Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The New England Free Jacks have signed flanker Slade McDowall on a three-year deal through the 2024 Major League Rugby season. He arrives from Otago having previously played for New Zealand Schools and trialed for his country’s u20 side.
Though just 23 years of age McDowall has already played five seasons of senior provincial rugby with 24 starts from 38 appearances. A call to join the Highlanders came in March of last year but the Super Rugby season was suspended before he could make a regular season appearance.
An openside specialist, McDowall could form a back row trio comprised entirely of New Zealanders with US-eligible Joe Johnston returning and Jesse Parete arriving from Japan. USA Selects flanker Justin Johnson is also committed to a second season. Springboks 7s cap Tera Mtembu signed a long-term deal in 2021 but has yet to be confirmed for 2022.
