Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Blair Cowan will return for a second season in San Diego. The 37-year-old flanker served as captain for the Legion in 2023 and looked in fine form until an untimely red card in the final game of the regular season ended his campaign early. He had started 11 of 16 games to that point.
The Legion will again feature an array of talent in the back row in 2024. US Eagles blindside Vili Helu has replaced the departed Dan Pryor on the roster, while returnees include Christian Poidevin, Finn Kearns, Tupou Afungia, and Tevita Tameilau. Chris Turori and new signing Jay Tuivaiti can operate both at lock or loose forward. Michael Smith could yet return later in the season as he did in 2023.
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San Diego export Keni Nasoqeqe has been formally confirmed for a third campaign in Houston. The 30-year-old USA Falcons select played mostly on the blindside flank in 2023 but can also slot in at lock or No8. With Nathan Den Hoedt, Siaosi Mahoni, Marno Redelinghuys, and Emmanuel Albert returning and Justin Basson and Johan Momsen arriving from ATL, visitors to the SaberCats lair in 2024 are certain to face gargantuan forward packs whatever the combination used.
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Old Glory has announced the signing of Canadian international Tyler Rowland. The former Arrows tighthead prop was initially selected by Los Angeles in the Dispersal Draft, but did not sign with the relocated ATL franchise who will receive cash considerations in exchange for his rights. Instead the 24-year-old will compete with Kevin Brou for the starting No3 shirt in the nation’s capital. Rowland joins fellow Canucks Cali Martinez, Logan Weidner, and Gradyn Bowd on DC’s confirmed roster. Both Martinez and Weidner are also US-eligible.
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Chicago have snapped up more talent from Ireland in the form of Caolan Dooley. The 23-year-old goal kicker scored an astounding 30 points in the All-Ireland League final with Terenure, and was subsequently named the competition’s Player of the Season. Dooley, who stands 6’2″ (1.88m), has most often lined up at inside center but can also slot in at flyhalf or fullback. He joins back row Conall Boomer in making the move to the Hounds from the AIL champions.
