MLR Off-Season Update – December 13

Much has changed since our last update a little over a month ago. As predicted the last three weeks of November and first two of December have been busy, with LA and Utah notably active on the signing front. We now have a good idea of what their first choice sides will look like next season.

There was significant action on the league side as well. Mid-November saw the 2021 kits revealed to much fanfare. For the most part they were a modest improvement on 2020, though some fans of San Diego in particular may argue otherwise. New England continues to lead the charge in the apparel game overall, though the new Arrows away jersey may the the most popular singular item.

The other big reveal was the 2021 schedule. Of course the state of the pandemic suggests that changes are inevitable, but for the time being we will operate under the assumption that 97 days from now – March 20 – we will at long last enjoy the return of MLR. Fingers and toes firmly crossed.

Among the talking points are some new venues, less travel, and the absence of some match-ups. As interesting as that was, far more so were the new signing announcements that came in recent weeks. Below is a team-by-team look at where things stand in our last update of 2020.

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

Austin have taken their sweet time to formally announce some signings with prop Paddy Ryan, second row Reegan O’Gorman, and Jeff Hassler expected. The next ‘hurry up please’ is that of Isaac Ross, a former All Blacks lock who has confirmed a two-year contract but is yet to get the public stamp of approval from the Gilgronis.

Thankfully there were a trio of unexpected additions. Sebastian de Chaves is another big body at lock, Cole Davis will thankfully stop spinning his wheels with Canada’s sevens program, and Mack Mason makes it three classy options at flyhalf. Austin still have some bodies to come in but they already look like a team set for big things in 2021.

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), Paddy Ryan (TH, Rugby United New York), Sebastian de Chaves (LO, London Irish, UK), Reegan O’Gorman (LO, South Canterbury, NZ), Christian Ostberg (LO, Aurillac, FR), Isaac Ross (LO, Tasman Mako, NZ, 2022), Cam Dodson (N8, GCU), Mack Mason (FH, Waratahs, AU), Bryce Campbell (CE, London Irish, UK), Cole Davis (WI, Canada Sevens), Jeff Hassler (WI, Seattle Seawolves)

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), Peni Tagive (CE/WI, Dallas Jackals), Rodrigo Silva (FB, Peñarol, UR)

 

DALLAS JACKALS

Is he or isn’t he? The months-long wait for Marco Fepulea’i to be announced has finally ended. Dallas now have three tightheads but are still one loosehead short in the front row. With another Colorado export choosing LA, Dallas instead snapped up Peni Tagive from Austin to likely fill a wing spot. Is there a rampaging ex-Eagle potentially on the horizon? Time will tell.

There were two other significant announcements. Tim O’Malley returns to MLR but not to Utah. He is a similar player to Robbie Petzer and gives Dallas plenty of options in the 10-12 shirts. The first choice back row now looks set with South African No8 Pikkie de Villiers complementing flankers Wian Conradie and Conrado Roura.

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), Marco Fepulea’i (Colorado Raptors, TH), 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), Pikkie de Villiers (N8, Golden Lions, SA), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, Colorado Raptors), Jinho Mun (SH, Dallas Harlequins), Cristian Rodriguez (SH/FB, Belmont Shore), Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (FH, Naitasiri, FI), Tim O’Malley (FH/CE, Tasman Mako, NZ), Robbie Petzer (FH/CE, Colorado Raptors), Chad London (CE, Colorado Raptors), Jonetani Vasurakuta (CE, Nadroga, FI), Peni Tagive (CE/WI, Austin Gilgronis), Campbell Johnstone (CE/FB, Colorado Raptors), Ryan James (WI, Colorado Raptors), Josateki Degei (FB, Namosi, FI)

 

HOUSTON SABERCATS

It’s all gone a bit quiet in Houston with no new announcements in recent weeks. Two players still to be confirmed but certain to return are versatile forwards Diego Magno and Van Stewart. Meanwhile departing the team is one of the originals, Osea Kolinisau. His place in the squad goes to Canadian international Robbie Povey.

