MLR Off-Season Update – October 14

We’re a few days behind schedule on this one… but hopefully it’s worth the wait! The past month has seen a steady increase in signing news across Major League Rugby. A number of players have joined clubs in the Coastal Cup, American Rugby Premiership, and XV Series among others to get game time in the off-season. Others have been selected for the Americas Pacific Challenge.

Heading stateside on a two-year deal is former South Africa u20 international John-Roy Jenkinson, though it’s not clear to which team yet. The 30-year-old tighthead prop has a decade’s worth of Currie Cup experience and was most recently suiting up for Griquas in Super Rugby Unlocked.

MLR has just today announced a strategic alignment with USA Youth & High School Rugby (YHS). The agreement will see programs developed by the professional league to help grow youth rugby in the USA, and will also broadcast some high school matches on The Rugby Network.

Expansion continues to be a hot topic of discussion and the league is understood to be in advanced talks with a potential addition to the Eastern Conference. There are some familiar names behind the bid with an ambitious long-term plan that will certainly excite fans if it comes through as intended.

As for the 2022 season, an official start date is yet to be revealed but preseason training begins on January 3. That is six weeks ahead of 2021 (February 15), which should provide a reasonable indication of when the fifth edition of Major League Rugby intends to kick off.

Below we take a team-by-team look at the coming and goings since our last update.

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

There was no signing news this time around for Austin but two players have gone to Europe. Second row Sebastian de Chaves looks to have departed permanently as he joined Wasps in the English Premiership, while hooker Hugh Roach is currently with Perpignan on a short-term medical joker deal. Utility back Ned Hodson has moved to Dallas.

Another lock, Reegan O’Gorman, is playing for Van East in the Coastal Cup. Backup scrumhalf Sidney Shoop is once again turning out for Seattle RC, and two AG’s are with the American Raptors. Dom Akina has notably been lining up at center – alongside David Still. Rodrick Waters and Nick Johnson represented the club at the Premier 7s in Memphis.

Still recently made his first international appearance on the World Sevens Series and looks to be in demand with Gary Gold singing his praises on social media. Kyle Breytenbach has been named in the USA Selects side headed to Montevideo, and Kurt Morath has been recalled to the Tonga squad for their tour to Europe next month.

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: Sebastian de Chaves (Wasps, UK), Ruben de Haas (SH, Saracens, UK), Ned Hodson (CE/FB, Dallas Jackals)

 

DALLAS JACKALS

The Jackals lost an assistant but gained a Head Coach. Michael Hodge is the man to lead the team in their inaugural season. He will have no shortage of experience to lead on in the form of Brian Ashton, former Head Coach of England. Darren Lewis has also been hired as a Performance Analyst from Premiership club Gloucester. Nese Malifa is heading to the Seawolves to renew ties with Allen Clarke.

Top tier signings Henry Trinder and Chris Pennell are joined by Scotland Sevens forward Charlie McKill and MLR veterans Jérémy Lenaerts, Carlo de Nysschen, and Ned Hodson. The extended squad welcomes a pair of undrafted props in Tayé Olagunju and Timothy Ohlwein, and flyhalf Nate Lyon is back in the picture after spending the season with Austin Blacks.

Mike Matarazzo and Bronson Teles are 2020 draftees who join the club with Aaron Gray the first of the class of 2022 to officially sign on. First overall selection Eric Naposki is currently sharpening his spikes with Old Blue in the ARP. Calvin Gentry, the first pick of the third round, suited up in the Premier 7s. Matarazzo and Naposki are in the USA Selects side for the APC.

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: Timothy Ohlwein (LH, Arkansas State), Tayé Olagunju (TH, Georgia), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Houston SaberCats), Mike Matarazzo (LO, Rugby ATL), Charlie McKill (FL, Warringah Rats, AU), Bronson Teles (FL, Houston SaberCats), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, San Diego Legion), Nate Lyon (FH, Austin Blacks), Henry Trinder (CE, Ampthill, UK), Ned Hodson (CE/FB, Austin Gilgronis), Chris Pennell (FB, Worcester Warriors, UK)

HOUSTON SABERCATS

After a quiet month, the SaberCats sprung into life with the announcement that Eagles Sevens stars Danny Barrett and Matai Leuta are heading for MLR. Newly-capped Eagles Sevens flyer Malacchi Esdale could make his return after missing the 2021 season in its entirety, and the Cats are said to be keen on a few more of the ‘Dawgs’ as they plan their rebuild.

