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The big man is back! Samu Manoa is rolling up his sleeves and getting to work with Seattle. It’s an unexpected arrival with the 36-year-old former Eagles star sitting out all of 2020 and seemingly retired. Can he revitalise a slumping Seawolves side?
Meanwhile the club are also busy making arrangements for another golden oldie to arrive. Akihito Yamada scored 19 tries in 25 tests for Japan but at 35 is now winding down a wonderful career. It help fills a gap on the wing though the club may have more pressing needs…
WHERE IS ROBSHAW?
For those wondering why a certain ex-England captain was not in the San Diego side to face New York, astute observers may recall an unfortunate incident surrounding a proposed Barbarians match at Twickenham in the fall. Chris Robshaw’s suspension has carried over and he won’t be available until the Houston match on April 10.
COLEMAN SIDELINED
Don’t expect to see Kurt Coleman’s name in the ATL lineup any time soon. Their top flyhalf has undergone surgery to repair a serious leg injury suffered during the team’s intra-squad match last month. In the meantime Duncan van Schalkwyk and Robbie Petzer will fill the gap at No10.
Harley Davidson was stretchered off the pitch in Saturday’s season opener against Toronto after being knocked out in a nasty collision with a teammate. No word yet on a timeline for return but the club have acted quickly to find a replacement with former New York outside back Mark O’Keeffe signed up. More reinforcements could yet be en route.
ARROWS RE-ARM FOR UTAH
Look for the Arrows to hit the refresh button against Utah this weekend. Set to bolster the backline are Manuel Montero and Joaquín Tuculet. After recently completing quarantine the Pumas pair were rested for the opening match against ATL, where it’s fair to say things didn’t quite go to plan.
A handful of players did not make the trip south with Toronto, among them international veterans Rob Brouwer and Jamie Mackenzie. South American signing Juan Cruz González has also been left on standby with Johnny Sheridan. Siaki Vikilani and Spencer Jones are still recovering from injuries.
WELCOME TO THE WARRIORS
Speaking of Utah, late last week the team added Chad Gough and Hank Stevenson to the squad. Both were left adrift by Dallas. Ex-Raptors starter Gough adds quality at hooker and will allow Sama Malolo to play in the back row if needed, while Stevenson is a young Canadian lock in his first season as a pro.
Aston Fortuin made his MLR debut on the weekend but their other import second row Matthew Dalton is still on the way while Namibia flyhalf Cliven Loubser has now joined up with the team. No longer coming, however, is Samoa flyhalf slash inside center Rodney Iona.
HOUSTON INCOMING
The SaberCats will be delighted with their opening round win over the Seawolves, particularly given the number of absentees from the lineup. Both captains Luke Beauchamp and De Wet Roos missed the game, while Canadian international Robbie Povey was still clearing quarantine.
Malacchi Esdale is currently unavailable on Eagles Sevens duty but some new arrivals are planned. Once-capped Canadian international Lucas Albornoz is on the way to help with the shortage at lock and midfielder Gabe Farley has been acquired in a trade with NOLA. Two others are also in the works.
ONE MORE FOR THE AG’s
Austin are struggling with early season injuries but may have a couple aces up their sleeve. Isaac Ross is seemingly still coming while ex-Brumbies loose forward Locky McCaffrey is rumored to be joining him. Another prop might be welcome as both Brendan Rams and Angel Torres have been released.
YE OLDE GLORIOUS
It’s hard not to be impressed by DC’s performance against NOLA. The OG’s were badly outgunned in the backs on paper but took it to their hosts at every opportunity. Still with no Declan O’Donnell or Dylan Taikato-Simpson this season options are very limited out wide.
Former England u20 lock Stan South has already been confirmed as a future arrival but another could be Māori international Matty Lansdown. The Waikato utility back would be most welcome with his ability to play anywhere from 10 to 15.
