MLR Off-Season Update – One Month Out

We are now exactly one month away from the start of the 2021 Major League Rugby season. Normally another off-season update would not come this late in the hour, but much has changed since our last offering in mid-December. A planned January update was pushed to the side as the biggest news of the new year broke – the Dallas Jackals are out.

An entire roster of 30 players were suddenly left without a team and while some have since found homes, others will no longer be playing in MLR this season. The change resulted in an entirely new schedule which no longer looks as balanced as intended. Fortunately the league itself is forging ahead and barring any sudden catastrophes we will have rugby to watch on March 20.

 

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

Austin have been putting the finishing touches on their team with a handful of notable additions. Jake Turnbull and Hugh Roach bolster the front row with back row Maclean Jones ready to take the field after missing out on 2020. Adding depth are young scrumhalf Sidney Shoop and Dallas draft pick Conner Mooneyham. Utility back Ned Hodson returns after a two-year hiatus.

On the departures list there were announcements of Potu Leavasa’s move to Italian side Zebre and Gabe Farley to NOLA Gold. Skyler Adams and Peni Tagive were bound for Dallas but are now out of a contract. Among others seemingly without deals are front rower Chris Schade, second row Maikeli Naromaitoga, and three-quarter Sione Fangaiuiha.

Yet to be confirmed by the club is the addition of ex-All Black lock Isaac Ross as a player-coach. Depending on his status there could be room for another lock or loose forward on the roster, and possibly another versatile back, but at this point it’s adding depth rather than front line quality.

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: Jake Turnbull (LH, Old Glory DC), Robbie Coetzee (HO, Lions, SA), Hugh Roach (HO, Crusaders, NZ), 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), Maclean Jones (FL/N8, Warringah Rats, AU), Cam Dodson (N8, GCU), Sidney Shoop (SH, Seattle RFC), Mack Mason (FH, Waratahs, AU), Bryce Campbell (CE, London Irish, UK), Ned Hodson (CE/FB, Cork Constitution, IR), Conner Mooneyham (CE/WI, Life Running Eagles), Cole Davis (WI, Canada Sevens), Jeff Hassler (WI, Seattle Seawolves)

Out: Skyler Adams (LH), Chris Schade (LH/HO), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Houston SaberCats), Wilton Rebolo (HO/TH, Rugby United New York), Juan Echeverría (TH, Peñarol, UY), Luca Tani (LO, LA Giltinis), Potu Leavasa (LO/FL, Zebre, NZ), Lino Saunitoga (N8), Gabe Farley (CE, NOLA Gold), Roland Suniula (CE, retired), Peni Tagive (CE/WI), Rodrigo Silva (FB, Peñarol, UY)

 

 

HOUSTON SABERCATS

Thankfully the Cats emerged from their slumber and have confirmed nine players since our last update. Officially extending their stay were forwards Van Stewart, Diego Magno, and Adriaan Booysen along with backs Zachary Short and Max Tacket. A pair of Fijian flyers have been recruited in Paula Balekana and Veramu Dikidikilati, while the Dallas debacle has provided lock Kody O’Neil, flanker Bronson Teles, and another scrumhalf in Jinho Mun.

It’s not all good news, however, as second rows Kyle Breytenbach and Jérémy Lenaerts opted out of the 2021 season. Lenaerts is at least contracted through the 2022 season so could make a return at some point. O’Neil’s arrival softens the blow slightly but the team is still short at lock and needs at least one more specialist at that position.

There is also concern that another new signing will not arrive as planned. Moa Maliepo has been named in the Romania squad for the Rugby Europe Championship and though Houston have the bodies to cover, it’s not ideal given Maliepo was intended to be the replacement for 2020 starter Tiaan Loots.

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

Re-signed: Nicolás Solveyra (LH), Diego Fortuny (HO), Charlie Connolly (TH), Van Stewart (LO/FL), Luke Beauchamp (FL), Cecil Garber (FL), Diego Magno (FL), Adriaan Booysen (N8), Zachary Short (SH/FH), Sam Windsor (FH), Kieran Farmer (FH/WI), Taylor Howden (CE), Thomas Morani (CE), Max Tacket (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), Kody O’Neil (LO, Colorado Raptors), Apisai Tauyavuca (LO, Zebre, IT), Bronson Teles (FL, Arizona Wildcats), Jinho Mun (SH, Dallas Harlequins), Crosby Stewart (SH, Pacific Pride), Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Utah Warriors), Moa Maliepo (CE, Timisoara, RO), Paula Balekana (WI, Zebre, IT), Veramu Dikidikilati (WI, Naitasiri, FI)

