MLR Round 2 Notes: Fawsitt first Centurion, Two suspensions

This past weekend saw an historic first for Major League Rugby. In starting for the Hounds against Utah, US Eagles hooker Dylan Fawsitt reached 100 appearances in the competition. The 34-year-old was honored by the Warriors while leaving the field after the game.

Fawsitt made his first MLR appearance in the league’s opening week of the inaugural 2018 campaign. He suited up for the Glendale Raptors that season, on loan from New York who would enter the league the following year. An MLR title came in 2022 before the Ironworkers folded after the 2023 season, leading to Fawsitt signing with the Hounds.

To date Fawsitt’s career totals include 88 starts with a remarkable 58 tries. Prior to joining MLR, he played 10 games with the Ohio Aviators in PRO Rugby’s only season in 2018, scoring 5 tries. Originally from Wexford, Ireland, the New Jersey resident has represented the Eagles in 29 tests.

It will be a few weeks before a second centurion might be celebrated. The two highest active MLR players behind Fawsitt currently are Seattle scrumhalf JP Smith and Utah prop Angus MacLellan, both on 93 career appearances. MacLellan was MLR’s first player to 50 caps.

DISCIPLINARY

Chicago have lost Charlie Abel for 3 weeks after the Australian prop was suspended for a dangerous tackle on Utah fullback Jordan Trainor early in the second half. Hounds fans will no doubt feel aggrieved by the decision as the referee initially appeared to be leaning towards a yellow card, but the TMO decided the collision was worthy of a red. Ignacio Péculo should take over the No3 shirt while Koby Baker could be in line to make his Hounds debut, though Paddy Ryan is also nearing a return to action.

Meanwhile Los Angeles will be without loosehead prop Declan Leaney for their game against San Diego. He received a second yellow card, and with it red, in the 80th minute of the game against Houston. Leaney was spotted throwing fists and even a kick towards a SaberCats player at a ruck. It wasn’t clear any head contact was made, thus the TMO determined a second yellow was appropriate. Leaney’s first yellow was for a tip tackle and the league says his suspension is for two acts of foul play in one game.

INJURY NOTES

San Diego is unlikely to have the services of Marcel Brache against Old Glory after the midfielder was forced off for an HIA against Anthem. Tavite Lopeti left the field early but returned halfway through the first half, while Tiaan Loots – who replaced Brache – was subbed off at the hour mark with Connor Tupai coming into the backline for the last 20 minutes.

Miami lost winger Connor Burns after a heavy landing on the turf against NOLA, though it wasn’t clear if he was subbed off as a result of a head knock or some kind of leg issue. Mauro Rebussone and Tomás Cubelli also came off after taking damage though neither appeared to be overly serious.

The Gold entered the game missing midfielder JP du Plessis and winger Ed Fidow to injuries taken in the opening weekend. Both should be back soon, while second row Kaden Duguid is nearing a debut after suffering a minor ankle injury in the preseason. His recovery could be timely as Cam Dolan limped off late in the game against Miami with what looked like a lower leg strain.

NEW SIGNINGS

Two players were confirmed as returning to their clubs this past week after being left off initial rosters. New England welcomes back Kyle Baillie to the fold. The Canadian lock had been unavailable as he works towards a post-rugby career opportunity and his return was uncertain. Meanwhile back row Cam Davidowicz is focusing on his family farm for the time being but could yet turn out later in the campaign.

Miami moved quickly to sort out a scrum deficiency by bringing back Tongan prop Tau Koloamatangi, and immediately through him on the bench for this past week’s game against NOLA. Regular starter Reinaldo Piussi has yet to suit up this season and his stand-in Alec McDonnell is suspended, leaving Alex Tucci and Setu Vole as the only tighthead options before Koloamatangi returned.

A surprise name showed up in the transfer wires this week. Ma’a Nonu was thought to be retired after leaving the San Diego Legion, but the All Blacks legend has returned to France and signed with Toulon until the rest of the season. Now aged 42 years old, Nonu is set to become the oldest player in Top 14 history. He’ll turn 43 in May.

	Ma’ake Muti	1	Ma’ake Muti
	Dylan Fawsitt	2	Dylan Fawsitt
	Pono Davis	3	Pono Davis
	Nathan Den Hoedt	4	Matt Jensen
	Gavin Thornbury	5	Cam Dolan
	Frank Lochore	6	Vili Helu
	Manuel Ardao	7	Christian Poidevin
	Jonah Mau’u	8	Ben Bonasso
	Richard Judd	9	Ruben de Haas
	D’Angelo Leuila	10	Line Latu
	Joe Mano	11	Joe Mano
	Spencer Jones	12	Bryce Campbell
	Dom Akina	13	Dom Akina
	Xavier Mignot	14	Jeremy Misailegalu
	Ethan Grayson	15	Max Schumacher