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), Osea Kolinisau (FB)

 

LA GILTINIS

Helloooooo Los Angeles. Adam Freier said his team would deliver and to be fair, they have. The bulk of the team has been unveiled and it’s now possible to put together a match day 23 though there are a couple positions that would need some creative shuffling.

Almost half the players announced will come with an Australian accent, though three will not count as imports thanks to their North American qualifications. There are some notable local recruits as well, with Mafi Seanoa, Jeffrey Peleseuma, and former Eagles wrecking ball Langilangi Haupeakui snatched out of club rugby.

Twin books Ruan and JP Smith, Australian international Dave Dennis, and former Scotland No8 Adam Ashe headline the forward pack. Nick Boyer, Harrison Goddard, and Luke Burton add strength in the halfbacks with Bill Meakes, Mika Kruse, DTH van der Merwe, and John Ryberg further out.

There is more talent to come. Wallabies centurions Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper are rumored signings though it remains to be seen if they come to fruition. Fans continue to struggle with the team name and the kit is still up in the air, but Freier & Co. have built a formidable roster on paper.

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

In: Blake Rogers (LH, Colorado Raptors), Mafi Seanoa (LH, Belmont Shore), Jean-Pierre Smith (LH, Queensland Reds, AU), Sean McNulty (HO, New England Free Jacks), Lindsey Stevens (HO, NOLA Gold), Ruan Smith (TH, Queensland Reds, AU), Mahe Vailanu (HO, Gordon, AU), Nick Boyer (SH, Colorado Raptors), Nathan Den Hoedt (LO, Randwick, AU), Dave Dennis (LO, Exeter Chiefs, UK, 2022), Luca Tani (LO, Austin Gilgronis), Luke White (LO, Colorado Raptors), Corey Thomas (LO/FL, Sunwolves, JP), Harry McNulty (FL, Ireland Sevens, IR), Christian Poidevin (FL, Randwick, AU), Adam Ashe (N8, Glasgow Warriors, UK), Langilangi Haupeakui (N8, Life West Gladiators, 2022), Nick Boyer (SH, Colorado Raptors), Harrison Goddard (SH, Gordon, AU), Jeffrey Peleseuma (SH/FH, SFGG, 2022), Luke Burton (FH, San Diego Legion), Mika Kruse (CE, Colorado Raptors), Bill Meakes (CE, Melbourne Rebels, AU), John Ryberg (WI, Colorado Raptors, 2022), DTH van der Merwe (WI, Glasgow Warriors, UK)

OUT: Stephen McLeish (HO, NOLA Gold)

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

Much of New England’s recruitment is now in the open but we did get one new name in US-eligible flyhalf Harrison Boyle, who follows new coach Ryan Martin from Otago. Also confirmed were the expected returns of prop Kensuke Hatakeyama and scrumhalf Ollie Engelhart.

The coaching staff got a boost with the addition of James Willocks as an assistant to Martin. Also a native of New Zealand, Willocks is currently the Head Coach for Dartmouth College and was previously in charge of the Men’s Collegiate All-Americans.

On the outgoing list are Simon Courcoul and Timothée Guillimin, who have both returned to France. Eagles lock Ben Landry has also opted to take some time off from the sport to both heal from standing injuries and dedicate more time to the family business. At 29 one hopes there is still more to come from the big man with Rugby World Cup 2023 on the horizon.

Under Contract: Donald Brighouse (LH/TH, 2021), Kensuke Hatakeyama (TH, 2021), Conor Kindregan (LO, 2021), Josh Larsen (LO, 2021), Ronan McCusker (LO, 2021), Ollie Engelhart (SH, 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), Harrison Boyle (FH, Otago, 2021), Harry Barlow (CE, Harlequins, UK, 2022), Aleki Morris-Lome (CE, Otago, NZ, 2022), Dougie Fife (WI/FB, Edinburgh, UK, 2022)

Out: Simon Courcoul (LH, Rennes, FR), Sean McNulty (HO, LA Giltinis), Ben Landry (LO/FL), Naulia Dawai (FL/N8), Brad Hemopo (FL/N8, Northern Suburbs, AU), Erik Thompson (SH), Timothée Guillimin (FH, Nîmes, FR), Deion Mikesell (WI, Carcassonne, FR)

 

NOLA GOLD

There are no new names to announce for the Gold but two returnees extended their contracts. Second row Billy Stewart is now locked in through 2023. Kevin O’Connor was out-of-contract but a recent shift to hooker has increased his opportunity for game time and with it comes a new two-year deal.

