MLR Off-Season Update – January 3

The first day of preseason training for the 2022 Major League Rugby season is officially in the books, so it’s time for our final off-season update. Individual team previews are coming up at the end of the month. Our competition page is now live with all updated team rosters and preseason matches.

In terms of league news we got the 2022 schedule in timely fashion, but have yet to see any kits. Will there be any new designs this year? Two venues have changed and there are two teams with a new Head Coach as all of the ‘originals’ have now left the building.

Commissioner George Killebrew confirmed that he was in advanced talks with two teams who could potentially join in the 2023 season. Neither are done deals, but without naming names it’s safe to say that rugby fans in the Midwest can feel very good about their chances of finally having a team to root for in the not-too-distant future.

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

 

AUSTIN GILGRONIS

Austin are busy launching their new documentary series ‘Inside The Scrum’ on The Rugby Network. The AG roster is taking shape and there is a large number of returnees. If the roster on the website is anything to go on, it appears both Hugh Roach and Sebastian de Chaves could be on their way back after completing short-term contracts in Europe.

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: Luke Beauchamp (FL, Houston SaberCats, 2023), Casey McDermott Vai (N8, American Raptors, 2023), Ryan Louwrens (SH, Kintetsu Liners, JP), Mark O’Keeffe (CE, Rugby ATL), Marcel Brache (CE/FB, Western Force, AU), Julián Domínguez (WI, NOLA Gold)

Out: Paddy Ryan (TH), Reegan O’Gorman (LO, New England Free Jacks), Moe Abdelmonem (FL, Dallas Jackals), Dom Bailey (FL, Old Glory DC), Ruben de Haas (SH, Saracens, UK), Marcelo Torrealba (SH), Ned Hodson (CE/FB, Dallas Jackals), Frank Halai (CE/WI), Jeff Hassler (WI), Nick Johnson (WI), Rodrick Waters (WI)

 

DALLAS JACKALS

Dallas have raised the uprights and painted lines on their new pitch at Choctaw Stadium. They added former Wales prop Aaron Jarvis as a Forwards Coach and have confirmed 31 players on their senior roster for the inaugural campaign. Another nine are on development deals and if last year is anything to go by, several can expect to see action at some point this season.

Draft Picks: Calvin Gentry (FL/CE, Memphis), DeCor Davis (N8, Queens Charlotte), Alejandro Torres (FH, Thomas More), Aaron Gray (WI, Kutztown), Eric Naposki (WI/FB, UCLA)

In: Liam Murray (LH, Houston SaberCats), Rory O’Connor (LH, Warringah Rats, AU), Ryan Bower (PR, London Irish, UK), Alex Tucci (PR, Utah Warriors), Tommy Madaras (TH, American Raptors), Todd Gleave (HO, Gloucester, UK), Dewald Kotze (HO, Pacific Pride), Shawn Clark (LO, American Raptors), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Houston SaberCats), Mike Matarazzo (LO, Rugby ATL), Sam Phillips (LO, American Raptors), Moe Abdelmonem (FL, Austin Gilgronis), Charlie McKill (FL, Warringah Rats, AU), Ayemere Oiyemhonlan (FL, St. Lous Bombers), Bronson Teles (FL, Houston SaberCats), Conrado Roura (N8, Peñarol, UR), Tom Brusati (SH, New England Free Jacks), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, San Diego Legion), Dylan James (SH, LA Giltinis), Adriaan Carelse (FH, Rugby ATL), Chad London (CE, unattached), Henry Trinder (CE, Ampthill, UK), Ned Hodson (CE/FB, Austin Gilgronis), Campbell Johnstone (CE/FB, American Raptors), Christian Adams (WI, Mystic River), Chris Pennell (FB, Worcester Warriors, UK)

 

HOUSTON SABERCATS

The SaberCats will have some bite in their side this year, and some big braai sessions off the pitch. Eight South Africans have been signed up by Heyneke Meyer to go with some Eagles Sevens stars. The list of returnees named thus far is by far the smallest in MLR. Pumas Sevens standout Marcos Moroni has been linked with a move to join the Houston backline.