More big news saw confirmation that MLR’s all-time leading scorer Sam Windsor is off to pastures new. If the swirling rumors are accurate, his appreciation for high fashion is leading him to the north-east. Jérémy Lenaerts and Bronson Teles have also joined the outgoing list.

Canadian quartet Liam Murray, Nik Hildebrand, Lucas Albornoz, and Crosby Stewart are currently playing in the Coastal Cup. Stewart did not make any appearances after the preseason and there’s no indication yet that any of the four will be returning.

Nick Boyer and Jake Hidalgo were in action during the Premier 7s, and there are two Rugby HTX academy members in the USA High Performance Camp – French-born second row Maxime ‘Max’ Wilson and local product David-John ‘DJ’ Selby, who is a flyhalf or fullback. The 6’7″ (2.00m) Wilson made his preseason debut for the Cats as an 18-year-old last year.

Under Contract: Tiaan Erasmus (HO, 2022)

Re-signed: tba

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

In: Danny Barrett (N8, USA Sevens), Matai Leuta (CE/WI, USA Sevens)

Out: Nikoloz Khatiashvili (PR, Black Lion, GE), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Dallas Jackals), Diego Magno (FL), Bronson Teles (FL, Dallas Jackals), Sam Windsor (FH)

 

LA GILTINIS

Adam Ashley-Cooper might be retired, but he isn’t going far. The former Wallabies star has signed on to become an Assistant Coach with immediate effect. Also joining the staff officially as Head Coach of the academy program is Dave Clancy, most recently of UCLA and formerly of the Chicago Lions.

Confirmed departures now include loosehead prop JP Smith to the United Rugby Championship, utility back Seru Vularika to Super Rugby, and fullback Glenn Bryce to retirement. Meanwhile standout midfielder Bill Meakes is set to stay on as he moves into new digs in Santa Monica.

Promising winger Adam Channel, who made a splash late in the season after joining from Belmont Shore, took another step up by playing with the Eagles on the Sevens Circuit. Featuring in the Premier 7s this past weekend was Cristian Rodriguez, Watson Filikitonga, and John Ryberg.

Prop Ma’ake Muti, who looks trimmed down, is currently playing for the American Raptors along with hooker Gelen Robinson and towering lock Shawn Clark. Canadian draft pick James O’Neill is captaining the Pacific Pride in the Coastal Cup, and flanker Cyrille Cama is in the USA High Performance group.

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: JP Smith (LH, Lions, SA), Serupepeli Vularika (SH/CE, Fijian Drua, FI), Adam Ashley-Cooper (CE, retired), Glenn Bryce (FB, retired)

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

The biggest news was the hiring of Scott Mathie as Head Coach to replace Ryan Martin, and Mike Rogers as his primary assistant in charge of the forwards. Two new players were also revealed in back row Jesse Parete and midfielder Wayne van der Bank. Both have recent experience in Super Rugby. New England also have a couple Canadian-eligible players in their sights for next season.

A couple front rowers are definitely headed out. Stephan Coetzee’s short-term contract has come to an end and Kensuke Hatakayema has returned to Japan with Toyota Shokki. The future of Vili Toluta’u at the club appears to be uncertain though he has reasons to celebrate after welcoming son Masayoshi to the world in early September.

Pieter Jansen signed a short-term deal with the Tel Aviv Heat in the Rugby Europe Super Cup but the first choice hooker is expected to be back in New England after the pool stage is completed in December. Already contracted players formally confirmed as returning include Quentin Newcomer, Joe Johnston, Justin Johnson, Dougie Fife, and Mitch Wilson.

Johnson and Wilson are among several Free Jacks currently stretching their legs with Mystic River in the American Rugby Premiership. Others are Kyle Ciquera, Sef Fa’agase, Cam Davidowicz, Evan Geist, Ollie Engelhart, and Peceli Rinakama. Hooker Nick Hryekewicz and draft pick Zach Bastres are both in the USA High Performance camp.