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), Kevin O’Connor (HO/FL, 2022), Dino Waldren (TH, 2023), Ignacio Dotti (LO, 2022), Billy Stewart (LO, 2023), 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

The OG’s were chugging along at a steady pace but since Callum Gibbins and Mungo Mason were announced it’s been crickets. There are still several players to be announced with Danny Tusitala and Dylan Taikato-Simpson expected to return. A new name linked is Canadian back row Luke Campbell who played for the Arrows in 2019.

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), Nic Mirhashem (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

Also on the delinquent list in terms of signings are the Rattlers. They were slow in that department ahead of the 2020 season but looked to have turned a corner this season. Even though many are expected returnees, we would still like to see them formally acknowledged either en bloc or individually.

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

RUNY are now long overdue for some player announcements with zero since early October. We did get a new logo, however. While the organization insist this is a ‘secondary’ offering, the fact that it will reside on the front of their new jerseys means it will be our identifying logo for the team in the coming season.

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, Austin Gilgronis), 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

There was some news from San Diego, and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for Legion fans. The good news is the return of Faka’osi Pifeleti, Joshua Furno, and Dylan Audsley. The not-so-good news is the confirmed departures of Paul Mullen, Luke Burton, and Mike Te’o.

Te’o has been replaced by previously announced Cecil Afrika while Mullen’s roster spot goes to South African import Hencus van Wyk. There are still significant holes left by Burton, Ma’a Nonu, and JP du Plessis that have yet to be filled.

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: Faka’osi Pifeleti (LH), Peter Malcolm (HO), Aaron Mitchell (TH), Joshua Furno (LO), Siaosi Mahoni (LO), Tevita Tameilau (N8), Nate Augspurger (SH), Joe Pietersen (FH/FB), Dylan Audsley (CE/FB), Save Totovosau (WI)

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

In: Luatangi Li (LH, Northland Taniwha, NZ), Hencus van Wyk (TH, Sunwolves, JP), 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), Paul Mullen (TH, Utah Warriors), Devin Short (FL, NOLA Gold), Luke Burton (FH, LA Giltinis), JP du Plessis (CE, NOLA Gold), Ma’a Nonu (CE, Toulon, FR), Mike Te’o (FB, Utah Warriors)

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

It’s a confusing time to be a Seawolves fan. Precisely zero new signings have been announced to date with the exception of Collegiate Draft picks Aaron Matthews and Nick Taylor. Meanwhile the team will not be returning to Starfire Stadium until May of next year as things stand.

Six returnees were at least confirmed since the last update. Canadian trio Djustice Sears-Duru, Nakai Penny, and George Barton are back. Also locked in for another season are Brad Tucker, Ben Cima, and Sitiveni Tamaivena. Seattle needs to turn up the heat as they are now dead last in player confirmations.

Re-signed: Djustice Sears-Duru (LH), Tim Metcher (TH), Brad Tucker (LO), Eric Duechle (FL), Nakai Penny (FL), Ben Cima (FH), George Barton (CE), Ross Neal (CE), Brock Staller (WI), Sitiveni Tamaivena (WI), 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, Austin Gilgronis)

 

TORONTO ARROWS

Nothing much was expected from Toronto given the roster was mostly full but we were recently gifted two props signings. Rob Brouwer is back for another shot at the Shield, while Marc-Antoine Ouellet is a new addition. Mostly a tighthead prop at the Pride, he could get a look at loosehead with the Arrows a little thin on the left side.

