The San Diego Legion have announced the signing of James Hilterbrand for the remainder of the 2022 Major League Rugby season. This is the first domestic contract for the former Eagles hooker, who celebrates his 33rd birthday on Saturday.
Hilterbrand was born and raised in Australia, qualifying for the USA on ancestry. He joins from Manly Marlins in Sydney’s Shute Shield, where he has been a stalwart for over a decade. After playing 20 tests for the Eagles from his debut in 2016, Hilterbrand called time on his international career following the 2019 World Cup.
San Diego have been looking for extra front row cover in the absence of the injured Matt Moulds, who hasn’t appeared since April 1. Former Toronto Arrows loosehead prop Pat Lynott has been filling in as emergency backup for starting hooker Peter Malcolm.