Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
It remains to be seen what affect the pending change in ownership at Austin will have to the playing roster for next season. One name already confirmed as departing is second row Sebastian de Chaves, who has signed a two-year deal with Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership.
de Chaves has previously played for Newcastle during the 2019-2020 season prior to making his move to Major League Rugby. In his two seasons with the AG’s he has been a prominent member of the forward pack, captaining on occasion. Between the 2021 and 2022 campaigns he had a short-term stint in the Premiership with Wasps, appearing in 5 games.
Already gone from Austin is prop Jeffery Steele, who has signed for the Utah Warriors. The 28-year-old, who can play on both sides of the scrum, played for the AG’s during the preseason but did not make a regular season appearance this year. He played twice for the Houston SaberCats in 2021.
Also making the move to Utah, albeit temporarily, is Old Glory second row David Beach. With the Warriors currently short on bodies at lock due to injuries, the 26-year-old who stands 6’7″ (2.01m) will add much needed bulk for the final weeks of the season.
New England have brought in extra cover at hooker following a season-ending knee injury suffered by Pieter Jansen last weekend. Steven Hinshaw, 26, is back with the Free Jacks after an extended hiatus. He made four appearances during the shortened 2020 campaign and initially re-signed with the club but left prior to the start of the 2021 season to pursue other interests.
The Free Jacks have also been hit with the suspension of openside flanker Slade McDowall. He will sit out the next four games for a dangerous tackle in the win over Rugby ATL. As a result McDowall will only be eligible to return in the Championship Final should New England reach it.
Announced last week was the return of Jamie Mackenzie to active duty with the Arrows, though it’s unclear if the Canadian international will actually see the field this season. The 33-year-old hasn’t played since the 2020 season and had announced his retirement in November. Since then he has been part of the broadcast commentary team but he will now provide extra cover at scrumhalf with Cole Brown back on the disabled list after re-injuring his foot.
James O’Neill will play no further part in this season… unless Toronto can sneak into the playoffs. The flanker received a three-week suspension for a tip-tackle during the match against Dallas on Saturday. He’ll miss the games against New England, ATL, and DC as a result.
In other related news, former Arrows fullback Theo Sauder has been forced into early retirement at the age of just 26 due to concussion problems. The UBC product represented Canada in both 7s and XVs and was part of the Olympic roster in Tokyo.
Lastly, Arrows President and co-founder Bill Webb has resigned his position on Rugby Canada’s Board of Governors. He leaves his post a year early to focus on club responsibilities. Rugby Canada are currently undergoing a change of leadership with new CEO Nathan Bombrys to arrive this summer.
