MLR Notes: Arrows unveil new logo, Pulu to Seattle, Elías extends

The Toronto Arrows have unveiled a new logo for the 2024 Major League Rugby season. Gone is the signature ‘TA’ overlapping design, and taking its place is a stylized ‘A’ with wings jutting out to the side. The new logo pays homage to the Avro Arrow, and a full explanation for its meaning can be found on the Arrows social media channels.

With the Arrows family still reeling from the death of owner and co-founder Bill Webb, there is further significant news for the organization on the horizon. The search for a new Head Coach has concluded and it’s now simply a matter of finalizing paperwork before the announcement is made. Another name familiar to Canadian rugby fans is also joining the coaching staff.

Just days after announcing the arrival of Mack Mason, the Seawolves have made another splash in the free agent market. Long-time Super Rugby starter Toni Pulu has signed on from the Western Force. The 33-year-old has previously represented Niue at sevens but is notably US-eligible through birth and was named in a Wallabies training squad a little over a year ago.

Pulu has not previously made himself available for Eagles selection and it’s unclear if that has changed, but his domestic status is a significant boost to Seattle. Lauina Futi and Conner Mooneyham are also on the books for 2024, while Martin Iosefo has been linked with a move back to the Eagles Sevens program.

Martín Elías has extended his stay with Dallas for at least another year. The Argentine flyhalf never quite hit his best this past season and the Jackals will be hoping his combination with Pedro Imhoff is more effective in 2024. Elías is the fourth player to re-sign with the club following Imhoff, Sam Golla, and captain Jerónimo Gómez Vara.

The American Rugby Premiership season has started up. Old Blue, NYAC, Mystic River, and White Plains are the contestants in the North, while the South will be comprised of the NOLA Gold Academy, Life University, Tennessee Elite, and the USA Hawks. Expect several MLR names to turn up on rosters in the coming weeks, and some standouts could find themselves with pro contracts in the new year.

Already this past weekend there has been some interesting names on North rosters. Brazilian international Robert Tenório suited up in the Old Blue backline alongside D’Montae Noble. White Plains notably featured a couple of San Diego’s Fijians – lock Jale Railala and center Filimoni Waqainabete. NOLA lock Billy Stewart turned out for Mystic River.

Houston appears to have locked in both of their first-round draft picks for the coming season. Max Schumacher should fill the slot of departed Robbie Povey, while Orrin Bizer was given a scenic tour around the SaberCats training facility this past weekend.

The Cats are reportedly circling some of the South African beef left behind by the team formerly known as ATL. Spotted on their social media feeds – and presumably returning in 2024 – are Val Lee-Lo, Marno Redelinghuys, Davy Coetzer, and Gerrie Labuschagne.

Speaking of Schumacher and Bizer, both have been named as first-team D1A Collegiate All-Americans. Other MLR draft picks to get the nod are NOLA’s Gabe Mahu’inga and Chicago’s Daelen Denenberg. San Diego’s Tyren Al-Jiboori and LA’s Jackson Zabierek were honorable mentions.