Out: Boyd Wiggins (TH, retired), Kyle Breytenbach (LO), Victor Comptat (LO, Olympique Marcquois, FR), Jake Christmann (SH), Tiaan Loots (CE), Osea Kolinisau (FB)

 

 

LA GILTINIS

LA are gunning for the title straight out of the gate and the 11 players added since mid-December all help their cause. The biggest names on the list are veteran Super Rugby flanker Angus Cottrell, Connacht flyhalf Luke Carty, and Glasgow Warriors fullback Glenn Bryce.

Adding depth to the squad are props Sione Tu’ihalamaka, Charlie Abel, and Marco Fepulea’i, with Luca Tani and Pago Haini joining the second and back rows respectively. Cristian Rodriguez, Ryan James, and Visesio Leasi join the backs. Fepulea’i, Rodriguez, and James come from the Dallas dispersal.

Rumored arrivals Matt Giteau and Adam Ashley-Cooper, it seems, are not on the cards. The duo look to be focused on their business venture ‘Backline Wines‘ in partnership with fellow Australia international Drew Mitchell, whose own proposed move to New York is now off.

On paper this is a very competitive outfit. A specialist midfielder and possibly an outside back would still be welcome. The team is currently congregated in Hawai’i for preseason training.

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), Sione Tu’ihalamaka (LH, San Diego Legion), Sean McNulty (HO, New England Free Jacks), Lindsey Stevens (HO, NOLA Gold), Charlie Abel (TH, Gordon, AU), Marco Fepulea’i (TH, Colorado Raptors), 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), Angus Cottrell (FL, Melbourne Rebels, AU), Harry McNulty (FL, Ireland Sevens, IR), Christian Poidevin (FL, Randwick, AU), Adam Ashe (N8, Glasgow Warriors, UK), Pago Haini (N8, New England Free Jacks), Langilangi Haupeakui (N8, Life West Gladiators, 2022), Nick Boyer (SH, Colorado Raptors), Harrison Goddard (SH, Gordon, AU), Cristian Rodriguez (SH, Belmont Shore), Jeffrey Peleseuma (SH/FH, SFGG, 2022), Luke Burton (FH, San Diego Legion), Luke Carty (FH, Connacht, IRE), Mika Kruse (CE, Colorado Raptors), Bill Meakes (CE, Melbourne Rebels, AU), Visesio Leasi (WI, Belmont Shore), John Ryberg (WI, Colorado Raptors, 2022), DTH van der Merwe (WI, Glasgow Warriors, UK), Ryan James (WI/FB, Colorado Raptors), Glenn Bryce (FB, Glasgow Warriors, UK)

OUT: Stephen McLeish (HO, NOLA Gold)

 

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

A strong front row group is even stronger with the arrivals of Sef Fa’agase and Vili Toluta’u. The latter comes from Seattle and the one-time Eagles flanker is making a permanent shift to hooker to boost his World Cup chances. Local favorite Danny Collins was an expected re-signing in the outside backs while Matt Wirken adds bulk to the second row.

Some wrinkles have required last minute alterations. The Free Jacks will soon confirm their departures with at least two players initially returning now gone, though reinforcements are on the way.

One preseason game has been scheduled against Old Glory DC at The St. James on March 5.

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), Danny Collins (WI/FB, 2021), Mitch Wilson (WI/FB, 2022)

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

In: Sef Fa’agase (LH, Otago, NZ, 2022), Xandré Vos (LH, Southern Kings, 2022), Nick Hryekewicz (HO, Saint Mary’s Gaels), Pieter Jansen (HO, Lions, 2022), Vili Toluta’u (HO/FL, Seattle Seawolves, 2021), Erich de Jager (TH, Cheetahs, SA, 2022), Matt Wirken (LO, Rugby United New York), 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), Tolu Fahamokioa (LH, Waikato, NZ), Tony Purpura (LH), Diego Maquieira (HO), Sean McNulty (HO, LA Giltinis), Donald Brighouse (TH, Taranaki, NZ), Ben Landry (LO/FL), Jon Kokinda (FL), Zack Stryffeler (FL), Naulia Dawai (FL/N8), Brad Hemopo (FL/N8, Northern Suburbs, AU), Owen Hundt (FL/N8), Pago Haini (N8, LA Giltinis), Erik Thompson (SH), Timothée Guillimin (FH, Nîmes, FR), Ahmad Harajly (CE/FB), Deion Mikesell (WI, Carcassonne, FR)

 

 

NOLA GOLD

The Gold family received terrible news with the sudden and tragic passing of winger Shawn Riley after complications from heart surgery. He was a popular member of the squad and looked sharp at the World Tens Series in Bermuda in November.

