Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
While Dallas continue to defiantly ignore fan requests to reveal their playing roster for the season, the Jackals have welcomed the bulk of their Argentine contingent to the snow-covered Choctaw Stadium. Second row Lucas Bur is now sporting a bleach-blonde look while versatile Old Resian halfback Nazareno Valentini is the latest to sign on.
Among some of the other ‘intel’ gathered from training footage is the return of Jalen Tatum to the forwards. The 6’5″ (1.95m) specimen was initially a flanker with Rugby ATL but played on the wing for Dallas last season. Carson Shoemaker, the former USA u20 eightman, looks to have made a full-time switch from Utah and scrumhalf Danny Christensen has also traded Salt Lake for Arlington.
Speaking of ATL, the team formerly known as the ‘Ratlers’ have added Ryszard Chadwick as an Assistant Coach for the new season. Originally from England, he has been coaching stateside for over a decade and in August took over as Head Coach of the Life University Women’s side.
Sam Fischli is now official for the Free Jacks. The 24-year-old is an abrasive blindside flanker who has already arrived from New Zealand. Fischli was first choice at No6 for Otago in 2021 but played more of a supporting role this past NPC season.
The Seawolves weren’t quite done shopping after all. South African flyhalf Jordan Chait adds depth behind incumbent starter AJ Alatimu. The 26-year-old is a right-footed goal-kicker who played with the Sharks during the Currie Cup, though more recently he has been starting for the Tel Aviv Heat in the Rugby Europe Super Cup.
Seattle’s initial roster for 2023 is now online. Shane Barry is the only one of the four draft picks listed, with the other three presumably to be called in when needed. Canadian center Sam Wegert has joined the Pacific Pride in the meantime. Also missing is Samu Manoa, while Tommy Clark has departed the team and will instead play with the Raptors in Super Rugby Americas.
For those wondering why draft pick Jack Manzo was mysteriously absent from Old Glory’s roster and KoiKoi Nelligan acquired from San Diego, it turns out Manzo is now in Dublin. The Cal Berkeley hooker and USA u23 captain is now studying at Trinity College and playing for their All-Ireland League side.
Another roster still being filled out is Chicago, though there should be more announcements shortly. A Scottish age-grade international is en route along with a familiar face on the wing.
Meanwhile the St. Louis Bombers have congratulated Tinashe Muchena on his move to the Hounds. The former Lindenwood powerhouse was a 2nd round pick by Houston in 2021 but spent last season on their HTX academy roster while completing his five-year residency requirement. Chicago will now benefit from the 25-year-old No8’s domestic status.