Re-signed: Valdemar Lee-Lo (LH), Nicolás Solveyra (LH), Diego Fortuny (HO), Nick Boyer (SH), Zachary Short (SH), Robbie Povey (FH/FB), Zach Pangelinan (FB)

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

In: Siaosi Mahoni (LO, San Diego Legion), Keni Nasoqeqe (LO/N8, San Diego Legion), Jaco Bezuidenhout (FL, Blue Bulls, SA), Danny Barrett (FL/N8, USA Sevens), Willie Britz (FL/N8, NTT Shining Arcs, JP), Gideon van Wyk (N8, Cheetahs, SA), Dillon Smit (Lions, SA), David Coetzer (FH, Blue Bulls, SA), Kian Meadon (FH, Sharks, SA), Louritz van der Schyff (CE, Blue Bulls, SA), Christian Dyer (CE/WI, USA Sevens), Matai Leuta (CE/WI, USA Sevens), Maka Unufe (WI, USA Sevens), Gerrie Labuschagne (WI/FB, Pumas, SA)

Out: Liam Murray (LH, Dallas Jackals), Nikoloz Khatiashvili (PR, Black Lion, GE), Jeffery Steele (PR), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Rugby ATL), Jérémy Lenaerts (LO, Dallas Jackals), Luke Beauchamp (FL, Austin Gilgronis), Diego Magno (FL), Bronson Teles (FL, Dallas Jackals), Jinho Mun (SH), De Wet Roos (SH), Sam Windsor (FH, Rugby New York), Paula Balekana (WI, New England Free Jacks)

 

LA GILTINIS

The Giltinis are not resting on their laurels but will see a larger number of returning players than perhaps was expected. Among the newcomers are Canadian duo Djustice Sears-Duru and Ben LeSage, with Super Rugby experience from Andrew Tuala, Les Leuluaiali’i-Makin, Will Chambers, and Jordan Trainor. Last year’s Team-to-Beat looks like this year’s Team-to-Beat.

Under Contract: Dave Dennis (LO, 2022), Langilangi Haupeakui (N8, 2022), Jeffrey Peleseuma (SH/FH, 2022), Luke Carty (FH, 2022), John Ryberg (WI, 2022), DTH van der Merwe (WI, 2022)

Re-signed: Marco Fepulea’i (TH, 2022), Lindsay Stevens (HO, 2022), Nathan Den Hoedt (LO, 2022), Harrison Goddard (SH, 2022), Luke Burton (CE/FB, 2023), Ryan James (WI, 2022)

Draft Picks: Sam Klimkowski (LH, Notre Dame College), Gerald Lowe (FL, Kutztown), James O’Neill (FL, UVic)

In: Djustice Sears-Duru (LH, Seattle Seawolves, 2023), Andrew Tuala (LH/HO, Waratahs, 2023), Les Leuluaiali’i-Makin (TH, Kurita Water Gush, JP, 2024), Tas Smith (SH, Sydney Uni, AU, 2022), Will Chambers (CE, Cronulla Sharks, AU, 2023), Ben LeSage (CE, Toronto Arrows, 2023), Brooklyn Hardaker (WI, Randwick, AU, 2022), D’Montae Noble (WI, Old Glory DC, 2022), Jordan Trainor (FB, Auckland, NZ, 2022)

OUT: Blake Rogers (LH), JP Smith (LH, Lions, SA), Sean O’Brien (FL, Leinster, IR), James O’Neill (FL, Toronto Arrows), Dylan James (SH, Dallas Jackals), Serupepeli Vularika (SH/CE, Fijian Drua, FI), Adam Ashley-Cooper (CE, retired), Glenn Bryce (FB, retired)

 

NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

It’s very much a new-look Free Jacks roster with a number of players set to make their way from the Southern Hemisphere. There are some notables heading through the out door like Vili Toluta’u and Jackson Thiebes, but the likes of Mills Sanerivi, Stan van den Hoven, and Slade McDowall should very quickly become fan favorites upon arrival.