NOLA had otherwise been in a strong position heading towards 2021. Late additions since mid-December are former Houston hooker Pat O’Toole and Austin center Gabe Farley. At least one more player recently acquired is due to be announced, with at least two to be confirmed as not returning.

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), Pat O’Toole (HO, Garryowen, IR), 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), Gabe Farley (CE, Austin Gilgronis, 2022), Jack Webster (CE/WI, LSU), Kyle Rogers (FB, unattached, 2022)

Out: Lindsey Stevens (HO, LA Giltinis)

 

 

OLD GLORY DC

Old Glory have been frustratingly quiet on the signings front with only three players confirmed since the last update, two of whom were expected returnees. Mike Sosene-Feagai and Danny Tusitala are back, while a new name is Canadian international and former Arrows No8 Luke Campbell.

The team has at least been busy preparing in their new full-time training home of The St. James. Unconfirmed players spotted in social media posts include returnees Max Lum, Dante Lopresti, Cory Daniel, Dacoda Worth, Josh Brown, Renata Roberts-Te Nana, and newcomers Jack Carroll and Sam Cusano. Carroll is a former High School All-American prop who played college football for the UNH Wildcats. Cusano is a Collegiate All-American winger who was acquired in the supplementary draft.

Campbell’s arrival coincides with the departure of Travis Larsen to San Diego. Fellow loose forward Matt Hughston is currently training with the newly-created Hartford Harpooners, a self-described MLR development program. Loosehead prop Jake Turnbull has left for Austin.

Two preseason games have been arranged with the Free Jacks visiting on March 5 and Rugby ATL hosting on March 13. A third match against the Naval Academy has been cancelled with an intra-squad scrimmage set to be streamed instead.

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

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

Draft Picks: Casey Renaud (LO, Kutztown), Matthew Gordon (FL/N8, Mary Washington), Sam Cusano (WI, Cal Golden Bears)

In: Jamie Dever (LH/TH, San Diego Legion), James King (HO, Valley RFC, HK), Steven Longwell (TH, Verona, IT), David Beach (LO, Mystic River), Callum Gibbins (FL, Glasgow Warriors, UK), Luke Campbell (N8, James Bay), Harry Masters (SH, Mary Washington), Danny Thomas (SH/FH, Belmont Shore)

Out: Tendai Mtawarira (LH, retired), Jake Turnbull (LH, Austin Gilgronis), Matt Hughston (FL, Hartford Harpooners), Travis Larsen (FL, San Diego Legion)

 

 

RUGBY ATL

Another team earning poor scores on their speed of squad confirmations is ATL. Only three players have been announced since the first week of November. Life scrumhalf Ryan Rees was acquired in a trade with NOLA following the supplementary draft, while a pair of ex-Raptors have joined in flanker Connor Cook and center Robbie Petzer.

Also arriving from Colorado is new attack coach Stephen Brett. He replaces Nese Malifa, who is suddenly without a team to coach after Dallas dropped out. A pair of props won’t be returning – Cronan Gleeson has moved to San Diego while Julian Montes recently announced his retirement.

Players who have been spotted in social media posts or mentioned by the club include Amro Gouda, Jason Damm, Harry Higgins, Vili Helu, Ross Deacon, Harley Davidson, and Zander van Schalkwyk. Also signed on according to coach Scott Lawrence is Manawatu winger Te Rangatira Waitokia.

Two preseason games have been arranged with a road trip to Utah on March 6 and a home game against Old Glory on March 13. The intra-squad ‘Silver vs Black’ match is set for February 27 at ‘The Snake Pit’ aka Lupo Family Field.

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), Connor Cook (FL, Colorado Raptors), Jalen Tatum (FL, Kennesaw State), Daemon Torres (FL, Life Running Eagles), Rowan Gouws (SH, Otago, NZ, 2022), Ryan Rees (SH, Life Running Eagles), Bautista Ezcurra (CE, Jaguares, AR, 2022), Robbie Petzer (CE, Colorado Raptors, 2023), Te Rangatira Waitokia (WI/FB, Manawatu, NZ)

Out: Jamie Ferrante (LH, retired), Cronan Gleeson (TH, San Diego Legion), Julian Montes (TH, retired), Harley Wheeler (WI, USA Sevens)

 

 

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

A change in ownership has been the most significant action in the past couple months with the ubiquitous James Kennedy selling his shares to New Zealand-based Bolton Equities. That’s not to say the signing announcement were insignificant, in fact it’s very much the opposite.

