MLR Notes: Miami poised to sign trio, Arrows trade, and more

The Miami Sharks are poised to sign three of the top players from Super Rugby Americas, according to Ignacio Chans’ latest column in El Observador. Openside flanker Manuel Ardao, flyhalf Felipe Etcheverry, and outside center or scrumhalf Tomás Inciarte have initial agreements to join the newest team in Major League Rugby. All three are experienced Uruguayan internationals and were star players for Peñarol, who won the SRA title in 2023. Etcheverry was named the league’s outstanding player.

A notable addition to the Sharks coaching staff is also on the cards. Former Uruguay prop Oscar Durán is in talks to become chief assistant for Miami Head Coach José Pellicena. The 42-year-old, who represented Los Teros at the 2015 World Cup, is currently the Forwards Coach for Peñarol and Uruguay.

Meanwhile the Sharks have made a change at the executive level. Former Toronto Arrows GM Mark Winokur had initially been hired as the club’s first CEO. Miami recently parted ways with Winokur, with Mariano Filippini taking over the top job. Filippini, 36, is a former flanker with San Andrés in the URBA’s top division. He has previous executive experience with Univision and HSBC Bank Argentina.

With the 4th edition of the MLR Collegiate Draft fast approaching, the Arrows have already jettisoned their first round pick. Houston will now select 2nd overall with Canadian international Robbie Povey heading north to Toronto. Povey has played a key role for the SaberCats when called upon at flyhalf or fullback, but his chances were limited this season by the presence of Davy Coetzer and Drew Wild. It appears Povey will be a replacement for Shane O’Leary, who was selected by Miami in the expansion draft.

Seawolves scrumhalf Karl Keane is off to Japan to play with Urayasu D-Rocks in the second division of Japan Rugby League One. The 22-year-old had initially signed a three-year deal with Seattle but a return to Seattle is now in doubt. With limited playing opportunities during the regular season, the club opted to bring in the more experienced Devereaux Ferris as JP Smith’s backup for the post-season. Born in Ireland, Keane retains his Eagles-eligibility having played two games with the USA Selects (now Falcons) in the 2021 Americas Pacific Challenge.

Former Eagles Dino Waldren and Ryan Matyas have announced their retirements from professional rugby. Both players are 32 years old. Waldren, a tighthead prop with NOLA Gold, steps away after winning 22 test caps. Matyas has been a star performer for San Diego since the team’s inception. He appeared in 14 tests and also represented the USA on the World Sevens Series.

Others who have called time on their careers following the season include Matyas’ Legion teammate Will Hooley, Walden’s Gold front row partner Eric Howard, Chicago flanker and vice-captain Luke Beauchamp, New York fullback Nick Feakes, Old Glory lock Stan South, and ATL flyhalf Kurt Coleman.

The Warriors will have some changes to their staff in 2024. GM Brandon Sparks and Assistant Coach Shaun Davies have both decided to direct their energy to careers outside of rugby. Head Coach Greg Cooper will be returning but is keen to hire two new assistants, an attack specialist to replace Davies and a defense expert. Meanwhile the club has brought in a new Commercial GM in Andy Chesnut, and a Director of Players and Pathway in Wayne Tarawhiti.