MLR Off-Season Update – November 8

Our last update was on October 4 so now is a good time to get caught up on everything that has happened over the past month or so. Perhaps the most notable from a league standpoint is the creation of several academy and development programs that will see franchises widening their investment and exposure in the local rugby community.

To that end MLR itself has appointed Guy Hagen as Director of Youth Development. His immediate task is to introduce flag rugby into the curriculum of 10,000 elementary and middle schools within a three-year target. This would have enormous benefits to the sport in the USA while also expanding MLR’s audience.

MLR has also confirmed a grassroots development incentive program that will directly reward teams for supporting youth development. Extra salary cap space can be earned through running high school and development academy teams, with other bonuses available for signing ‘homegrown’ players.

On the playing front a large selection of MLR talent was on display in Bermuda at the World Tens Series, with a few ‘nuggets’ revealed over the course of the last three weeks. Expect this coming month to be a busy one with at least two teams set to confirm much of their rosters for the 2021 campaign.

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

Bryce Campbell’s signature is at last official, after several months of waiting for Austin to make it public. Reegan O’Gorman is another yet to be rolled out, while a second Canadian international – winger Jeff Hassler – is strongly rumored to be off to the AG’s after departing Seattle.

Otherwise it’s been a dull period for Austin fans, with the only official business the formality of signing draft picks Mason Koch and Lui Sitama. Two players were added to the outgoing list – second row Luca Tani and No8 Lino Saunitoga. The former is off to another MLR team seen below, the latter a free agent.

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: Robbie Coetzee (HO, Lions, SA), Christian Ostberg (LO, Aurillac, FR), Cam Dodson (LO/N8, GCU), Bryce Campbell (CE, London Irish, UK)

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), Luca Tani (LO, LA Giltinis), Potu Leavasa (LO/FL, Counties Manukau, NZ), Lino Saunitoga (N8), Rodrigo Silva (FB, Peñarol, UR)

 

DALLAS JACKALS

The front row is edging closer to a done deal with Will Burke arriving from New York. Two development props were just announced in Henry Hall and Adonnis Lee-Johnson. It remains to be seen if Marco Fepulea’i is still on the way as intended, but at least two more senior props will be required.

Even closer to completion are the backline stocks. Cristian Rodriguez has surprisingly joined Dallas and not his home team LA, while Josateki Degei is a third arrival from the Fiji Warriors who will add serious zip out wide. The Robbie Petzer signing is significant, the South African a likely starter at inside center while providing useful cover for Tuidraki Samusamuvodre at flyhalf.

Rumors of another Raptors backfielder continue with at least one winger spot still to be filled. Could a last-minute addition be Spike Davis? The former Eagles powerhouse has been serving a PED suspension that will expire at midnight on March 15, 2021, just days before the new season is scheduled to begin.

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), Mike Brown (HO, Rugby United New York), Chad Gough (HO, Colorado Raptors), James Malcolm (HO, London Scottish, UK), Will Burke (TH, Rugby United New York), 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), Cristian Rodriguez (SH/FB, Belmont Shore), Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (FH, Naitasiri, FI), Robbie Petzer (FH/CE, Colorado Raptors), Chad London (CE, Colorado Raptors), Jonetani Vasurakuta (CE, Nadroga, FI), Campbell Johnstone (CE/FB, Colorado Raptors), Ryan James (WI, Colorado Raptors), Josateki Degei (FB, Namosi, FI)

 

HOUSTON SABERCATS

If there’s one thing SaberCats fans can look forward to in 2021 it’s another year of scrum dominance. Argentine pair Nicolás Solveyra and Diego Fortuny have signed on for another season plus an option, with a second Canadian arriving from the Pacific Pride in loosehead prop Liam Murray.

Adding depth at scrumhalf is Crosby Stewart, another Canadian who has shot up the national pecking order after a strong season with the Pride. Still to be announced is Van Stewart, the US-eligible Australian who was a late arrival last season. He has been playing well for Manly Marlins in the Shute Shield as a lock or blindside flanker.

