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World Rugby has granted USA-eligibility to a pair of Major League Rugby backfielders. Will Leonard and Mark O’Keeffe are both originally from Ireland, but are now considered Eagles-qualified on residency. They had each exceeded the two-month ‘travel’ limit during following the 2020 season, but the world governing body allowed for special circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two players were signed by Rugby United New York ahead of the recently-folded club’s inaugural 2019 campaign. Leonard, 28, was a fixture in New York’s midfield for three seasons before being traded to Rugby ATL in 2022. He is one of a small group of players from that franchise who stayed in in their relocation to Los Angeles for this coming season.
O’Keeffe is one year older at 29. After two seasons in New York he spent one year each in Atlanta and Austin before landing in Chicago ahead of the 2023 campaign. While also comfortable on the wing, his preferred position is outside center where he looks like to run out with the Hounds in 2024.
Eagles selectors will look closely at both, with each offering different attributes. Leonard is a hard-nosed ball carrier and among the league’s most punishing midfield defenders. O’Keeffe is known primarily for his dynamic attacking skills, using good speed and upper body strength to create line breaks.
The change in eligibility also provides a boost to their respective clubs. LA’s match day limit for non-domestic players this season is 11, and Chicago’s 10. The two sides will now have greater versatility in selecting their lineups knowing Leonard and O’Keeffe do not fall under those restrictions.
Eligibility falls under Regulation 8 of World Rugby’s governance handbook. Players qualifying under consecutive residency (8.1.c) must complete 60 months immediately following their time of selection. The regulation’s explanatory guidelines allow for some travel during the time, but state that unless exceptional circumstances are present the player must reside in the country of qualification for 10 months in any calendar year.
A league source says that appeals for both Leonard and O’Keeffe to be granted eligibility based on exceptional circumstances began several months ago. Houston SaberCats hooker Tiaan Erasmus, who also arrived in MLR ahead of the 2019 season, has requested the same consideration but a final verdict has not yet been issued.
