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Seattle have acquired former Eagles flyhalf Tai Enosa from San Diego in exchange for salary cap considerations. The 32-year-old was a regular for the Legion in 2019 but has been a part-timer since and did not appear to be in their plans this season.
Enosa offers the Seawolves some versatility to their roster as a domestic flyhalf option, joining former Utah Warriors utility back Jared Whippy. Ben Cima did not return to the team this season while South African prospect Juan Mostert, who had been signed in the off-season, has instead joined the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship.
Another deal sees 21-year-old Charlie Hola traded from NOLA to Dallas for salary cap considerations. The USA u20 select can play lock, blindside flanker, or No8 and was formerly on the books for Utah. Dallas have several injuries to contend with on top of the suspension to Matt Frings.
The Warriors have now confirmed the signing of US-eligible scrumhalf Zion Going. Arriving from Tuggeranong Vikings in Australia, the 20-year-old’s great uncle is legendary All Blacks scrumhalf Sid Going. He adds cover while Fijian signing Jone Vatuwaliwali remains stuck in the visa process.
Three USA internationals will play for Oxford University against Cambridge in the Varsity Match at Twickenham on April 2. Eric Fry, Nick Civetta, and Andrew Durutalo will start at tighthead prop, lock, and No8 respectively, with former Old Glory captain Mungo Mason wearing No7. Canadian age-grade international Piers von Dadelszen has also been picked at lock.
Civetta is bound for New York following the match, while Durutalo has been non-committal about a potential return to the playing field with the Seawolves. Fry would be in-demand if he made himself available to MLR clubs while the same could be said for von Dadelszen, a 6’4″ (1.93m) athlete who is more at home in the back row.
Should injuries become problematic for other teams in the second half of the season, the American Raptors might provide an immediate source of talent. The Raptors will travel to BC to play the Canada West Selects at Starlight Stadium on May 14. Four players with Major League Rugby experience lined up for the side in their first game of the year against OMBAC on the weekend.
Former New York center Seimou Smith captained the side while second row Max Dacey, whose MLR rights currently belong to New York, was vice-captain. A pair of props were also on display – Ma’ake Muti, who played with LA Giltinis last season, and Estevan Florez, formerly of the Houston SaberCats. Other MLR veterans currently listed on the roster include midfielders JP Aguirre and Watson Filikitonga.