Under Contract: Valdemar Lee-Lo (LH), Kyle Breytenbach (LO), De Wet Roos (SH), Matías Freyre (CE/FB), Zack Godfrey (WI)

Re-signed: Nicolás Solveyra (LH), Diego Fortuny (HO), Charlie Connolly (TH), Luke Beauchamp (FL), Cecil Garber (FL), Sam Windsor (FH), Kieran Farmer (FH/WI), Thomas Morani (CE), Malacchi Esdale (WI), Zach Pangelinan (FB)

Draft Picks: n/a

In: Liam Murray (LH, Pacific Pride), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Austin Gilgronis, 2022), Nik Hildebrand (TH, Pacific Pride), Nikoloz Khatiashvili (TH, Enisei STM, RU), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Seattle Seawolves, 2022), Apisai Tauyavuca (LO, Zebre, IT), Crosby Stewart (SH, Pacific Pride), 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

At last the mysterious cocktails have sprung to life. We now know their staff with GM Adam Freier and four more coaches on board – Alex Corbisiero, Marc Carter, Michael Stephen, and Orene Ai’i. Added to that is the news of Darren Coleman recently adding a second Shute Shield title to his resume.

On the player front, however, it’s still painfully quiet. “November is going to be a month that we’re going to own,” said Freier on the Rugby Wrap Up. Thankfully there are still three weeks left to live up to that promise. In the meantime a couple signings have been on display in Bermuda.

DTH van der Merwe and Nick Boyer have previously been reported on this site, while former Free Jacks hooker Sean McNulty and Austin lock Luca Tani can be added to the list of incoming. Blake Rogers has confirmed his move while Raptors teammates Luke White and Mika Kruse are also headed to LA.

There is certainly some Australia talent en route, though several of those previously tipped by local media have since signed new Super Rugby deals. Former Wallabies lock Dave Dennis is departing Exeter Chiefs early to join on a two-year deal, while Matt Giteau remains among others linked.

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

In: Blake Rogers (LH, Colorado Raptors), Sean McNulty (HO, New England Free Jacks), Lindsey Stevens (HO, NOLA Gold), Nick Boyer (SH, Colorado Raptors), Dave Dennis (LO, Exeter Chiefs, UK, 2022), Luca Tani (LO, Austin Gilgronis), Luke White (LO, Colorado Raptors), Mika Kruse (CE, Colorado Raptors), DTH van der Merwe (WI, Glasgow Warriors, UK)

OUT: Stephen McLeish (HO, NOLA Gold)

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

The Free Jacks media team earned some puzzled looks with the repeat announcements of Jack Miller and Tom Brusati, both of whom were previously confirmed by the club in June. We await a re-confirmation of Tera Mtembu, whose supporters clothing line could use some shorts to complete the ensemble.

Legitimate new signings numbered just one in Saint Mary’s front rower Nick Hryekewicz, though one might argue draft pick Justin Johnson’s contract is also new if unsurprising. There were four returning players announced – Josh Larsen, Evan Geist, Poasa Waqanibau, and Liam Steel.

Under Contract: Donald Brighouse (LH/TH, 2021), Kensuke Hatakeyama (TH, 2021), Conor Kindregan (LO, 2021), Josh Larsen (LO, 2021), Ronan McCusker (LO, 2021), Liam Steel (CE, 2021), Poasa Waqanibau (CE/WI, 2022), Beaudein Waaka (FB, 2022)

Re-signed: Kyle Ciquera (LH, 2021), Steven Hinshaw (HO, 2022), Quentin Newcomer (TH, 2023), Jackson Thiebes (LO, 2022), Evan Geist (FL/N8, 2021), 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: Xandré Vos (LH, Southern Kings, 2022), Nick Hryekewicz (HO, Saint Mary’s Gaels), Pieter Jansen (HO, Lions, 2022), Erich de Jager (TH, Cheetahs, SA, 2022), Joe Johnston (FL, Bay of Plenty, NZ, 2022), Jack Miller (FL, Colorado Buffaloes), Jack Ram (FL, Coventry, UK, 2021), Tera Mtembu (N8, Sharks, SA, 2023), Tom Brusati (SH, Saint Mary’s Gaels), Sean Yacoubian (SH, Colorado Raptors, 2023), Harry Barlow (CE, Harlequins, UK, 2022), Aleki Morris-Lome (CE, Otago, NZ, 2022), Dougie Fife (WI/FB, Edinburgh, UK, 2022)

Out: Sean McNulty (HO, LA Giltinis), Naulia Dawai (FL/N8), Brad Hemopo (FL/N8, Northern Suburbs, AU), Erik Thompson (SH), Deion Mikesell (WI, Carcassonne, FR)

 

NOLA GOLD

Not much was expected from NOLA but we did get a contract extension for Dino Waldren. Whether there is any MLR relevance to Tristan Blewett’s appearance at the World Tens Series remains to be seen. This backline is stacked as is but there’s always room for a player of his quality.

