Old Glory DC have signed New Zealand Sevens star Kurt Baker for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 34-year-old will act as an Assistant Coach for the backs while also suiting up as a player. He is primarily a fullback but can also play outside center or wing.
Baker wrapped up an illustrious international career with his 53rd World Sevens Series tournament this past weekend in Dubai. He has won two World Cup Sevens titles, two Commonwealth Games titles, an Olympic Silver Medal, and was twice named New Zealand’s Sevens Player of the Year.
In the 15-a-side game Baker spent two seasons with Manawatu before moving to Taranaki in 2010. He appeared in 10 Super Rugby games with the Highlanders between 2012 and 2015, and spent the 2016-2017 Pro 12 campaign in Italy with Zebre. More recently he turned out with Hawke’s Bay in the 2020 National Provincial Championship.
At the same time DC have confirmed the re-signing of winger John Rizzo. The 24-year-old played five matches including 1 start during the 2022 campaign. Following the season Rizzo spent time in Scotland training with the Glasgow Warriors along with flanker Cory Daniel and fullback Owen Sheehy.