Under Contract: Quentin Newcomer (PR, 2023), Erich de Jager (TH, 2022), Pieter Jansen (HO, 2022), Justin Johnson (FL, 2022), Joe Johnston (FL, 2022), John Poland (SH, 2023), Sean Yacoubian (SH, 2023), Harry Barlow (WI, 2022), Dougie Fife (WI/FB, Edinburgh, UK, 2022), Mitch Wilson (WI/FB, 2022), Beaudein Waaka (FB/FH, 2022)

Re-signed: Kyle Ciquera (LH, 2022), Josh Larsen (LO, 2023), Cam Davidowicz (FL/N8, 2023), Harrison Boyle (FH, 2022)

Draft Picks: Anthony Adamcheck (PR, Penn State), Zach Bastres (CE/WI, Northern Colorado), Cael Hodgson (CE/WI, Lindenwood)

In: Alex Johnston (LH, Te Puke, NZ, 2022), Tevita Sole (PR, Bay of Plenty, NZ, 2024), Herman Agenbag (TH, Lions, SA, 2024), Foster DeWitt (HO, Pacific Pride, 2024), Mills Sanerivi (HO, Taranaki, NZ, 2023), Javon Camp-Villalovos (LO, Rhinos Rugby, 2022), Reegan O’Gorman (LO, Austin Gilgronis, 2022), Stan van den Hoven (LO, Bay of Plenty, NZ, 2023), Slade McDowall (FL, Otago, NZ, 2024), Jesse Parete (FL/N8, Taranaki, NZ, 2023), Terrell Peita (N8, Auckland, NZ, 2022), Holden Yungert (SH, NOLA Gold, 2024), Mika Lomano (CE, SFGG, 2022), Le Roux Malan (CE, UCT Ikey Tigers, SA, 2024), Jack Reeves (CE, Gloucester, UK, 2023), Wayne van der Bank (CE, Pumas, SA, 2026), Paula Balekana (WI, Houston SaberCats, 2022)

Out: Sef Fa’agase (LH), Stephan Coetzee (HO), Nick Hryekewicz (HO), Vili Toluta’u (HO/FL), Kensuke Hatakeyama (TH, Toyota Shokki, JP), Conor Kindregan (LO), Ronan McCusker (LO, Doncaster Knights, UK), Jackson Thiebes (LO, retired), Matt Wirken (LO), Tera Mtembu (FL/N8), Wian Conradie (N8, Gloucester, UK), Tom Brusati (SH, Dallas Jackals), Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (FH/FB, Fijian Drua, FI), Aleki Morris-Lome (CE), Poasa Waqanibau (CE/WI), Josateki Degei (FB)

 

NOLA GOLD

A surprise announcement has come with Nate Osborne dismissed as Head Coach after four seasons, with former Samoa lock Kane Thompson promoted to the top job. He will be joined by former All Blacks star Carlos Spencer as the Gold take a different approach this season. Though Andrew Guerra has been lost to long-term injury, returning from the disabled list are Robbie Coleman, JP Eloff, and Nick Feakes.

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), 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: Taylor Krumrei (LO, Seattle Seawolves), Chase Schor-Haskin (FL/N8, Rugby New York), Maciu Koroi (N8, Rugby ATL), Devereaux Ferris (SH, Seattle Seawolves), Aaron Matthews (CE/WI, Seattle Seawolves), Harley Wheeler (WI, USA Sevens)

Out: John Sullivan (LH, Rugby ATL), Kevin O’Connor (HO/FL, retired), Kyle Baillie (LO, Toronto Arrows), Nikola Bursic (LO/FL), Giovanni Lapp (FL), Holden Yungert (SH, New England Free Jacks), Timothée Guillimin (FH, Nîmes, FR), Hanno Dirksen (WI, Swansea, UK), Julián Domínguez (WI, Austin Gilgronis)

 

OLD GLORY DC

The OG’s still have some work to do on the recruitment front, at least publicly. First choice front row trio Jamie Dever, Mike Sosene-Feagai, and Steven Longwell are now confirmed gone with D’Montae Noble the latest to head for pastures new. Rohan Saifoloi and William Talataina bolster the backline but they’ll need some heavies to secure the ball first.

