Rugby ATL have acquired Ireland age-grade international Evan Mintern in a trade from Rugby United New York. Full terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed by either club though Americas Rugby News has confirmed that a senior player will be heading from ATL to the Eastern Conference Finalists.
Mintern, 25, was initially meant to join New York in 2020 but the season was cancelled before he could obtain visa clearance. He proved a valuable addition in 2021, playing in 16 of 17 games with starts coming at lock, blindside flanker, and No8.
The versatility of Mintern fills a gap left by the departure of 2020 draft pick Mike Matarazzo to the Dallas Jackals. It also strengthens options for the Ratlers at No8 with Eagles prospect Jason Damm currently sidelined after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered in early July.