MLR Off-Season Update – September 6

With the Championship Final now more than a month in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start thinking about the 2022 Major League Rugby season. In our first update of this off-season we’ll look at coaching changes, some re-signings, the Collegiate Draft, and the first official new signing.

Worth noting is that contracts for returnees league-wide were to be completed by Sunday, August 29, after which unsigned players are made available to other teams. The next month should reveal many of those extensions and the first signings for this year’s only expansion side – the Dallas Jackals.

Look for future updates on the first Monday of each month.

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

Austin have now confirmed the first new overseas arrival of the MLR off-season. Veteran Eagles back Marcel Brache has joined from the Western Force. He is a versatile backfielder but should fit nicely into the midfield alongside Bryce Campbell, whose return is at this point a formality.

Arriving via the draft is hooker Brandon Asbel, who gives the team two young American rakes to work with along with Mason Koch. Asa Carter projects as a beefy blindside flanker while Caleb Strum is a long-striding winger with good pace.

Ruben de Haas is the only confirmed departure thus far though he was expected, arriving on a short-term contract before making the move to Saracens in the English Premiership.

Under Contract: Isaac Ross (LO, 2022), Michael de Waal (FL, 2022), Will Magie (FH, 2022), Zinzan Elan-Puttick (FB, 2022)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Brandon Asbel (HO, Davenport), Asa Carter (FL, Arkansas State), Caleb Strum (WI, Alabama)

In: Marcel Brache (CE, Western Force, AU)

Out: Ruben de Haas (SH, Saracens, UK)

 

DALLAS JACKALS

Elaine Vassie has been promoted to GM and the Jackals are now set to begin player announcements, though they be best advised to expedite the unveiling of their coaching staff. At least they have a venue secured, which now has a new name with Globe Life Park becoming Choctaw Stadium.

DeCor Davis is the only forward picked up in the draft. He has played heavily as a No8 in college but will focus on the front row in MLR. Calvin Gentry returns to the Dallas organization after being part of their extended roster before being disbanded last season.

First overall pick Eric Naposki and Aaron Gray add genuine pace to the outside backs. Former Argentina u20 flyhalf Alejandro Torres might have been playing in SLAR if his proposed move to the Olímpia Lions wasn’t blocked by the UAR.

Draft Picks: DeCor Davis (PR, Queens Charlotte), Alejandro Torres (FH, Thomas More), Calvin Gentry (CE, Memphis), Aaron Gray (WI, Kutztown), Eric Naposki (FB, UCLA)

In: tba

HOUSTON SABERCATS

Expect big changes from Houston in the off-season with the biggest move already completed. Former Springboks supremo Heyneke Meyer is the new Director of Rugby and he has sounded out former Bulls coach Pote Human to be his right-hand man. Look for more South African influence to follow.

Two powerful back row players from Lindenwood are on the way via the draft in Emmanuel Albert and Tinashe Muchena. The latter has represented Zimbabwe at u21 level and is now being eyed by senior Sables selectors. Promising hooker Dillon Shotwell is the third pick.

On the outgoing list so far are prop Nikoloz Khatiashvili, who has returned to Georgia, and popular Uruguayan back row Diego Magno. It remains to be seen if the likes of Sam Windsor and Taylor Howden stick around though Zach Pangelinan has recently expressed his desire to play on for another year.

Under Contract: Tiaan Erasmus (HO, 2022), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, 2022)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Dillon Shotwell (HO, Sam Houston State), Emmanuel Albert (FL, Lindenwood), Tinashe Muchena (N8, Lindenwood)

In: tba

Out: Nikoloz Khatiashvili (PR, Black Lion, GE), Diego Magno (FL)

 

LA GILTINIS

Darren Coleman departs with another title in his pocket and a nice new contract with the Waratahs. Stepping up into the Head Coach role is Stephen Hoiles, who ensures some continuity in structure. The coaching staff otherwise looks to be fairly set in place.

A handful of players were confirmed as multi-year signings ahead of this past season and the turnover will be interesting with some big names possibly departing. Adam Ashley-Cooper confirmed his retirement following the Championship Final while the wait is on for Matt Giteau to make his decision.

