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Chris Mattina is headed back to San Diego. The 30-year-old fullback has officially signed on with the Legion after being selected in the Dispersal Draft. He was due to make a return to New York from Chicago, but saw his plan come to an abrupt end when the Ironworkers folded earlier this month.
While professionally It was another whirlwind offseason for Mattina, he made his senior Eagles test debut against Romania and captured five caps in all including three starts. The Manhattan native spent 2018 in San Diego with the USA Sevens side and was signed to the Legion but did not make an MLR appearance.
San Diego now boasts two Eagles internationals at fullback with incumbent starter Mikey Te’o returning. Mattina’s ability to play anywhere from 10 to 15 in the backline also makes him highly valuable both in squad rotation and as a bench option. He is effectively a direct replacement for Matías Freyre, the former Pumas 7s international who has joined Miami.
Meanwhile the Legion have also confirmed the return of first choice loosehead prop Faka’osi Pifeleti. The once-capped Eagle is recovering from off-season surgery but the club says it’s hopeful he will be fully fit at the start of the new season in March. Prop is another position loaded with talent in San Diego with new arrivals Payton Telea-Ilalio and Darcy Breen joining returnees Nate Sylvia, DJ Sears-Duru, Luke Green, Chris Baumann, and Oliver Kane.
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Houston have reinforced their front row with the addition of tighthead prop Maks van Dyk. The 31-year-old has spent the past decade playing in top tier domestic competitions, most recently with Pau in the French Top 14. It remains to be seen if last year’s starter Morgan Mitchell returns in 2024.
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The Hounds have added more depth to their pack. Conall Boomer makes the move from All-Ireland League champions Terenure. The 27-year-old is a rangy ball carrier who can play across the back row, and has been on the fringes of the Ulster and Leinster squads since playing for Ireland u20 in 2016.
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Returning for a fourth season with the Gold is Jack Webster. The 26-year-old outside back continued to make progress this past season with a career high 9 appearances and 4 starts. He suited up with the NOLA Miners in the American Rugby Premiership during the off-season.