Fans were treated to an entertaining off-season match between the Gold Academy and Rugby ATL’s Pathway 404. Among things worth noting was the front row comprised of Brian Nault, Kevin O’Connor, and Kevin Sullivan. Kyle Rogers also showed his versatility with a solid performance at inside center.

Under Contract: Eric Howard (HO, 2021), Billy Stewart (LO, 2021), Kane Thompson (LO, 2022), Kyle Baillie (LO/FL, 2022), Nikola Bursic (LO/FL, 2021), Cam Dolan (N8, 2022), 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)

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

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

In: Stephen McLeish (HO, LA Giltinis), 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), JP du Plessis (CE, San Diego Legion, 2024), Jack Webster (CE, LSU), Kyle Rogers (FB, unattached, 2022)

Out: Lindsey Stevens (HO, LA Giltinis)

 

OLD GLORY DC

There was big news from Old Glory this month. Say goodbye to the terrible field lines of Cardinal Stadium and hello to Segra Field. For some DC residents this is problematic as the new digs are a significant trek from the city center. Perhaps a supporters bus can be organized to overcome what is a legitimate gripe.

Belmont Shore halfback Danny Thomas was the first new signing announced. The second was the addition of Callum Gibbins from Glasgow Warriors as a player-coach. He adds a lot of steel to the pack and will combine well with returning co-captain Mungo Mason on the flanks. Star flyhalf Jason Robertson has also re-signed, great news for DC fans, with Danny Tusitala next on the list.

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

Re-signed: Jack Iscaro (LH, 2021), Mo Katz (HO, 2021), Will Vakalahi (TH, 2021), Mungo Mason (FL, 2021), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (N8, 2021), Sean Hartig (SH, 2021), Mike Dabulas (FH, 2021), Jason Robertson (FH, 2021), Doug Fraser (CE, 2022), Thretton Palamo (CE, 2021)

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

In: Jamie Dever (LH/TH, San Diego Legion), James King (HO, Valley RFC, HK, 2021), Steven Longwell (TH, Verona, IT, 2021), David Beach (LO, Mystic River), Callum Gibbins (FL, Glasgow Warriors, UK), Harry Masters (SH, Mary Washington), Danny Thomas (SH/FH, Belmont Shore)

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

 

RUGBY ATL

The Rattlers (just change the team name already…) signed three players after a trial period with Pathway 404. Highly-touted GCU prop Lincoln Sii joins a pair of flankers – Jalen Tatum and Daemon Torres. All three saw have seen regular action in 404’s fall series.

Among several other returnees who have suited up recently are Alex Maughan, Vili Helu, Ross Deacon, Eamonn Matthews, and Zander van Schalkwyk. It remains to be seen if South African trio Stefan Willemse, Johan Momsen, and Ryan Nell will return. All are involved in Super Rugby Unlocked, though Nell recently suffered a knee injury.

There was one professional signing confirmed. Scrumhalf Rowan Gouws will reunite with former Southern Kings teammate Kurt Coleman. ATL look well-stocked at No9 with incumbent starter Duncan van Schalkwyk already signed and Matthews likely to get the nod as the third option.

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, 2021), John Scotti (CE/WI, Arkansas State)

In: Jonas Petrakopoulos (LH/TH, Rugby United New York, 2022), Lincoln Sii (LH/TH, GCU), Jalen Tatum (FL, Kennesaw State), Daemon Torres (FL, Life Running Eagles), Rowan Gouws (SH, Otago, NZ), Bautista Ezcurra (CE, Jaguares, AR, 2022)

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

 

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

Aside from learning that Charlie Hewitt enjoys cornish pasties (who doesn’t?) and Connor Wallace-Sims loves donuts (bad sign for a winger), we basically got nothing from RUNY. We did learn that Will Burke is off to Dallas, JP Aguirre to Seattle, and Mark O’Keeffe is a free agent.

Re-signed: James Rochford (LH), Dylan Fawsitt (HO), Rob Irimescu (HO), Kirk Hamilton (TH), Nate Brakeley (LO), Charlie Hewitt (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), Kara Pryor (FL, Northland, NZ), Evan Mintern (N8, Cork Constitution, IR), Connor Buckley (SH, Iona College), Conor McManus (SH, Canterbury, NZ), Quinn Ngawati (CE, Toronto Wolfpack), Apenisa Cakaubalavu (WI, Fiji Sevens), Fa’asiu Fuatai (WI, Bay of Plenty, NZ), Joel Miranda (FB, Jockey Salta, AR)

Out: Alec McDonnell (LH), Jonas Petrakopoulos (LH/TH, Rugby ATL), Mike Brown (HO, Dallas Jackals), Will Burke (TH, Dallas Jackals), Paddy Ryan (TH), Alex MacDonald (LO/FL, 404 Rugby), Mathieu Bastareaud (N8/CE, Lyon, FR), Cathal Marsh (FH), JP Aguirre (CE, Seattle Seawolves), Mark O’Keeffe (CE/WI)

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

An important piece of the coaching structure was confirmed with Ian Gibbons hired as Head of Athletic Performance. He has previously worked with Saracens, Scarlets, and USA Rugby. Previously mentioned Guy Hagen, by the way, is also Chief Operating Officer of the Legion.