Heavyweight prop Sam Klimkowski was picked up in the draft along with flankers Gerald Lowe and James O’Neill. Already a standout at senior provincial level in Canada, O’Neill is viewed as a potential senior international and looks ready to compete for significant playing time in 2022.

Under Contract: Dave Dennis (LO, 2022), Langilangi Haupeakui (N8, 2022), Jeffrey Peleseuma (SH/FH, 2022), John Ryberg (WI, 2022), DTH van der Merwe (WI, 2022)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Sam Klimkowski (LH, Notre Dame College), Gerald Lowe (FL, Kutztown), James O’Neill (FL, UVic)

In: tba

OUT: Adam Ashley-Cooper (CE, retired)

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

The core of the Free Jacks playing roster is contracted but there is a new Head Coach on the way with Ryan Martin departed for the Melbourne Rebels. Another change will see the team moving to Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, where they played their final game of the 2021 campaign.

Two forwards have confirmed their moves to England. Second row Ronan McCusker is off to Doncaster while Namibian back row Wian Conradie has joined Gloucester. Former Japan prop Kensuke Hatakeyama is at the end of his contract and may well have reached the end of his playing career.

Acquired in the draft is prop Anthony Adamcheck, who can play both sides but likely projects as a loosehead. Zach Bastres and Cael Hodgson are similar athletes with size who can play both center and wing. All three players are US-eligible, with Hodgson – who was born in Thailand and later moved to the UK – qualifying through his Hawai’i-born mother.

Under Contract: Sef Fa’agase (LH, 2022), Quentin Newcomer (PR, 2023), Erich de Jager (TH, 2022), Pieter Jansen (HO, 2022), Jackson Thiebes (LO, 2022), Joe Johnston (FL, 2022), Tera Mtembu (FL/N8, 2023), John Poland (SH, 2023), Sean Yacoubian (SH, 2023), Aleki Morris-Lome (CE, 2022), Harry Barlow (CE/WI, 2022), Poasa Waqanibau (CE/WI, 2022), Dougie Fife (CE/FB, Edinburgh, UK, 2022), Mitch Wilson (WI/FB, 2022), Beaudein Waaka (FB/FH, 2022)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Anthony Adamcheck (PR, Penn State), Zach Bastres (CE/WI, Northern Colorado), Cael Hodgson (CE/WI, Lindenwood)

In: tba

Out: Ronan McCusker (LO, Doncaster Knights, UK), Wian Conradie (N8, Gloucester, UK)

 

NOLA GOLD

The Clermont connection is starting to pay off with outside back Jack Webster recently spending a few weeks training with the Top 14 club. Expected to arrive in New Orleans this fall is Bernard Goutta, the former France flanker and a forwards coach at ASM, who will potentially stay on as a consultant through the 2022 season.

A significant number of players are already signed up and there are anticipated returns from injury for Robbie Coleman, JP Eloff, and Nick Feakes. Kane Thompson has a year left on his contract though he should continue to concentrate on coaching with second row prospect William Waguespack looking ready to see more game time.

Two young halfbacks were picked up in the draft in Christian Alvarez and Carmen Consolino. Alvarez spent several years in New Zealand, representing Counties Manukau at age-grade level. England-born but US-eligible George Sharpe is a hooker with solid technical skills and leadership experience.

Under Contract: Matt Harmon (LH, 2023), Kevin Sullivan (LH, 2023), Kevin O’Connor (HO/FL, 2022), Pat O’Toole (HO, 2022), Dino Waldren (TH, 2023), Kyle Baillie (LO, 2022), Ignacio Dotti (LO, 2022), Billy Stewart (LO, 2023), Kane Thompson (LO, 2022), Moni Tonga’uiha (FL, 2023), Devin Short (FL, 2022), Malcolm May (FL/N8, 2022), Cam Dolan (N8, 2022), Damian Stevens (SH, 2023), Robbie Coleman (FH, 2022), Juan Cappiello (CE, 2023), JP du Plessis (CE, 2024), Julián Domínguez (WI, 2022), Nick Feakes (WI, 2023), Tim Maupin (WI, 2022), JP Eloff (FB/CE, 2022), Carl Meyer (FB, 2022), Kyle Rogers (FB/FH, 2022)

Re-signed: Andrew Guerra (FL, 2024)

Draft Picks: George Sharpe (HO, Arkansas State), Christian Alvarez (SH, Penn State), Carmen Consolino (FH, AIC)

In: tba

Out: tba

 

OLD GLORY DC

DC will have to re-invent themselves next season with at least three first choice players gone in co-captain Mungo Mason, flyhalf Jason Robertson, and midfielder Ciaran Hearn. The starting front row of Jamie Dever, Mike Sosene-Feagai, and Steven Longwell are all currently in Europe on short-term deals.

