Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Old Glory have signed one of North America’s most promising young forwards with the acquisition of Logan Weidner on a three-year deal. The 21-year-old lock or loose forward moves to the nation’s capital after spending the past three years in France, first in the Brive academy and then with Narbonne.
Weidner was born and raised in North Vancouver but holds the rare distinction of representing both Canada and the USA at u20 level, qualifying for the latter through his father. The Eagles are now set to win that tug-of-war with Weidner recently training with the USA development squad.
Also confirmed for next season is another versatile forward. Tevita Naqali is set to play a fifth season with DC. While primarily a lock in Major League Rugby, the 30-year-old lined up at No8 for White Plains in the American Rugby Premiership. He should become US-qualified on residency ahead of the 2025 season.
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Seattle have added experience to their pack in the form of Huw Taylor. A former England u20 cap who is also Welsh-qualified, the 27-year-old spent the past five seasons with Dragons of the United Rugby Championship. At 6’5″ (1.96m) he is equally comfortable at lock or blindside flanker. Taylor makes it three new second row options at Starfire Stadium following Jean Droste and Mahonri Ngakuru.
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The Arrows have re-signed two players. Shay Kerry will return after arriving from France mid-way through the forgettable 2023 campaign. The 6’6″ (1.98m) lock managed six appearances and will be looking to make a bigger impact in 2024 with a full preseason in Toronto behind him.
Committing to a fourth season with the club is outside back Kobe Faust. Still just 21 years old, the Canada age-grade international is primarily a wing but can also fill in at fullback or outside center if needed. He made a career high 12 appearances including 7 starts in 2023.
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NOLA will have Reece Botha on their books again in 2024. The South African flyhalf displayed a powerful right boot and physical defense in six appearances this past season. A collegiate standout at Lindenwood, the 23-year-old is on track to fulfill his five-year US-residency requirement in time for the new season.
