Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Dallas have added some class to their back row stable with the acquisition of Ronan Foley from Seattle. The 25-year-old heads to the Jackals in exchange for a 2nd-round pick in the 2024 Collegiate Draft and salary cap considerations.
It will be the third Major League Rugby club in as many seasons for Foley, who was previously a standout with the Toronto Arrows. Capable of playing across the back row, he joins returning captain Jerónimo Gómez Vara and fellow newcomers Ben Fry, Daemon Torres, and Marques Fuala’au as loose forward options confirmed by the club thus far.
Also heading to the Jackals is a new flyhalf. Connor Winchester makes the move from Australia on a two-year deal, having spent the past two years in the Shute Shield with Hunter Wildfires. The 25-year-old is a big body at 6’2″ (1.88m) and 210lbs (95kg) who can also play fullback, and a talented left-footed kicker.
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Foley isn’t the only starting player exiting Seattle. Adriaan Carelse is headed to Chicago, his fourth MLR side after previously lining up for ATL and Dallas. He’ll be primarily a fullback but the speedy playmaker is also a reputable flyhalf. Carelse replaces Chris Mattina, who is set to join another MLR club.
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Lucas Rumball will soldier on for the Arrows. The 28-year-old flanker captains both club and country and is set to win his 50th test cap for Canada against Spain this weekend. Rumball has been an ever-present in the side since their amateur roots with the Ontario Blues.
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Utah have a new attacking threat in their backline. Alesana Pohla is a former Samoa u20 representative who was a clubmate of Winchester’s at the Wildfires. Injuries derailed his career for several seasons but the dynamic outside center or wing was invited to train with the Waratahs after impressing in the Shute Shield last season. Pohla will celebrate his 26th birthday next month.
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Maciu Koroi has been formally confirmed by the Gold for the 2024 campaign. It comes as no surprise, with the powerful No8 honing his craft with the NOLA Miners in the American Rugby Premiership during the MLR off-season. The 28-year-old follows Malcolm May in re-signing with the club, with the duo set to be joined by another new name following the addition of blindside flanker OJ Noa.
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One of last season’s top rookies will play a second season in the nation’s capital. Collin Grosse has re-signed with the 24-year-old looking to add to his USA Falcons representative honors. This past season saw Grosse used primarily at lock after the injury to Stan South, but it’s on the blindside flank where the national selectors are most keen to see him this coming year.