Four Free Jacks have been named in the USA Selects squad including Johnson, Sean Yacoubian, Harry Barlow, and draft pick Cael Hodgson. The latter was born in Thailand and also lived in England but qualifies for the USA through his Hawaiian 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), Justin Johnson (FL, 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: Jesse Parete (FL/N8, Taranaki, NZ, 2023), Wayne van der Bank (CE, 2026)

Out: Stephan Coetzee (HO), Kensuke Hatakeyama (TH, Toyota Shokki, JP), Ronan McCusker (LO, Doncaster Knights, UK), Wian Conradie (N8, Gloucester, UK)

 

NOLA GOLD

New contracts announced for next season include a multi-year extension for Lockie Kratz and single-year re-ups for Eric Howard, William Waguespack, and Ross Depperschmidt. Other confirmed returnees include Pat O’Toole and Juan Cappiello.

Depperschmidt is one of five NOLA players who turned out at the Premier 7s. Others were Devin Short, Cian Barry, Joeli Tikoisuva, and draft pick Carmen Consolino. Another draft pick, scrumhalf Christian Alvarez, is getting some game time with the American Raptors.

A pair of NOLA front rowers have been picked in the USA Selects side. Brian Nault could see time as a loosehead prop after playing mostly tighthead for the Gold in 2021, while new hooker George Sharpe will make four hookers with international honors along with O’Toole, Howard, and USA u20 cap Stephen McLeish.

There are some big names on the departures list, not least captain Kyle Baillie who could be headed back to the Great White North. Chilean international Nikola Bursic will move on, along with short-term acquisitions Timothée Guillimin and Hanno Dirksen. Julián Domínguez has been traded to a Texan team, with a move to France possibly looming following the 2022 season.

Some may have noticed Holden Yungert suiting up for Mystic River. The long-time scrumhalf has moved to Boston with his partner and should find his way onto the Free Jacks roster. He has also notably been seeing time at flyhalf. John Sullivan is moving further east in search of more minutes, and Kevin O’Connor has opted to retire from professional rugby.

Three backs are on track for a full return from knee injuries in 2022. JP Eloff and Nick Feakes missed out on the entire 2021 campaign after going down in Bermuda but are now back in working order. Robbie Coleman is ahead of schedule in his recovery with all three set to play major roles for the club next season.

An even bigger name is to join the coaching staff in New Orleans. The announcement could come as early as Friday of a world-renowned international to help with the attack under Nate Osborne. Clermont forwards coach Bernard Goutta is also still on track to arrive as a consultant in what is shaping up to be an impressive supporting cast.

Under Contract: Matt Harmon (LH, 2023), Kevin Sullivan (LH, 2023), Pat O’Toole (HO, 2022), Dino Waldren (TH, 2023), Ignacio Dotti (LO, 2022), Billy Stewart (LO, 2023), Kane Thompson (LO, 2022), Devin Short (FL, 2022), Moni Tonga’uiha (FL, 2023), 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), Nick Feakes (WI, 2023), JP Eloff (FB/CE, 2022), Carl Meyer (FB, 2022), Kyle Rogers (FB/FH, 2022)

Re-signed: Eric Howard (HO, 2022), William Waguespack (LO, 2022), Andrew Guerra (FL, 2024), Ross Depperschmidt (CE, 2022), Lockie Kratz (CE, 2023)

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

In: tba

Out: John Sullivan (PR), Kevin O’Connor (HO/FL, retired), Kyle Baillie (LO), Nikola Bursic (LO/FL), Holden Yungert (SH), Timothée Guillimin (FH), Hanno Dirksen (WI), Julián Domínguez (WI)

 

OLD GLORY DC

The departure of Steven Longwell to Jersey Reds was softened somewhat by contract extensions of Eagles trio Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz, Mike Dabulas, and Thretton Palamo. Age-grade international Jack Iscaro has also committed for another season after showing promise in 2021, while the return of Doug Fraser has also been confirmed.

Danny Thomas and D’Montae Noble played in the Premier 7s, while draft pick Palema Roberts continues to suit up for Life Running Eagles in the ARP. Cory Daniel has been training in the USA High Performance group and will now join the USA Selects along with Owen Sheehy.

Old Glory are set to confirm their first new signing for 2022 on Friday.

Under Contract: Doug Fraser (CE, 2022)

Re-signed: Jack Iscaro (LH, 2022), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (N8, 2022), Mike Dabulas (FH/FB, 2022), Thretton Palamo (CE, 2022)

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

In: tba

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

 

RUGBY ATL

A number of ATL players from this past season are suiting up for Life in the ARP, namely: Luke Schlotman, Wikus Groenewald, Marno Redelinghuys, Ross Deacon, Sean Coughlan, Dunvan van Schalkwyk, Zander van Schalkwyk, Sam Cowley, Jeremy Misailegalu, Harley Davidson, and Austin White. Coughlan looks to be making a switch to flanker, while Davidson returns after several months on the sidelines due to a concussion suffered in the first game of the season against Toronto.

