MLR Notes: Cubilla among re-signings, Preseason start confirmed

Former Argentina XV captain Tomás Cubilla has unfinished business in Major League Rugby. The 25-year-old center will return for the Jackals next season after arriving late in the 2023 campaign. Despite just three appearances he made a positive impression as the outgunned side were only narrowly beaten by NOLA and Chicago to end the season.

Cubilla is certain to play a prominent role in 2024 and could renew his partnership with Tomás Malanos, who was re-signed by the club in August. Malanos started every game for Dallas at No13 in 2023 but could also find himself on the wing with the arrival of another Argentine center in Manuel Covella.

Mark O’Keeffe will return for a second season in the Windy City. The 29-year-old Irishman started 11 games for the Hounds in 2023 before injury ended his season early. One of MLR’s most dynamic attacking players, it remains to be seen what position he occupies in the backline. O’Keeffe prefers outside center but featured mostly on the right wing this past year. There is hot competition for spots following the additions of winger Dave Kearney and fullback Adriaan Carelse.

Meanwhile departing Chicago is Mason Koch. The 26-year-old joins his third MLR club in signing with the Free Jacks, and gives the defending champions three specialist hookers with fellow newcomer Sean Ralph joining incumbent starter Andrew Quattrin. Foster DeWitt’s ability to play both loosehead prop and hooker means New England will be well-covered at the No2 slot this season.

The Gold have confirmed a two-year extension for starting hooker Pat O’Toole. This will be the fourth season in New Orleans for the 28-year-old. He will be joined by returnee Ale Lopeti and draft pick Gabe Mahu’inga as options at No2. Eric Howard has retired and George Sharpe’s status is unclear after missing the entire 2023 season with a knee injury.

A pair of experienced front rowers will be back for Utah next season. South Africa loosehead prop Franco van den Berg enters his sixth season with the Warriors, and it’s a fifth campaign for Fijian hooker Tuvere Vugakoto. Selection at the No2 spot will be particularly interesting with the club also choosing to sign New Zealander Nic Souchon from DC and Phil Bradford from Australia.

Signing up for a third season with DC is outside back John Rizzo. The 25-year-old has played mostly on the wing for Old Glory but can also fill in at fullback, and played outside center for the Cincinnati Wolfhounds in the Midwest Premiership during the MLR off-season. Rizzo played 8 games for DC this past year including 3 starts and scored 2 tries.

Seattle have pulled off a surprise trade with San Diego, acquiring 1st round draft pick Tyren Al-Jiboori in exchange for cash considerations. The Lindenwood and USA u23 select adds depth to the Seawolves wing stocks, which now boast new signings Toni Pulu and Jade Stighling, Eagles stepper Lauina Futi, and speedster Jeremiah Sio. It’s uncertain what this means for Conner Mooneyham, who had major surgery on his knee in July.

Also uncertain is the playing future of Tyren’s older brother Malon Al-Jiboori. The former Eagles back rower has departed the SaberCats and taken up a position as Operations Manager and ‘Try Rugby’ Program Lead with the Montana Institute of Sport. Malon is just 26 years old but has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

The official start day for preseason training has now been confirmed. January 22nd is when players formally check in for training camps, though many are expected to arrive earlier. That leaves room for six weeks of all-in preparation before the opening week of the regular season, which is set for the first weekend in March.