Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
LA Giltinis player-coach Orene Ai’i has been suspended for three weeks after being cited for an altercation during Saturday’s match against the SaberCats. The 42-year-old flyhalf struck Houston fullback Gerrie Engelbrecht in the face during an off-the-ball scuffle just before halftime.
As a result Ai’i will miss the upcoming games against ATL, Austin, and San Diego. He will be free to play against the Dallas Jackals on May 21. Of note is that LA staff member Hamish Dickie has also been suspended, for one game, for unprofessional sideline behavior.
Sean McNulty’s move from LA to Seattle has now been formally confirmed. The Seawolves receive the US-qualified hooker from the Giltinis in exchange for salary cap considerations. McNulty made his Major League Rugby debut in 2019 on loan to Rugby United New York. He subsequently lined up for the New England Free Jacks in the 2020 season.
Headed through the exit door at Seattle is versatile back Jared Whippy. Acquired from the Utah Warriors in December of last year, the 31-year-old has been released after playing just one game for the Seawolves. He was a replacement flyhalf late in the March 4 defeat against NOLA Gold at Starfire Stadium.
Two more players reached 50 MLR caps over the weekend, both with the Gold. Blindside flanker Moni Tonga’uiha and inside center JP du Plessis became the 7th and 8th players respectively to hit the mark. Tonga’uiha is just the third player to reach the milestone with just one club, and the first non-front rower. Utah’s Angus MacLellan and Seattle’s Tim Metcher are both tighthead props. They were the 1st and 2nd players to reach their half-century in the competition.
Three northern-eastern teams have confirmed a series of academy fixtures. The Toronto Arrows Academy have already faced the New England Independents once. This weekend will see the New York Foundry hosting the Independents, followed by back-to-back matches against the Arrows Academy on May 1 and 8. The Independents travel to Ontario on May 21, with the Foundry arriving in New England on June 3.