RUNY seems to have saved the best for last with US Eagles lock Nick Civetta, Pumitas No8 Benjamín Bonasso, ex-All Blacks scrumhalf Andy Ellis, and Bay of Plenty flyhalf Dan Hollinshead all signed up. The addition of Ellis signifies the end for incumbents Mike Petri and Marcus Walsh with the team.

Returnees yet to be announced are Anthony Parry and Chris Mattina. Selected in the supplementary draft were Christian Dyer and D’Montae Noble. Dyer is currently with the Men’s Eagles Sevens in Madrid and looks unlikely to play this season but Noble would add depth on the wing if signed.

The roster as it now stands still looks a little thin up front with room for a third specialist hooker, at least one dedicated lock, and another flanker. Matt Wirken won’t be an option with the big man moving to New England. Jackals signings Mike Brown and Will Burke are suddenly up for grabs again.

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), Nick Civetta (LO, Oxford University, UK), Kara Pryor (FL, Northland, NZ), Benjamín Bonasso (N8, Newman, AR), Evan Mintern (N8, Cork Constitution, IR), Connor Buckley (SH, Iona College), Andy Ellis (SH, Kobelco Steelers, JP), Conor McManus (SH, Canterbury, NZ), Dan Hollinshead (FH, Bay of Plenty, 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), Will Burke (TH), Paddy Ryan (TH, Austin Gilgronis), Matt Wirken (LO, New England Free Jacks), Alex MacDonald (LO/FL, 404 Rugby), Mathieu Bastareaud (N8/CE, Lyon, FR), Mike Petri (SH), Marcus Walsh (SH), Cathal Marsh (FH, Terenure, IR), JP Aguirre (CE, Seattle Seawolves), Mark O’Keeffe (CE/WI)

 

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

San Diego fans have been riding the waves of emotion since the end of the doomed 2020 campaign, and there seems to be no letting up. The good news is that Cronan Gleeson, Michael Smith, Travis Larsen, Carlo de Nysschen, and especially former Pumas regular Santiago González Iglesias are on the way.

Not so exciting is that Joshua Furno and Hencus van Wyk have suddenly signed elsewhere with Furno off to France and van Wyk staying in Japan. It’s possible they could appear later in the season but big gaps will need filling in the meantime. Also gone are Sione Tu’ihalamaka to LA and Devereaux Ferris to Seattle.

The biggest news was the decision to leave California entirely for the 2021 campaign with operations temporarily moved to Las Vegas. At least the team won’t have to suffer through Sam Boyd Stadium with the much better situated Cashman Field set to be their home for the coming months.

Spots on the roster that still need sorting are third specialists at hooker and scrumhalf, at least one specialist lock if not two, and a tighthead prop to replace van Wyk.

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), 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), Cronan Gleeson (TH, Rugby ATL), Travis Larsen (FL, Old Glory DC), Chris Robshaw (FL, Harlequins, UK, 2022), Michael Smith (FL, UBC Thunderbirds), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, Colorado Raptors), Santiago González Iglesias (FH/CE, Sanix Blues, JP), Bjorn Basson (WI, Enisei STM, RU), Cecil Afrika (FB, Blitzboks, SA)

Out: Sione Tu’ihalamaka (LH, LA Giltinis), Jamie Dever (LH/TH, Old Glory DC), Paul Mullen (TH, Utah Warriors), Devin Short (FL, NOLA Gold), Devereaux Ferris (SH, Seattle Seawolves), 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

Seattle have thankfully dumped a heap of player announcements on fans in recent weeks. Re-signings include props Kellen Gordon and Jake Ilnicki, hookers Stephan Coetzee and Mike Shepherd, locks Taylor Krumrei and FP Pelser, scrumhalf JP Smith, centers Ross Neal and Joey Iosefa, and wingers Suliasi Tamaivena and David Busby.

Newcomers now count six including hooker Obert Nortjé, lock Rhyno Herbst, back rows Tommy Clark and Les Soloai, scrumhalf Devereaux Ferris, and midfielder JP Aguirre. Fans will be anxiously awaiting further additions given other news.

