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The San Diego Legion have announced a trio of overseas signings including Australian prop Paddy Ryan, who returns to the club after a one-year hiatus. Making the move to Southern California for the first time are scrumhalf Richard Judd from New Zealand and Fijian outside back Filimoni Waqainabete.
It will be the third season for the 34-year-old Ryan in a San Diego shirt. He was a star performer spot for the team in 2019, and returned for a second campaign half-way through the 2021 season. The former Wallaby tighthead split the past year between Japanese club Sanix Blues and the Waratahs in Super Rugby. In 2022 the USA international of the same name and position played 11 games for the Legion.
Judd also took part in the 2022 Super Rugby season, playing three games for the Hurricanes. At the provincial level he has played for Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, and Wellington. The 30-year-old also spent time in Japan playing for Suntory Sungoliath.
Waqainabete, 26, arrives from Naitasiri in his home country where he recently lined up alongside San Diego lock Jale Railala. The imposing outside center or wing stands nearly 6’4″ (1.92m) and weighs 230lbs (105kg). He has previous professional experience with Canterbury in New Zealand and Japanese clubs Panasonic Wild Knights and Shimizu Blue Sharks.