Under Contract: Doug Fraser (CE, 2022)

Re-signed: Jack Iscaro (LH), Jack Carroll (TH), Mo Katz (HO), Api Naikatini (LO), Tevita Naqali (LO), Stan South (LO), Cory Daniel (FL), Dacoda Worth (FL), Luke Campbell (FL/N8), Matthew Gordon (FL/N8), Josh Brown (N8), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (N8), Danny Thomas (SH), Danny Tusitala (SH), Owen Sheehy (FH/FB), Simi Moala (CE), Thretton Palamo (CE), Renata Roberts-Te Nana (WI), Mike Dabulas (FB)

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

In: Rob Irimescu (HO, Rugby New York), Jake Ilnicki (TH, Seattle Seawolves), Dom Bailey (FL, Austin Gilgronis), Rohan Saifoloi (FH, Eastern Suburbs, AU), William Talataina (FH/CE, Ponsonby, NZ), Junior Sa’u (WI, Leigh Centurions, UK)

Out: Jamie Dever (LH, London Irish, UK), Mike Sosene-Feagai (HO, Toulon, FR), Steven Longwell (TH, Jersey Reds, UK), Mungo Mason (FL, Oxford University, UK), Jason Robertson (FH, Narbonne, FR), Ciaran Hearn (CE, retired), D’Montae Noble (WI, LA Giltinis)

 

RUGBY ATL

It’s been an eventful few weeks for the Ratlers. They revealed a move from Lupo Family Field to Silverbacks Park, and announced some meaty additions like Evan Mintern and South African pair John-Roy Jenkinson and Justin Basson. By far the most significant news, however, was the passing of majority owner Marcus Calloway. His memory will drive the Eastern Conference champions this season.

Under Contract: Jonas Petrakopoulos (PR, 2022), Conor Keys (LO, 2023), Matt Heaton (FL, 2023), Rowan Gouws (SH, 2022), Duncan van Schalkwyk (SH/FH, 2023)

Re-signed: Alex Maughan (LH/HO), Marko Janse van Rensburg (HO), Wikus Groenewald (TH), Johan Momsen (LO, 2024), Connor Cook (FL), Vili Helu (FL), Jason Damm (N8), Ross Deacon (N8), Kurt Coleman (FH), Martini Talapusi (FH/CE), Ryan Nell (CE), Jeremy Misailegalu (WI), Jalen Tatum (WI), Te Rangatira Waitokia (WI/FB), Austin White (FB)

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

In: John Sullivan (LH, NOLA Gold), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Houston SaberCats), John-Roy Jenkinson (TH, Griquas, SH), Justin Basson (LO, Stormers, SA), Evan Mintern (LO/N8, Rugby New York), Joaquín de la Vega Mendía (FH/FB, Hindú, AR), Will Leonard (CE, Rugby New York)

Out: Chance Wenglewski (LH, Rugby New York), Neethling Gericke (HO, retired), Manasa Saulo (TH, Fijian Drua, FI), Mike Matarazzo (LO, Dallas Jackals), Adriaan Carelse (FH/FB, Dallas Jackals), Bautista Ezcurra (FH/CE, Grenoble, FR), Robbie Petzer (FH/CE, Pumas, SA), Mark O’Keeffe (CE, Austin Gilgronis)

 

RUGBY NEW YORK

The team has quietly re-branded as ‘Rugby New York’, ditching the United somewhere along the way. A number of players have been revealed but a formal announcement of the name change has yet to come. Also still up in the air is a venue, the only team left to declare their home turf. Among the signings to date are MLR’s all-time points leader Sam Windsor and Canadian international Andrew Coe.

Re-signed: Wilton Rebolo (PR), Zak Taulafo (PR), Dylan Fawsitt (HO), Kaleb Geiger (HO), Nate Brakeley (LO), Nick Civetta (LO), Charlie Hewitt (LO), Benjamín Bonasso (FL/N8), Kara Pryor (FL/N8), Connor Buckley (SH), Andy Ellis (SH), Conor McManus (SH), Harry Bennett (FH), Fa’asiu Fuatai (CE/WI), Quinn Ngawati (CE/WI), Apenisa Cakaubalavu (WI), Troy Lockyear (FB)

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

In: Chance Wenglewski (LH, Rugby ATL), Kalolo Tuiloma (TH, Counties Manukau, NZ), Joe Basser (FL, Hunter Wildfires, AU), Jack Heighton (FH, North Harbour, NZ), Sam Windsor (FH, Houston SaberCats), Jason Emery (CE, Sanix Blues, JP), Andrew Coe (WI/FB, Canada Sevens)

