MLR Notes: Jones re-signs with DC, Ieremia to coach Anthem

Old Glory have re-signed Niko Jones for the 2024 campaign. The New Zealand-born loose forward and son of former All Blacks legend Michael Jones played a vital role in helping DC to their first ever playoff appearance – and victory – in 2023. Niko is notably US-eligible through an American-born grandfather though he has yet to put his hand up for Eagles honors.

Jones had initially been signed as a replacement for the injured Cory Daniel, but both players will now be available to DC from the start of the 2024 season. The team has also welcomed back flanker Dacoda Worth after a year with Chicago, seemingly completing their loose forward stocks.

Preseason is now officially underway and training pictures have revealed the arrival of one name yet to be confirmed by his club. Former South Africa u20 flyhalf or fullback Vaughen Isaacs has landed in Dallas, giving the Jackals another playmaking option. The 24-year-old had most recently been suiting up with the Tel Aviv Heat in the Rugby Europe Super Cup.

Anthem is now the official name of the new US development side joint-funded by MLR and World Rugby. While their staff is yet to be formally revealed, Alex Goff reports that Alama Ieremia will handle the Head Coach duties. A long-time professional who represented both Samoa and – more prominently – New Zealand on the world stage, Ieremia is also the Attack Coach for the Eagles. The 53-year-old was New Zealand’s Coach of the Year in 2018 after leading Auckland to the NPC title, and has previously been Head Coach of Manu Samoa and an assistant for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby.

One familiar face is returning to Utah as another departs. Former Eagles lock Matt Jensen is back in the fold after a two-year hiatus from professional rugby. The 31-year-old was one of the league’s top lineout exponents during his four seasons with the Warriors and provides a strong domestic option alongside international newcomers Louis Conradie and Frank Lochore.

Also confirmed as joining is utility back Isaia Kruse. The younger brother of established Warriors star and USA international Mika, Isaia was listed as a wing when selected in the Collegiate Draft but also played flyhalf and fullback during his time at Fresno State. Kruse is the only one of four Utah draft picks confirmed as signing on.

Meanwhile departing the Warriors is veteran prop Olive Kilifi. At 37 years old the 2019 World Cup tourist is in the twilight of his career but there is no indication as of yet that he is retiring. Kilifi had been with Utah for three seasons after winning back-to-back titles with Seattle. It remains to be seen if he appears on another roster in the coming days or weeks.

One retirement that has been confirmed is lock Duke Krishnan, who calls it quits at the age of 35 after spending last season with the Chicago Hounds. Prior to his move to MLR, the Malaysian international had spent several years playing professionally in Japan.