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The surprise package of the truncated 2020 Major League Rugby season. Despite being newcomers Old Glory were off to a flying start with four straight wins after their opening round defeat to NOLA. It’s fair to say that tougher challenges were ahead, and their sophomore season should offer a more accurate examination of their abilities.
2020 RECORD: 4-1 (2nd East, 3rd Overall)
HEAD COACH: Arriving from New Zealand prior to the 2019 exhibition campaign, Andrew Douglas is now entering his third season with the team. He has shouldered much of the coaching responsibility on his own with Toshi Palamo helping out with the backs.
CAPTAIN: Old Glory went the co-captain route in 2020 and will do so again in 2021. Mungo Mason was pack leader and a talismanic figure at openside flanker. The big man in the backs was Thretton Palamo, who repelled all but the sleekest of opposition attacks in the midfield.
STAR PLAYER: Playing first receiver behind a retreating scrum is an impossible task, and yet somehow Jason Robertson got the DC attack moving forwards. Small of stature but fleet of foot, he is the creative genius in the side and led the league in scoring in 2020. His inconsistent goal kicking accuracy was the only blemish in an otherwise superb showing.
KEY DEPARTURE: One of the biggest names name to play in MLR thus far, Tendai Mtawarira is an obvious choice here. Though he only managed a game-and-a-half on the field, his presence off it made a significant impact both within the team and engaging the rugby community. That kind of presence is not easily replaced.
SMART SIGNING: Loose forward was not an area of concern in 2020 but upgrades have been made nonetheless. Callum Gibbins arrives from the Glasgow Warriors with a reputation for a tireless work rate and strong leadership skills. He is also taking on a coaching role at training.
ONE TO WATCH: A preseason injury knocked Jack Iscaro out of the running last season. He is now back to full fitness and raring to go in 2021. The 23-year-old is a physical specimen with a strong family pedigree in rugby. He’ll challenge Irish import Jamie Dever for the starting loosehead spot and will be closely monitored by Eagles selectors.
STRENGTHS: While the set piece was a major concern last season, once handed possession the back row and halfbacks were among the best in MLR. There is more depth up front this season and Robertson will again partner with Danny Tusitala to form MLR’s quickest playmaking partnership.
CONCERNS: Mtawarira aside the tight five has been upgraded but the scrum will still be under close scrutiny from Week One. On the other hand the backline looks less dangerous than a year ago and beyond the starting group is lacking in both numbers and experience.
OUTLOOK: It’s tempting to call their 2020 results an aberration but Old Glory deserve credit for their achievements. A full 16-game season is a much different proposition, however, and with so much of their success dependent on a few key individuals expecting similar results seems unwise.
