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Rugby ATL have confirmed the addition of Frederick Henry-Ajudua and Lui Sitama to their roster for the remainder of the 2022 Major League Rugby season. Both players have previously been part of the club but neither has made a regular season appearance.
Henry-Ajudua is a former professional football player who joined ATL ahead of their inaugural 2020 season. He appeared in their first ever preseason game against NOLA Gold, but then departed the team with the intention of representing Nigeria in World Cup qualification. Those dreams were dashed when the Nigerian Federation was dissolved by government officials and subsequently suspended by World Rugby in May 2021. As a result he retains his USA eligibility.
The 28-year-old is primarily a flanker but has also played lock for Life University in the American Rugby Premiership. Henry-Ajudua suited up for the Hartford Harpooners in December’s Freetail 7s. ATL are currently short in the back row with Jason Damm still recovering from knee surgery and Ross Deacon coming off injured in the second half of this past weekend’s game against Rugby New York.
Sitama, 25, was acquired by ATL in June of last year from the Austin Gilgronis. The Samoan-born center was selected 4th overall in the 2020 Collegiate Draft after standout performance with the AIC Yellow Jackets. He made his MLR debut as a replacement for the AG’s against NOLA in April but did not see game time with the Ratlers.