On the player front we got official confirmation of Joe Pietersen’s return, and also a new deal for Peter Malcolm. Incoming is Northland prop Luatangi Li who was originally due to arrive earlier this year. Add Mike Te’o to the outgoing list. The Eagles flyer is reportedly off to another MLR side…

Under Contract: Nathan Sylvia (LH), Dean Muir (HO), Ben Mitchell (LO), Psalm Wooching (FL, 2022), Keni Nasoqeqe (N8), Josh Thiel (FH/CE), Ryan Matyas (CE/WI, 2021)

Re-signed: Peter Malcolm (HO), Aaron Mitchell (TH), Siaosi Mahoni (LO), Tevita Tameilau (N8), Nate Augspurger (SH), Joe Pietersen (FH/FB), Save Totovosau (WI)

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

In: Luatangi Li (LH, Northland Taniwha, NZ), Chris Robshaw (FL, Harlequins, UK, 2022), Bjorn Basson (WI, Enisei STM, RU), Cecil Afrika (FB, Blitzboks, SA)

Out: Jamie Dever (LH/TH, Old Glory DC), Devin Short (FL, NOLA Gold), Luke Burton (FH), JP du Plessis (CE, NOLA Gold), Ma’a Nonu (CE, Toulon, FR), Mike Te’o (FB)

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

Seattle finally logged into their account again and made the return of three ‘originals’ official – Tim Metcher, Eric Duechle, and Brock Staller. Further news via Bermuda is that JP Aguirre will join his third MLR team after trading the east coast for the west.

Speaking of the World Tens Series, Seawolves fans got an early glimpse of draft picks Aaron Matthews and Nick Taylor in action. The latter saw limited game time but Matthews impressed as an outside center with the Rhinos before unfortunately breaking his arm on Tuesday.

Under Contract: Tim Metcher (TH), Brock Staller (WI)

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

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

In: JP Aguirre (CE, Rugby United New York)

Out: Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Houston SaberCats), Jeff Hassler (WI)

 

TORONTO ARROWS

As if the backs division wasn’t stacked enough, enter Joaquín Tuculet! Toronto fans unfamiliar with the Argentine star now have plenty of time to get caught up on Pumas and Jaguares tape of one of the world’s best fullbacks over the last decade.

Re-signed after not getting a chance to appear in the shortened 2020 campaign are Patrick Parfrey and Jack McRogers. Parfrey’s experience and versatility are invaluable in a long season, while McRogers is the third of three highly regarded sub-25 Canadian options at hooker.

Parfrey in the meantime has been at home in St. John’s and yesterday captured the provincial Goodyear Cup with Swilers. Rugby around Canada is rare at the moment but Guiseppe du Toit was also on the pitch playing in a Trinity Western intra-squad contest. du Toit is on the coaching staff for the university side.

Re-signed: Richie Asiata (LH), Jack McRogers (HO), 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), Patrick Parfrey (FH/CE/FB), 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), Joaquín Tuculet (FB, Jaguares, AR)

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

 

UTAH WARRIORS

Finally some good news! We didn’t actually get any player signings, but evidently this is because the bulk of the roster for the 2021 season is set to be unveiled en masse on Tuesday, November 10. In the meantime Utah fans have been keeping their eyes on prospects with the Warriors Selects.

Among those tipped to be part of Tuesday’s announcement is Mike Te’o. What that means for the futures of veterans like Vatemo Ravouvou, Tonata Lauti, and Fetu’u Vainikolo remains to be seen.

Also set to be included after recovering from long-term injuries are prop Alex Tucci and flanker Lance Williams. A new name from the Selects to watch for is South African lock James Mocke, who scored two tries against Pathway 404 last weekend.

Under Contract: John Cullen (LO), Bailey Wilson (FL), Dwayne Polataivao (SH), Calvin Whiting (CE)

Re-signed: tba

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

In: tba

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