MLR Notes: Preseason games set to start, new roster additions

The Chicago Hounds got the preseason unofficially underway in an opposed training session with RFC Los Angeles earlier this week. It was played at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, the same venue where the Hounds square off against the San Diego Legion on Friday afternoon.

Also set to take the field on Friday are the Seattle Seawolves, who play the first of their two confirmed preseason tilts against Rugby Canada’s centralized development team – the Pacific Pride. The Seawolves will then welcome the Canada Selects to Tukwila on Wednesday. Both games are at Starfire Stadium.

Houston will host a double-bill of sorts next week. New England will dance with Dallas on Friday the 23rd, with the SaberCats hosting the Gold on Saturday the 24th. One ticket is good for both games at SaberCats Stadium. The 24th is also the date for Utah’s dress rehearsal against San Diego at Zions Bank Stadium.

A full list of confirmed preseason matches can be seen here.

The Seawolves have made a handful of late roster moves. In confirming their initial roster for the season it was revealed that USA Falcons flanker Devin Short has dropped off, departing the team for undisclosed medical reasons. With Canadian international Nakai Penny also taking time away, it leaves Seattle without a genuine openside flanker and suggests Charles Elton will wear the No7 this year.

To fill the gap, former Canada u20 lock or blindside flanker Reid Davis has been signed from the Pride. Also announced was New Zealand-born hooker Jesse Mackail, but his deal now seems in doubt with the sudden acquisition of ex-Ironworkers reserve DaQuan Perry. Mackail had only recently qualified for Canada on residency and has yet to appear in any internationals for his adopted nation.

Seattle have also called in Central Washington graduate Rhys Jones, a flyhalf or fullback. He takes the roster spot left by Shane Barry’s move to Anthem. Veteran back row Andrew Durutalo had been training with the team during the early parts of the preseason but was left off the announced roster.

NOLA have taken a hit with news that Domingo Saavedra’s visa has not been approved. The Chilean star will stick with Selknam for the time being while the Gold work through the frustrating process, but it’s expected Saavedra will miss a large part of the regular season. In the meantime Tongan center or wing Taniela Filimone has been signed, having spent the past season with the Free Jacks.

New England have formally confirmed the signing of Collegiate Draft pick Will Chevalier. A versatile back for Indiana, the 23-year-old will focus on scrumhalf having spent recent months with the Eagles Sevens program. Signing development deals with the club are Mystic River prop Jordan Drain, former Dallas back row Nolan Buckley, and Collegiate Rugby Shield speedster Devin Rivet.

Missing from Old Glory’s training footage is Scottish signing Damien Hoyland. The former test winger has also experienced delays with his visa application though DC co-owner Chris Dunlavey told Matt McCarthy of MLR Weekly that he is hopeful the 30-year-old will arrive in time for the start of the regular season. Hoyland is currently training with Edinburgh to stay sharp while he waits for approval.