MLR Notes: Giteau makes shock return, Houston signs Hill

Matt Giteau is returning to Major League Rugby. The former Australia and LA Giltinis great will make a shock return to the competition in 2024 with the San Diego Legion. It’s a remarkable announcement given he is now 41 years old and hasn’t played professionally since the end of the 2021 campaign.

After lifting the MLR Shield with LA that season Giteau extended his deal with the Giltinis for a second campaign, but injury prevented him from taking the field in 2022 and he confirmed his retirement in February of this year. The surprise addition gives San Diego four flyhalves to choose from with ex-Moana Pasifika regular Lincoln McClutchie and Scotland age grade select Harris Rutherford joining returnee Josh Henderson at Snapdragon Stadium.

Houston have also revealed a significant signing in their backline. Former Exeter Chiefs stalwart Sam Hill makes the move to MLR from Sale Sharks in the English Premiership. The 30-year-old gives the SaberCats enviable options in the midfield with incumbent starters Louritz van der Schyff and Dom Akina both returning and Samoan international AJ Alatimu joining from Seattle. Hill is a specialist inside center who starred for England at u20 level before earning selection to their second-senior side, the Saxons.

Heading to Chicago from Cork Constitution in Ireland is Michael Hand. An imposing winger who stands 6’4″ (1.93m), the 23-year-old was named in the USA u20 squad three years ago though their games were ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic. He spent part of 2022 suiting up for Baylor University.

The Jackals have recruited some tall timber from Canada to help fill a second row shortage. Karl Hunger, 24, has been signed from the Pacific Pride as an undrafted free agent. He stands 6’6″ (1.98m) and was a standout with McGill University in Montreal before heading west.

Making a surprise decision to retire is Conor McManus. Originally from New Zealand, the scrumhalf had represented the USA at u19 level and was tipped by some to graduate to Eagles honors. McManus was plagued by injury this past season but at just 24 years old his best years were still ahead of him.

Old Glory have confirmed the signing of Connor Buckley, the selected from the Ironworkers in the Dispersal Draft. The 24-year-old follows another fellow USA u20 select Ethan McVeigh in moving to DC, with Gardy Lebon already announced as returning and long-time starter Danny Tusitala also expected to be part of the team’s scrumhalf group.

Meanwhile a statement from the club’s majority owners confirms that while they will make the best of their new home at Maryland SoccerPlex, Old Glory’s future lies within DC proper. A location within the beltway is being eyed with Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy hoping to reveal more about the development in the first half of the new year.