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Rugby ATL have re-signed hooker Marko Janse van Rensburg, tighthead prop Wikus Groenewald, and winger Jeremy Misailegalu for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The club has also confirmed the return of scrumhalf Rowan Gouws for the second year of his contract signed in October 2020.
Janse van Rensburg and Groenewald quickly established themselves as first choice players in the front row upon their arrival this season. The former played 15 of 18 games and scored a team-high 9 tries in 2021. He is joined by new arrival Tiaan Erasmus as primary hooker options in 2022 with Neethling Gericke opting to concentrate on his coaching career.
Groenewald started 14 games with Will Burke and Fijian international Manasa Saulo providing backup. Saulo has since signed for the Fijian Drua. There could be a new challenger for the starting role in 2022 with fellow South Africa u20 cap John-Roy Jenkinson arriving from Griquas.
Misailegalu has thrived since his arrival at the Ratlers in 2020. He was the only man on the team to play all 18 games this past season as he played 90% of all possible minutes. The No14 shirt could be hotly contested in 2022 with the return to fitness of Harley Davidson, who was injured in the 2021 regular season opener against Toronto.
Also up for grabs is the No9 shirt with Gouws the leading candidate after starting 11 games in 2021. He should be joined once again by Eagles tourist Ryan Rees, Collegiate All-American Duncan van Schalkwyk, and USA u20 select Eamonn Matthews.
