fullback Ben Foden. The latter has confirmed he will hang up the boots at the end of the 2021 campaign.

As Petrakopoulos departs there are two new props in Zak Taulafo and Wilton Rebolo, while youngsters Conor McManus and Joel Miranda add depth at scrumhalf and fullback respectively. There is a clear emphasis on the scrum for this team, and they now have two strong front row units to call on.

Re-signed: James Rochford (LH), Dylan Fawsitt (HO), Rob Irimescu (HO), Nate Brakeley (LO), Hanco Germishuys (FL), Kyle Sumsion (FL/N8), Harry Bennett (FH), Will Leonard (CE), Troy Lockyear (CE/FB), Connor Wallace-Sims (WI), Ben Foden (FB, 2021)

Draft Picks: n/a

In: Zak Taulafo (LH, Colorado Raptors), Wilton Rebolo (HO/TH, Austin Gilgronis), Samu Tawake (TH, Manawatu, NZ), Connor Buckley (SH, Iona College), Conor McManus (SH, Canterbury, NZ), Apenisa Cakaubalavu (WI, Fiji Sevens), Fa’asiu Fuatai (WI, Bay of Plenty, NZ), Joel Miranda (FB, Jockey Salta, AR)

Out: Jonas Petrakopoulos (LH/TH, Rugby ATL), Paddy Ryan (TH), Mathieu Bastareaud (N8/CE, Lyon, FR), Cathal Marsh (FH)

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

Credit to San Diego for following up on their ‘there will be news’ announcement. Eight players were confirmed over the month, though somewhat disappointingly none were new. A fresh face is now in order to get a bit of pep back in their off-season step.

Heading into the second year of their existing deals are hooker Dean Muir, lock Ben Mitchell, flanker Psalm Wooching, and midfielder Josh Thiel. Adding time to their stay are tighthead prop Aaron Mitchell, lock Siaosi Mahoni, scrumhalf Nate Augspurger, and winger Save Totovosau.

Under Contract: Dean Muir (HO), Ben Mitchell (LO), Psalm Wooching (FL, 2022), Josh Thiel (FH/CE), Ryan Matyas (CE/WI, 2021)

Re-signed: Aaron Mitchell (TH), Siaosi Mahoni (LO), Nate Augspurger (SH), Save Totovosau (WI)

Draft Picks: Patrick Madden (FH/CE, Cal Poly), Cole Zarcone (WI, Central Washington)

In: Chris Robshaw (FL, Harlequins, UK, 2022)

Out: Devin Short (FL, NOLA Gold)

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

There are rumors of rumors grumbling in Seattle. Are the two-time MLR Shield champions up for grabs? Will Starfire Stadium be uprooted and airlifted over the Canadian border? Are Krusteaz still the team’s pancake of choice? Questions that need to be answered.

Ross Neal is picking up valuable game time with London Irish at the moment and Tim Metcher is in Australia playing for Southern Districts. There are a whole heap of quality players – not to mention fans – waiting patiently for the Seawolves to pick up their PR game.

Re-signed: Ross Neal (CE), Mat Turner (FB)

Draft Picks: Aaron Matthews (FH/CE, St. Mary’s Gaels), Nick Taylor (CE, Lindenwood Lions)

In: tba

Out: tba

 

TORONTO ARROWS

A hearty Canadian welcome to Toronto for new scrumhalf Jason Higgins and Pumas winger Manuel Montero. The former adds to some impressive halfback depth and the latter should prove a star addition as a replacement for retiring captain Dan Moor.

The Arrows are now up to 29 players confirmed for next season, the most in MLR, and have only a few more names to confirm this coming month. Canadian internationals Andrew Quattrin, Mike Sheppard, Lucas Rumball, and Andrew Ferguson were joined by the dependable Shawn Windsor and Johnny Sheridan in August.

Re-signed: Richie Asiata (LH), Steven Ng (HO), Andrew Quattrin (HO), Cole Keith (TH, 2022), Tyler Rowland (TH), Paul Ciulini (LO), Mike Sheppard (LO), Kolby Francis (LO/N8), Tomás de la Vega (FL), Lucas Rumball (FL), Marcello Wainwright (FL), Manuel Diana (N8), Andrew Ferguson (SH), Tayler Adams (FH), Will Kelly (FH), Shawn Windsor (FH/FB), Guiseppe du Toit (CE), Spencer Jones (CE), Ben LeSage (CE), Mitch Richardson (CE), Leandro Leivas (WI), Johnny Sheridan (WI), Gastón Mieres (WI/FB)

Draft Picks: n/a

In: Gastón Cortes (TH, Leicester Tigers, UK), Adrian Wadden (LO, Leeds Beckett, UK), Siaki Vikilani (N8, Pacific Pride), Jason Higgins (SH, Cork Constitution, IR), Manuel Montero (WI, Olímpia Lions, PY), Juan Cruz González (FB, CAU Madrid, ES)

Out: Dan Moor (WI, retired), Sam Malcolm (FB, Kamaishi Seawaves, JP)

 

UTAH WARRIORS

Utah continue to frustrate with their player reveal strategy but at least have shown their leadership hand in recent days. Chris Latham is set to return as Head Coach with Dwayne Polataivao and John Cullen providing the on-field decision making. Cullen’s about-face from the edge of retirement has been a real boost to the team.

According to Cullen the bulk of their US-based players will be returning in 2021. Promising loose forward Bailey Wilson is a certainty. Among those currently playing abroad are hooker Sama Malolo, tighthead prop Kalolo Tuiloma, and midfielder Blake Hohaia.

Under Contract: John Cullen (LO), Dwayne Polataivao (SH)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Elijah Hayes (TH, Iowa Central), John Powers (FH/FB, Iona College), Derek Ellingson (CE/WI, St. Mary’s Gaels), Danny Giannascoli (FB, Loyola Maryland)

In: tba

Out: Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Houston SaberCats)