Out: James Rochford (LH), Rob Irimescu (HO, Old Glory DC), Samu Tawake (TH, Fijian Drua, FI), Evan Mintern (LO/N8, Rugby ATL), Chase Schor-Haskin (FL/N8), Dan Hollinshead (FH, Vannes, FR), Will Leonard (CE, Rugby ATL), Connor Wallace-Sims (WI), Ben Foden (FB)

 

SAN DIEGO LEGION

Welcome back Ma’a Nonu, but farewell Dylan Audsley. There is give and take with each signing and still several roster spots to be revealed. A move away from their spiritual home of Torero Stadium was met with shock with the SDSU Sports Deck an unexpected venue and seemingly a short-term solution. The Legion have been linked with former Wallaby flyhalf Bernard Foley but he remains in Japan for the time being and Joe Pietersen has now re-signed.

Under Contract: Chris Robshaw (FL, 2022)

Re-signed: Nathan Sylvia (LH), Peter Malcolm (HO), Dan Pryor (FL), Michael Smith (FL), Nate Augspurger (SH), Joe Pietersen (FH), Tiaan Loots (CE), Bjorn Basson (WI), Ryan Matyas (WI)

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

In: Hencus van Wyk (TH, Cheetahs, SA), Ben Grant (LO, Queensland Reds, AU), Rohan O’Regan (FL/N8, Sydney Uni, AU), Will Hooley (FH/FB, Saracens, UK, 2023), Ma’a Nonu (CE, Toulon, FR)

Out: Cronan Gleeson (PR, Tomitanii Constanta, RO), Paddy Ryan (TH, Sanix Blues, JP), Dean Muir (HO), Joshua Furno (LO), Siaosi Mahoni (LO, Houston SaberCats), Keni Nasoqeqe (LO/N8, Houston SaberCats), Jasa Veremalua (FL, Tel Aviv Heat, IL), Psalm Wooching (FL, Rouen Normandie, FR), Ethan McVeigh (SH, Cardiff Met, UK), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, Dallas Jackals), Dylan Audsley (CE/FB), Cameron Clark (CE/WI, Brumbies, AU), Save Totovosau (WI, Narbonne, FR)

 

SEATTLE SEAWOLVES

The Seawolves also have a few players yet to be revealed but the core of the squad is now out in the open and their match day 23 promises to be very competitive. Tim Metcher has done an about-face and will stick around another year, while Ben Landry and Samu Manoa have both committed as well. Eagles Sevens star Martin Iosefo has been mentioned as a possible addition to an already impressive backline.

Re-signed: James Malcolm (HO, 2024), Tim Metcher (TH, 2022), Victor Comptat (LO, 2024), Rhyno Herbst (LO, 2024), Ben Landry (LO, 2023), Samu Manoa (LO/FL, 2022), Brad Tucker (LO/FL, 2023), Nakai Penny (FL, 2024), Tommy Clark (FL/N8, 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, 2024), David Busby (WI/FB, 2022)

Draft Picks: Ethan Scott (SH, Memphis), Tavite Lopeti (CE, Saint Mary’s, 2024), Darell Williams (WI, Life)

In: Mzamo Majola (LH, Sharks, SA, 2024), Sam Matenga (TH, Tasman Mako, NZ, 2024), Juan Mostert (FH/FB, Maties, SA, 2024), Dan Kriel (CE, Lions, SA, 2024), Duncan Matthews (FB, Lions, SA, 2024)

Out: Kellen Gordon (LH, Seattle Rugby Club), Djustice Sears-Duru (LH, LA Giltinis), Jake Ilnicki (TH, Old Glory DC), Taylor Krumrei (LO, NOLA Gold), FP Pelser (LO, Lions, SA), Eric Duechle (FL), Andrew Durutalo (FL, Cambridge University, UK), Devereaux Ferris (SH, NOLA Gold), George Barton (CE), Shalom Suniula (CE, retired), Seta Tuilevuka (CE), Aaron Matthews (CE/WI, NOLA Gold), Akihito Yamada (WI, NTT Shining Arcs, JP), Nick Taylor (FB)

 

TORONTO ARROWS

As expected Chris Silverthorn has changed roles and Peter Smith is promoted to Head Coach. Former Chile prop Francisco Deformes has joined the staff along with former Canada coach Francois Ratier. The team has bid adieu to South American quartet Manuel Diana, Leandro Leivas, Manuel Montero, and Joaquín Tuculet – the latter opting to return to amateur rugby. Newcomers Ueta Tufuga, Dennon Robinson-Bartlett, and Matthew Hood are among those brought in.