Still more players are turning out for Pathway 404. Will Burke, Lincoln Sii, Daemon Torres, and Lui Sitama are joined by draft picks Sean Akins and Coleson Warner. Other notables in the squad are a pair of Seawolves in Conor McGill and Tommy Clark, short-term Arrows scrumhalf Reid Watkins, and former Utah outside back Nolan Tuamoheloa.

Warner and Harley Wheeler both played in the Premier 7s, while Tuamoheloa has been named in the USA Selects squad. Jalen Tatum was originally signed as a flanker but is now training on the wing with the USA High Performance squad.

The Ratlers are yet to confirm any re-signings officially but star forward Johan Momsen has signed a new three-year deal with the club. Joining the outgoing list are Manasa Saulo, Mike Matarazzo, and Robbie Petzer. Also gone is US Eagles prop Chance Wenglewski, who has been traded to another Eastern Conference contender.

Under Contract: 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)

Re-signed: Johan Momsen (LO, 2024)

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

In: Harley Wheeler (WI, USA Sevens)

Out: Chance Wenglewski (LH), Manasa Saulo (TH, Fijian Drua, FI), Mike Matarazzo (LO, Dallas Jackals), Bautista Ezcurra (FH/CE, Grenoble, FR), Robbie Petzer (FH/CE, Pumas, SA)

 

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

New York players have been busy this offseason playing for various clubs. Draft pick Peter Reyes has been lining up in the back row for White Plains alongside extended squad flanker DaQuan Perry. Former front rower Callum Mackintosh is another familiar face.

Old Blue feature Diego Maquieira, Evan Mintern, Conor McManus, Connor Wallace-Sims, Will Leonard, Sonny Adjei, and Aki Raymond. The latter two played in the Premier 7s along with Connor Buckley and Chris Mattina.

Playing for the American Raptors are late-season additions Kaleb Geiger, Keanu Andrade, and Max Dacey, as well as club member Seimou Smith. Draft pack Chase Schor-Haskin has been playing for Life but it turns out he won’t be coming to New York after all being traded to another team in the East.

Ben Foden looks to have confirmed his departure after signing up for Dancing On Ice, while Samu Tawake is off to Super Rugby. Dan Hollinshead has left for France, with his replacement said to be coming by way of Texas. Rob Irimescu has been linked with a move to the nation’s capital.

Re-signed: tba

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

In: tba

Out: Zak Taulafo (PR, Graulhet, FR), Samu Tawake (TH, Fijian Drua, FI), Chase Schor-Haskin (FL/N8), Dan Hollinshead (FH, Vannes, FR), Ben Foden (FB)

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

The Legion announced a partnership with the Waratahs though as with other such agreements in MLR it remains to be seen what exactly that entails. It follows the appointment of David Haigh as Executive General Manager, filling the same role he occupied for Shute Shield club Sydney University.

Front rowers Peter Malcolm and Nathan Sylvia have put pen to paper on contract extensions, while the first new name confirmed on a two-year deal is US Eagles flyhalf or fullback Will Hooley. Thomas Morani also looks to be staying on, while off to Dallas is scrumhalf Carlo de Nysschen.

Chris Turori, Patrick Madden, Tai Enosa, and Cole Zarcone were all involved in the Premier 7s. Madden has been named in the USA Selects side along with second row Ben Mitchell, who will secure his permanent status as a local player after qualifying on residency.

Under Contract: Chris Robshaw (FL, 2022)

Re-signed: Nathan Sylvia (LH, 2022), Peter Malcolm (HO, 2022)

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

In: Will Hooley (FH/FB, Saracens, UK, 2023)

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

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

New arrivals from South Africa are Juan Mostert and Dan Kriel, and there are new contracts for Nakai Penny and Kieran Joyce. Draft pick Tavite Lopeti has burst straight into the US Eagles squad, and there could yet be more firepower on the way with an experienced USA Sevens squad member said to be eyeing a potential move up the Pacific coast.

Ross Neal signed a short-term loan deal with Saracens, and Aaron Matthews has been suiting up for the American Raptors. It’s not clear yet if Conor McGill and Tommy Clark will be back. Both are playing for ATL’s development side, Pathway 404. JP Aguirre is at Old Blue, and Moses Lalasava is with the Hartford Harpooners.

