Raptors name extended squad for Super Rugby Americas

The American Raptors have unveiled an extended squad of 46 players to prepare for the inaugural Super Rugby Americas campaign. Based in Glendale, Colorado, the team initially billed itself as a ‘crossover athlete’ side but will feature numerous experienced rugby players in 2023.

Most notable is the addition of six South American internationals. Chile have sent prop Sebastián Otero. Uruguay supplies prop Juan Echeverría and test centurion Diego Magno. Argentina contributes hooker Diego Fortuny, scrumhalf Martín Landajo, and fullback Ramiro Moyano.

Ten players make the switch from Major League Rugby sides: Payton Telea-Ilalio, Ronan Murphy, and Christian Ostberg from Austin; Fortuny and Will Crawford from Houston; Patrick Madden and Dom Iacovino from San Diego; Ryan James from LA; Shawn Clark from Dallas; and Canadian international Siaki Vikilani from Toronto. Echeverría, Magno, Max Dacey, Ethan McVeigh, Watson Filikitonga, and Seimou Smith have previously turned out in MLR.

A large number of second and back row forwards have been named, though many will instead find themselves playing in domestic friendlies rather than the professional competition. There is a shortage of specialist front rowers in the squad, a situation that may require further reinforcement.

The Raptors will play a warm-up match against the Seattle Seawolves on February 5. Their first match in Super Rugby Americas will be in Chile against Selknam. All six regular season home games will be played consecutively between March 26 and May 7 at Infinity Park.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

PROP
Juan Echeverría (Uruguay)
Ma’ake Muti
Sebastián Otero (Chile)
Lamarre Rey
Leonard Sagapolutele
Payton Telea-Ilalio (USA u20)

HOOKER
Sione Finefeuiaki
Diego Fortuny (Argentina)
Tre Smalls

SECOND ROW
Justin Barlow
Shawn Clark
Max Dacey (USA u20)
Haaken Friend
Lucas Gramlick
Adagio Lopeti
Christian Ostberg (USA Falcons)
Tavius Sykora-Matthess (USA u23)

BACK ROW
Will Crawford
Mikey Grandy
Isikeli Kava
Diego Magno (Uruguay)
Sosefo Mailangi (USA HSAA)
Ronan Murphy (USA Falcons)
DaQuan Patton
Caleb Repp
Mo Vainikolo
Siaki Vikilani (Canada)

SCRUMHALF
Martín Landajo (Argentina)
Ethan McVeigh (USA Falcons)
Jerome Nale (USA Eagles 7s)
Nolan Saraceni

FLYHALF
Line Latu (USA Falcons)
Patrick Madden (USA Falcons)
Jeffrey Peleseuma (USA u20)

CENTER
Ethan Acton
Watson Filikitonga
Zach Hall
Dom Iacovino (USA Falcons)
Cassh Maluia
Seimou Smith

WING
Ryan James (USA Eagles)
Luke Mallette
Aki Pulu
Daytwon Sheridan

FULLBACK
Steve Cluley
Ramiro Moyano (Argentina)