A pair of centers are incoming from the draft including local product Labi “LJ” Koi-Larbi and Life standout Palema “Nikey” Roberts. They should have time to develop with Doug Fraser signed up for another year and heavy hitters Thretton Palamo and Simi Moala likely to return.

Under Contract: Doug Fraser (CE, 2022)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Labi Koi-Larbi (CE, Penn State), Palema Roberts (CE, Life)

In: tba

Out: Mungo Mason (FL, Oxford University, UK), Jason Robertson (FH, Narbonne, FR), Ciaran Hearn (CE, retired)

 

RUGBY ATL

There will be some movement in the ATL squad as their overseas contingent currently outweighs their match day limit, a situation that saw notables Manasa Saulo and Adriaan Carelse left out of the Championship Final. Robbie Petzer will also not be considered a local player as the Dallas dispersal agreement expires and the five-year World Rugby residency comes into effect.

Petzer might be expected to fill the hole left by Bautista Ezcurra’s departure to France, which was announced earlier this year. A planned return is that of winger Harley Wheeler, who skipped the 2021 season to pursue Olympic honors with the Eagles.

Picked up in the draft are hooker Isaac Bales, flanker Sean Akins, and flyhalf Coleson Warner. Bales has captained the USA South Panthers at u23 level while Akins is a football convert who was already part of the team’s development system. Warner comes highly rated and will have the chance to work with a former Super Rugby flyhalf in attack coach Stephen Brett.

Under Contract: Chance Wenglewski (LH, 2022), Jonas Petrakopoulos (LH/TH, 2022), Neethling Gericke (HO, 2022), Conor Keys (LO, 2023), Marno Redelinghuys (LO, 2022), Matt Heaton (FL, 2023), Rowan Gouws (SH, 2022), Duncan van Schalkwyk (SH/FH, 2023), Robbie Petzer (CE/FH, 2023)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Isaac Bales (HO, Louisville), Sean Akins (FL, Western Michigan), Coleson Warner (FH, Lindenwood)

In: Harley Wheeler (WI, USA Sevens)

Out: Bautista Ezcurra (FH/CE, Grenoble, FR)

 

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

Expect some significant changes from New York. A new home will be needed for starters. Could the planned Queensboro FC stadium fit the bill? Marty Veale assumed the interim Head Coach role this past season and is yet to be confirmed as a permanent holder, and a name change isn’t out of the question.

Incoming draft picks include third round pick Peter Reyes, a local product who recently converted from loose forward to prop. First rounder Chase Schor-Haskin looks capable of fitting into some match day squads straight away and can provide cover across the back row.

Samoan prop Zak Taulafo has packed his bags for France while Ben Foden was due to bring a close to his career… or has he had a change of heart?

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Peter Reyes (LH, Kutztown), Chase Schor-Haskin (FL/N8, Life)

In: tba

Out: Zak Taulafo (PR, Graulhet, FR)

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

The Legion wasted no time in scrapping the dual-Head Coach experiment with former All Black scrumhalf Danny Lee now in charge. There is no indication yet if either of Scott Murray and Zack Test will remain with the side. Chris Robshaw has at least confirmed that he will be back.

Out the door are a handful of players. Second row Joshua Furno left prior to the end of the regular season, with Psalm Wooching and Save Totovosau making the move to the French Pro D2. Cronan Gleeson has landed in Romania while Jasa Veremalua is packing down for Israel’s first professional team in the Rugby Europe Super Cup.

Penn State hooker Thomas Capriotti, Lindenwood lock Jonah Dietenberger, and GCU fullback Dominick Iacovino were picked up in the draft. Dietenberger was the tallest player available at 6’5″ (1.96m) but has some filling-out to do to meet the physical demands of professional rugby.

