MLR Notes: Boni leaves Zebre for DC, Meakes and Iscaro re-sign

Old Glory have caused another stir in the transfer market with the acquisition of Tommaso Boni. The former Italy center has now pledged allegiance to the Eagles and will depart his United Rugby Championship club Zebre formally on November 1st. With Doug Fraser now retired and Thretton Palamo in the twilight of his career, Boni is a major addition to DC’s midfield.

Meanwhile the club have confirmed the return of Jack Iscaro. This past year saw the 26-year-old loosehead prop overtake Chance Wenglewski as the best domestic player at his position, with only Toulouse regular David Ainu’u above Iscaro in the Eagles pecking order.

In some loosely related news, former Old Glory tighthead Steven Longwell was signed on as a medical joker with Zebre through the end of December. The 33-year-old had been on the books for Jersey Reds before their recent financial collapse. Could a return to MLR be on the cards in the New Year?

Speaking of midfielders, both of Chicago’s starters from this past year have now recommitted with the Hounds. Bryce Campbell was already confirmed and now Billy Meakes is also formally re-signed. Despite residing in Los Angeles and with his partner now expecting, Meakes will return to the windy city instead of jumping ship to the team formerly known as the RATLers.

Houston have signed… or re-signed?… prospective Eagles fullback Line Latu. Also capable of playing flyhalf, the 26-year-old was a controversial inclusion in their playoff lineup against Seattle despite playing for the American Raptors of Super Rugby Americas during the regular season. Latu could make his test debut in November when the Eagles travel to Spain.

Utah have bid farewell to Namibian international Cliven Loubser after three seasons with the club. The 26-year-old played exclusively at fullback for the Warriors last season but also has World Cup-level experience at No10. It remains to be seen if Loubser resurfaces with another MLR club.

San Diego have landed one of the USA’s top second row prospects. Brandon Harvey returns stateside from Wales where he has been turning out for Cardiff Met University. At just 21 years old and 6’6″ (1.99m) tall, the u20 international could find himself in an Eagles camp sooner than later if he gets some decent minutes behind Isaac Ross & Co.