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Joe Taufete’e is returning to Major League Rugby. The US Eagles front rower has signed on with the Houston SaberCats, one of four new additions confirmed by MLR clubs on Friday afternoon. Also announced by the league is a two-week suspension for Free Jacks lock Jesse Parete.
Houston are the second MLR destination for ‘Big Joe’. He spent the 2022 campaign with the LA Giltinis before signing on with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership. Taufete’e has previously suited up with the San Diego Breakers in PRO, Worcester Warriors in England, and Lyon in the French Top 14.
It’s not immediately clear what position the SaberCats have in mind for Taufete’e. Though primarily a hooker, he has been capped by the Eagles at all three front row positions. The 30-year-old played tighthead prop during the World Cup Qualifiers in 2021.
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The Warriors have also signed up a hooker, though one closer to the other end of the career spectrum. Sam Faoagali has joined the club from Western Australia side Perth Bayswater. The 20-year-old has been playing for the USA Hawks, starting five of their six matches to date.
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Add Kieran Joyce’s name to the returnee list. The 26-year-old has signed on with New York for the rest of the season. A left-footed goal-kicker who can slot in at flyhalf, inside center, and fullback, Joyce spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Seawolves. Though not US-eligible, he fills a big gap on the roster with first choice flyhalf Jack Heighton out indefinitely due to concussion and Jason Emery also a concern.
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Just a couple days after confirming South African hooker Sidney Tobias, ATL have brought in another player. Trevior Owens is originally from Hawai’i but grew up in New Zealand and represented Horowhenua Kapiti in the Heartland Championship. The wing or outside center was most recently playing with Associates in the Western Australia Premier grade competition.
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Jesse Parete will sit out the next two games for the Free Jacks. He was found guilty of deliberately stamping on ATL flyhalf Duncan van Schalkwyk during the first half of Saturday’s game at Fort Quincy. Parete received a yellow card on the play, and later received a second which meant red.
Despite that being Parete’s second red card of the season – both from double-yellows – the judicial decision did not factor that into his punishment. He was instead rewarded for good behavior at the hearing. With New England holding a bye week next weekend, Parete will be eligible to suit up again for the May 21 home match against NOLA.
