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Rugby ATL have added three players to their roster for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. Ryan Nell, Cronan Gleeson, and Harry Higgins arrive from South Africa, Ireland, and Australia respectively to boost the expansion side for their inaugural campaign.
Nell, 29, comes with six years of Currie Cup experience, most recently captaining the Pumas in the 2019 Premier Division. Previously he was attached to Western Province, the Blue Bulls, and the Boland Kavaliers. The 6’3″ (1.91m) center has also represented his country on the World Sevens Series.
Joining the team from Old Wesley in Dublin is 26-year-old tighthead prop Gleeson. He was also on a development contract with Munster this past season and has represented Ireland at u18 level. Gleeson spent time in the Mont-de-Marsan academy and has also played professionally for Connacht and Spanish club Getxo Artea.
Higgins is a name familiar to Eagles fans. The 28-year-old was a Collegiate All-American at Arkansas State and won a test cap as a replacement against Russia in 2016. A native of Australia, Higgins captained the Wests Bulldogs in the Queensland Premier club competition this year. He is a versatile forward most at home in the back row but should also see time at lock.
ATL have yet to publicly confirm the signings but will do so in the coming days. The team has secured two exhibition games in January, a home game against the NOLA Gold on the 12th and a road match against Old Glory DC on the 26th. They will also be part of a preseason scrimmage series with the Toronto Arrows, Colorado Raptors, and Utah Warriors in Las Vegas.