Under Contract: Cole Keith (TH, 2022)

Re-signed: Jack McRogers (HO), Andrew Quattrin (HO), Marc-Antoine Ouellet (TH), Tyler Rowland (TH), Paul Ciulini (LO), Mike Sheppard (LO), Adrian Wadden (LO), Mason Flesch (LO/FL), Ollie Nott (FL), Lucas Rumball (FL), Marcello Wainwright (FL), Tomás de la Vega (FL/N8), Ronan Foley (FL/N8), Siaki Vikilani (N8), Ross Braude (SH), Andrew Ferguson (SH), Will Kelly (FH), Sam Malcolm (FH/FB), Guiseppe du Toit (CE), Spencer Jones (CE), Mitch Richardson (CE), Johnny Sheridan (WI), Gastón Mieres (WI/FB, 2022)

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

In: Sione Fa’alelei (LH, Eastern Suburbs, AU), Isaac Salmon (TH, Tasman Mako, NZ), Kyle Baillie (LO, NOLA Gold), James O’Neill (FL, LA Giltinis), Andrew Norton (FH/CE, Balmy Beach), Ueta Tufuga (CE, Wairarapa Bush, NZ), Brandan Ferguson (WI, Peterborough Pagans), Matthew Hood (WI, Sydney Uni, AU), Dennon Robinson-Bartlett (WI, Hawke’s Bay, NZ), Mitch Voralek (FB, Waterloo County)

Out: Pat Lynott (LH), Steven Ng (HO, retired), Gastón Cortes (TH), Kolby Francis (LO/N8, retired), Manuel Diana (N8), Jamie Mackenzie (SH, retired), Tayler Adams (FH), Ben LeSage (CE, LA Giltinis), Leandro Leivas (WI), Manuel Montero (WI), Patrick Parfrey (FB), Joaquín Tuculet (FB, Los Tilos, AR)

 

UTAH WARRIORS

The Warriors have named their senior squad and like Dallas there are 31 names on the list, with another 10 or so to be added to the extended roster. There are big changes at the halfbacks where Michael Baska, Fraser Hurst, and Hagen Schulte have all departed. Star hooker Sama Malolo has also shipped off, returning to Australia to join the Waratahs. On the arrivals list are two former New Zealand u20 reps while Super Rugby veteran Robbie Abel has joined the coaching staff.

Re-signed: Olive Kilifi (LH), Franco van den Berg (LH), Chad Gough (HO), Tuvere Vugakoto (HO), Elijah Hayes (TH), Angus MacLellan (TH), Paul Mullen (TH), Saia Uhila (LO), Mike Gieselman (FL), Thomas Tu’avao (FL), Bailey Wilson (FL), Lance Williams (FL/N8), Jurie van Vuuren (N8), Danny Christensen (SH), Cliven Loubser (FH/FB), Tyler Fisher (CE), Calvin Whiting (CE), Logan Tago (CE/WI), James Vaifale (CE/WI), Mika Kruse (WI), Joseph Mano (WI), Mike Te’o (WI/FB)

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

In: Jamie Lane (LO, Auckland, NZ), Reagan Leslie (LO, Souths, AU), Niall Saunders (SH, Harlequins, UK), Jone Vatuwaliwali (SH, Suva, FI), Mick O’Gara (FH/CE, St. Mary’s, IR), Caleb Makene (FH/FB, Hawke’s Bay, NZ)

Out: Alex Tucci (PR, Dallas Jackals), Sama Malolo (HO, Waratahs, AU), Aston Fortuin (LO, Narbonne, FR), Matt Jensen (LO, retired), Hank Stevenson (LO), Michael Baska (SH), Fraser Hurst (SH), Hagen Schulte (FH, retired), Derek Ellingson (CE), Tonata Lauti (WI), Josh Whippy (WI), John Powers (FB)