Fan favorite Vili Toluta’u recently opted to pack his bags for New England, while strong rumors have circulated that two prominent re-signings have now left the team. This comes in the wake of co-founder Shane Skinner stepping down as team president, though he remains part of the ownership group.

Another situation which may need to be addressed is the potential absence of Gordon for the start of the season. The loosehead prop is currently in Houston where he is set to stay for a couple months after his pregnant wife recently underwent surgery.

There has been little mention of Shalom Suniula by the team but his social media feed suggests a return in some capacity as a player is in the plans. Also spotted in training pictures is backup flyhalf Scott Dean.

Re-signed: Kellen Gordon (LH), Djustice Sears-Duru (LH), Stephan Coetzee (HO), Mike Shepherd (HO), Jake Ilnicki (TH), Tim Metcher (TH), Taylor Krumrei (LO), FP Pelser (LO), Brad Tucker (LO), Eric Duechle (FL), Andrew Durutalo (FL), Nakai Penny (FL), Riekert Hattingh (N8), JP Smith (SH), Ben Cima (FH), George Barton (CE), Joey Iosefa (CE), Ross Neal (CE), David Busby (WI), Brock Staller (WI), Sitiveni Tamaivena (WI), Suliasi Tamaivena (WI), Mat Turner (FB)

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

In: Obert Nortjé (HO, Peñarol, UY), Rhyno Herbst (LO, Lions, SA), Tommy Clark (FL/N8, AIC), Les Soloai (N8, Utah Warriors), Devereaux Ferris (SH, San Diego Legion), JP Aguirre (CE, Rugby United New York)

Out: Vili Toluta’u (HO/FL, New England Free Jacks), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Houston SaberCats), Jeff Hassler (WI, Austin Gilgronis)

 

 

TORONTO ARROWS

Arrows fans got the news they were expecting that the team has been forced to play their home games south of the border until restrictions are eased. Atlanta has emerged as gracious hosts in the meantime with Toronto due to make their move closer to the season’s start.

On the player front there is good news and bad. The good is confirmation that loosehead prop Pat Lynott is returning, while highly-rated and Canadian-eligible scrumhalf Ross Braude is arriving from South Africa. The bad is that first choice loosehead Richie Asiata has moved to Super Rugby with the Queensland Reds.

Finding a suitable replacement for Asiata will not be easy. Meanwhile flanker Peter Milazzo will not be available under pandemic conditions leaving the team a little short in the forwards. There is some flexibility with Mike Sheppard and Kolby Francis both versatile players but another lock or loose forward would come in handy.

Re-signed: Rob Brouwer (LH), Pat Lynott (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), Ross Braude (SH, Bulls, SA), 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: Richie Asiata (LH, Queensland Reds, AU), Mike Smith (TH), Josh van Horne (LO), Tom van Horne (LO), Dan Moor (WI, retired), Sam Malcolm (FB, Kamaishi Seawaves, JP)

 

 

UTAH WARRIORS

The Warriors looked in good shape at last check-in and the squad has been boosted by four signings. Former Seattle and Eagles prop Olive Kilifi returns after a year out due to injury while Namibia’s World Cup flyhalf Cliven Loubser checks in. Former pro footballer Logan Tago and Joseph Mano have earned promotions from the development squad to the senior backline.

Less positive was the departure of Chris Latham, who resigned as Head Coach for personal reasons. Shawn Pittman will step up in an interim capacity while leaning on assistant Shaun Davies and several senior players to navigate the campaign.

Two areas that could use some extra help are scrumhalf and the back row. There is emergency cover available within the squad but as things stand there are just two players competing for the No9 shirt and five loose forwards, one being Saia Uhila who has been more often used at lock in previous seasons.

One preseason game has been scheduled against Rugby ATL at Zions Bank Stadium on March 6.

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: Olive Kilifi (LH, Seattle RC), Paul Mullen (TH, San Diego Legion), Matthew Dalton (LO, Bond University, AU), Aston Fortuin (LO, Southern Kings, SA), Fraser Hurst (SH, UBC Thunderbirds), Cliven Loubser (FH, Yorkshire Carnegie, UK), Rodney Iona (FH/CE, Gordon, AU), Logan Tago (CE, Montreal Alouettes), Joseph Mano (WI, Salt Lake Gladiators), 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, Hartford Harpooners), Fetu’u Vainikolo (WI), Vatemo Ravouvou (FB)