Clark was involved in the Premier 7s along with Devereaux Ferris and draft pick Ethan Scott. George Barton, who was released late in the season, is now playing in the Coastal Cup in BC. Kellen Gordon, Halleluiah Tiauli, Freddy Tafuna, and Ronald Dwyer are playing for Seattle Rugby Club. Seta Tuilevuka is now coaching the Utah Bees in the XV Series.

Confirmed departures now include one of the originals as Eric Duechle is taking time out from the game. Canadian props Djustice Sears-Duru and Jake Ilnicki are also headed out, as is second row Taylor Krumrei who has signed for an Eastern Conference club.

Re-signed: James Malcolm (HO, 2024), Victor Comptat (LO, 2024), Rhyno Herbst (LO, 2024), Ben Landry (LO, 2023), Brad Tucker (LO/FL, 2023), Nakai Penny (FL, 2024), Travis Larsen (FL/N8, 2023), Riekert Hattingh (N8, 2023), JP Smith (SH, 2024), AJ Alatimu (FH, 2024), Kieran Joyce (FH/CE, 2022), 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: Juan Mostert (FH/FB, Maties, SA, 2024), Dan Kriel (CE, Lions, SA, 2024)

Out: Kellen Gordon (LH, Seattle Rugby Club), Djustice Sears-Duru (LH), Jake Ilnicki (TH), Tim Metcher (TH), Taylor Krumrei (LO), Eric Duechle (FL), Andrew Durutalo (FL, Cambridge University, UK), George Barton (CE), Shalom Suniula (CE, retired), Seta Tuilevuka (CE)

 

TORONTO ARROWS

The Arrows are readying for their return of sorts to Toronto this weekend. It’s far from a full-strength lineup but there will be a first look at draft pick Sam Mace along with a few internationals to go with some others getting a close look ahead of next season.

Chris Silverthorn has moved upstairs to the take on the Director of Rugby position, while Aaron Carpenter is out as defense and forwards coach. There are some notable guest coaches for this weekend including a certain Francois Ratier, former Head Coach of both the Women’s and Men’s senior national teams, while Peter Smith is now listed as ‘Attack and Defense’ coach.

Tomás de la Vega signed on as a medical joker with French club Provence. Is there a chance for a potential return? Officially re-signed are Jack McRogers, Marc-Antoine Ouellet, Ollie Nott, and Sam Malcolm while Gastón Mieres confirmed his return on social media.

Players competing in the Coastal Cup include draft picks Bryce Worden and Logan Martin-Feek along with Nott and Guiseppe du Toit. Late-season signing Alex Russell made his Canada Sevens debut in Vancouver and second row Hank Stevenson will suit up this weekend, seemingly in search of a permanent move from Utah Warriors.

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

Re-signed: Jack McRogers (HO), Andrew Quattrin (HO), Marc-Antoine Ouellet (TH), Ollie Nott (FL), Ronan Foley (FL/N8), Will Kelly (FH), Sam Malcolm (FH/FB), Guiseppe du Toit (CE), Gastón Mieres (WI/FB, 2022)

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

In: tba

Out: Steven Ng (HO, retired), Leandro Leivas (WI)

UTAH WARRIORS

Two players definitely not returning are prop Alex Tucci and scrumhalf Fraser Hurst, though their destinations have not yet been revealed. Olive Kilifi is currently acting as Head Coach of the Warriors Selects development side that includes former All-American prop Mikey Su’a.

Jared Whippy and Iniki Fa’amausili played for the Utah Bees against the American Raptors. Other Warriors links on the extended roster include Peni Pahulu, Jackson Kaka, Josh Whippy, and Fetu’u Vainikolo. Draft pick Emerson Prior is playing for Pacific Pride in the Coastal Cup.

Logan Tago won MVP honors at the Premier 7s with Lance Williams, John Powers, and James Vaifale also playing in the tournament. International honors are in line for draft pick Joey Backe along with prop Elijah Hayes and captain Bailey Wilson, who have all been included the USA Selects side.

Re-signed: tba

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

In: tba

Out: Alex Tucci (LH), Aston Fortuin (LO, Narbonne, FR), Matt Jensen (LO, retired), Hank Stevenson (LO), Fraser Hurst (SH)