Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Rugby New York have confirmed another seven returning players for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. Re-signing are props Wilton Rebolo and Zak Taulafo, hooker Kaleb Geiger, scrumhalves Conor McManus and Connor Buckley, flyhalf Harry Bennett, and versatile back Troy Lockyear.
Rebolo enjoyed his first season in MLR with 13 appearances. While starting only 2 games, he was often an early second-half replacement. The 26-year-old Brazilian also provided invaluable versatility covering the entirety of the front row, though he could he asked to concentrate on tighthead prop following the departure of Samu Tawake to Super Rugby.
Taulafo makes a surprise return given both his age of 38 and having returned to France to play for Graulhet. It now appears he will depart from the Fédérale 1 side early to re-join New York. He was a mainstay in the New York front row in 2021, playing both sides of the scrum, and was due to wear the Manu Samoa jersey for one last time against the Barbarians recently but the match was cancelled after members of the invitational side tested positive for COVID-19.
Geiger was a late addition to the squad from the American Raptors last season and did not make a match day appearance. The 25-year-old is new to rugby having played both baseball and football in college. He has impressed with the Raptors recently with his explosive ball carrying and will look to make an impact backing up captain Dylan Fawsitt in 2022.
McManus and Buckley, both 22, acted as cover for first choice scrumhalf Andy Ellis in 2021. McManus had the lion’s share of the remaining game time with 15 appearances including 4 starts while Buckley was limited to just three appearances, all as a replacement.
Bennett continues to be a reliable option at flyhalf at the age of 31. The US-eligible Australian played in all 17 games this past year including 7 starts, filling in when first choice Dan Hollinshead was injured. He also scored two tries, five conversions, and three penalty goals.
Lockyear played 6 games including 4 starts. He was primarily used as backup to fellow Englishman Ben Foden at fullback but also appeared as an outside center. The 25-year-old remains classified as an import player entering his third season with the team since joining from the Cal Golden Bears.