Under Contract: Chris Robshaw (FL, 2022)

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Thomas Capriotti (HO, Penn State), Jonah Dietenberger (LO, Lindenwood), Dominick Iacovino (FB, GCU)

In: tba

Out: Cronan Gleeson (PR, Tomitanii Constanta, RO), Joshua Furno (LO), Jasa Veremalua (FL, Tel Aviv Heat, IL), Psalm Wooching (FL, Rouen Normandie, FR), Save Totovosau (WI, Narbonne, FR)

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

New Director of Rugby Allen Clarke is already putting his stamp on the team with an impressive list of 10 multi-year extensions as the team begins its rebuilding plan. On the incoming list are three draft picks, most notably midfielder Tavite Lopeti who just had a try-scoring test debut for the Eagles against Canada.

Heavy turnover on the playing roster can be expected. Tim Metcher and Shalom Suniula have confirmed their exits while Victor Comptat suited up for Rumilly this past weekend. Kellen Gordon is now Director of Rugby at Seattle Rugby Club, while Andrew Durutalo left part-way through the season to focus on his studies through Cambridge University.

Canadian midfielder George Barton has been released while prop duo Djustice Sears-Duru and Jake Ilnicki recently listed themselves as ‘unattached’ on Canada’s roster release.

Re-signed: James Malcolm (HO, 2024), Rhyno Herbst (LO, 2024), Ben Landry (LO, 2023), Brad Tucker (LO/FL, 2023), Travis Larsen (FL/N8, 2023), Riekert Hattingh (N8, 2023), JP Smith (SH, 2024), AJ Alatimu (FH, 2024), Ross Neal (CE/WI, 2024), Lauina Futi (WI/CE, 2024)

Draft Picks: Ethan Scott (SH, Memphis), Tavite Lopeti (CE, Saint Mary’s), Darell Williams (WI, Life)

In: tba

Out: Kellen Gordon (LH), Tim Metcher (TH), Victor Comptat (LO, Rumilly, FR), Andrew Durutalo (FL, Cambridge University, UK), George Barton (CE), Shalom Suniula (CE, retired)

 

TORONTO ARROWS

Look for some significant alterations to the Arrows, not least in the coaching department. Chris Silverthorn is expected to step down from his role as Head Coach though he may stay with the organization in another role. At least one other position on the staff is also said to be changing.

The first batch of re-signings have been announced while three players were picked up in the Collegiate Draft. Athletic hooker Sam Mace joins the squad along with a pair of Canadian age-grade internationals in prop Bryce Worden and flyhalf Logan Martin-Feek.

Mace is a direct replacement for Steven Ng, who missed the entire season and has sadly been forced to retire on medical advice. A strong rumor out of Argentina suggests that Tomás de la Vega is soon headed for France. The signing of former Ireland u20 back row Ronan Foley suggests it may be true.

Under Contract: Cole Keith (TH, 2022), Joaquín Tuculet (FB, 2022)

Re-signed: Andrew Quattrin (HO), Ronan Foley (FL/N8), Will Kelly (FH), Guiseppe du Toit (CE)

Draft Picks: Sam Mace (HO, Ottawa), Bryce Worden (TH, UBC), Logan Martin-Feek (FH, UVic)

In: tba

Out: Steven Ng (HO, retired)

UTAH WARRIORS

Shawn Pittman’s ‘interim’ label is no more after he took home Coach of the Year honors for a sterling effort in his first season as Head Coach. He will at least need new locks to work with next season with starters Aston Fortuin and Matt Jensen both gone. Fortuin is off to France while Jensen has announced an early retirement.

The draft has gone well with Joey Backe earmarked for a hooker spot and Canada u20 prop Emerson Prior surprisingly still available at No37 overall. Lindenwood outside back Connor Burns is reminiscent of former Warriors flyer Josh Anderson in size and speed.

Re-signed: tba

Draft Picks: Emerson Prior (PR, Trent), Joey Backe (HO, Western Michigan), Connor Burns (WI/FB, Lindenwood)

In: tba

Out: Aston Fortuin (LO, Narbonne, FR), Matt Jensen (LO, retired)