Pat Lynott would help solve that issue but is yet to render a final decision on a return. Similarly Peter Milazzo will be a late announcement should he return with both currently tied into work commitments. Jamie Mackenzie is a third in that bracket but should be confirmed closer to the season’s start.

Others who appeared in 2020 but are unsigned include the van Horne twins and scrumhalf Riley DiNardo. All have pressing interests elsewhere but will remain a phone call away should injuries accrue. There is space for another loose forward should Milazzo not return but otherwise recruitment looks complete.

Next season’s venue remains undecided but a move to the revamped York Lions Stadium looks a strong possibility. Lamport has location going for it but is otherwise in poor condition. A long-term redevelopment of the site would be ideal. In the short term York’s vastly superior amenities are appealing.

Fans concerned about Toronto’s ability to play in 2021 due to the ongoing border closure can breathe easier with team President Bill Webb confirming on the Le Rouge podcast that contingencies are in place. A temporary residency south of the border – already seen in other sports – is on the cards if required.

Re-signed: Richie Asiata (LH), Rob Brouwer (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), Marc-Antoine Ouellet (TH, Pacific Pride), 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, 2022)

Out: Mike Smith (TH), Josh van Horne (LO), Tom van Horne (LO), Riley Di Nardo (SH), Dan Moor (WI, retired), Sam Malcolm (FB, Kamaishi Seawaves, JP)

 

UTAH WARRIORS

Utah opted out of individual announcements this season and instead gave us almost the entire roster all at once. Joining Mullen and Te’o on the newcomers list are a pair of locks in Aston Fortuin and Matthew Dalton, Canadian scrumhalf Fraser Hurst, and Samoan utility back Rodney Iona.

Also confirmed are some significant leavers. Kalolo Tuiloma, Blake Hohaia, and captain Dwayne Polataivao are not returning from New Zealand. John Cullen has opted to retire, while also on the exit list are Huluholo Mo’ungaloa, Ara Elkington, Gannon Moore, and Fetu’u Vainikolo among others.

Joining the ‘possibles’ list are seven players who will train with the team before a final decision is made on a potential senior contract. Among them are two former NFL signings in Aaron Wade and Logan Tago, both looking to make their mark in the backline.

Team co-founder Lucas Kjar also announced an ambitious plan to build a new school in Liberty Lake, Washington, that will also serve as a rugby academy. This is in addition to their previously announced plans to build a new stadium in Salt Lake City.

Re-signed: Alex Tucci (LH), Franco van den Berg (LH), Sama Malolo (HO), Veremalua Vugakoto (HO), Michael Payne (HO/TH), Angus MacLellan (TH), Matt Jensen (LO), Puna Vuli (LO), Thomas Tu’avao (FL), Lance Williams (FL), Bailey Wilson (FL), Saia Uhila (FL/N8), Jurie van Vuuren (N8), Michael Baska (SH), Hagen Schulte (FH), Tyler Fisher (CE), Dom Toluono (CE), Jared Whippy (CE), Calvin Whiting (CE), Tonata Lauti (WI), James Vaifale (WI), Josh Whippy (WI/FB)

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: Paul Mullen (TH, San Diego Legion), Matthew Dalton (LO, Bond University, AU), Aston Fortuin (LO, Southern Kings, SA), Fraser Hurst (SH, UBC Thunderbirds), Rodney Iona (FH/CE, Gordon, AU), Mike Te’o (FB, San Diego Legion)

Out: Huluholo Mo’ungaloa (LH), Ricky Tu’ihalangingie (HO), Kalolo Tuiloma (TH, Northland, NZ), John Cullen (LO, retired), Ara Elkington (FL), Dwayne Polataivao (SH, Tasman Mako, NZ), Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Houston SaberCats), Blake Hohaia (CE, Northland, NZ), Gannon Moore (CE/WI), Nolan Tuamoheloa (WI), Fetu’u Vainikolo (WI), Vatemo Ravouvou (FB)