Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The San Diego Legion have plundered another big name from Austin Elite. Outstanding lock Ben Mitchell has traded Texas for California, joining Eagles hooker Peter Malcolm at Torero Stadium for the 2020 Major League Rugby season.
It’s a major blow for Austin fans, who have now seen their three most prominent forwards head for pastures new with vice-captain Josh Larsen already confirmed at the New England Free Jacks. The Elite endured a miserable 2019 season that saw them go winless and eventually leading to the appointment of Todd Clever as the new Director of Rugby.
Mitchell started every game for Austin in 2018, earning unanimous recognition as the form lock in MLR. He again showed his class in 2019, playing all but one game for the Elite and taking over the team’s captaincy from semi-retired Andrew Suniula.
English-born and Irish-raised, the 25-year-old Mitchell will qualify for the USA on residency in late 2020. An impressive athlete at 6’7″ (2.01m), he will no doubt be of interest to the Eagles selectors should he opt to pursue international honors for his adopted home.
