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It’s ‘silly season’ in Major League Rugby and after a barrage of player announcements over the past couple weeks, we thought it might be helpful to have a team-by-team look at what’s happened so far. We’ve also added a few hints of what might be coming down the pipeline.
As ever some teams are pace-setters in this regard. NOLA, RUNY, and Toronto lead the way with ATL and Austin also coming along nicely. Dallas is earning points as a team with an aggressive communications strategy. Others have been quieter but there are signs of life in Houston, DC, and New England.
AUSTIN GILGRONIS
It’s all change once again for Austin, who will head into the 2021 season with no more than a handful of ‘originals’ with Chris Schade leaving the team. Mason Pedersen and Zinzan Elan-Puttick have been re-signed while it remains to be seen if Sione Fangaiuiha, Alex Faison-Donahoe, and Reece Czarnecki will return for a fourth season.
Player announcements have come along at a reasonably steady pace though only one newcomer has been confirmed in young lock or No8 Cam Dodson. He is the third player plucked from the collegiate ranks following draft picks Mason Koch and Lui Sitama.
With new coaches announced in Sam Harris and Mark Gerrard, several arrivals are expected including US Eagles center Bryce Campbell. Also linked are World Cup hooker James Hilterbrand and USA Selects lock Christian Ostberg, while Kurt Morath should return to provide strong options at flyhalf with Will Magie.
Among the outgoing are Juan Echeverría and Rodrigo Silva who have returned to Uruguay and are set to join Peñarol in SLAR. Tiaan Erasmus has confirmed his move east to Houston, while Potu Leavasa also announced his departure on social media.
Draft Picks: Mason Koch (HO, Dartmouth), Lui Sitama (CE, AIC)
Re-signed: LaRome White (LH), Mason Pedersen (TH), Moe Abdelmonem (FL), Dominic Akina (FL), Dom Bailey (FL), Will Magie (FH, 2022), Rodrick Waters (WI), Zinzan Elan-Puttick (FB, 2022)
In: Cam Dodson (LO/N8, GCU)
Out: Skyler Adams (LH, Dallas Jackals), Chris Schade (LH/HO), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Houston SaberCats), Wilton Rebolo (HO/TH), Juan Echeverría (TH), Potu Leavasa (LO/FL), Rodrigo Silva (FB)
DALLAS JACKALS
Of the two expansion sides confirmed thus far Dallas have been by far the most active in public. They have three coaches, four draft picks, and a dozen signings done. There is even an online shop already up and running for those fans who want to gear up before opening day.
The Raptors have supplied seven players to Dallas thus far with another – tighthead prop Marco Fepulea’i – likely on the way. Only two import players have so far been unveiled in Samoan lock Theo McFarland and Namibian loose forward Wian Conradie.
Draft Picks: Bronson Teles (FL, Arizona Wildcats), Tommy Clark (FL/N8, AIC), Levi van Lanen (CE, Wisconsin-Whitewater), Conner Mooneyham (WI, Life Running Eagles)
Re-signed: n/a
In: Skyler Adams (LH, Austin Gilgronis), Kelepi Fifita (LH/TH, Colorado Raptors), Chad Gough (HO, Colorado Raptors), Kareem Odeh (TH, Life Running Eagles), Theo McFarland (LO, Manuma Samoa, WS), Kody O’Neil (LO, Colorado Raptors), Wian Conradie (FL, Doncaster Knights, UK), Carlo de Nysschen (SH, Colorado Raptors), Jinho Mun (SH, Dallas Harlequins), Campbell Johnstone (CE, Colorado Raptors), Chad London (CE, Colorado Raptors), Ryan James (WI, Colorado Raptors)
Out: n/a
HOUSTON SABERCATS
Expect some turnover on the player front at Houston once again but the good news is there is stability in the coaching ranks. The team has announced only the addition of Robbie Povey so far though front rowers Nik Hildebrand and Tiaan Erasmus have been independently confirmed.
Just today five ‘originals’ from the 2018 campaign were confirmed for 2021. Other returnees expected are Diego Magno and De Wet Roos. The departure list includes a pair of starters in lock Victor Comptat and inside center Tiaan Loots. The former has moved to France while the latter is now a free agent.
There are three players who were attached to the SaberCats in 2020 currently playing in the Shute Shield. Lock or blindside flanker Van Stewart is at Manly Marlins while the Faoagali brothers – No8 Mathew and prop Falaniko – are both with Penrith Emus.
Draft Picks: n/a
Re-signed: Cecil Garber (FL), Sam Windsor (FH), Kieran Farmer (FH/WI), Malacchi Esdale (WI), Zach Pangelinan (FB)
In: Nik Hildebrand (LH/TH, Pacific Pride), Tiaan Erasmus (HO, Austin Gilgronis, 2022), Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Utah Warriors)
Out: Victor Comptat (LO, Olympique Marcquois, FR), Tiaan Loots (CE)
LA GILTINIS
Almost the complete opposite of Dallas. Since the collegiate draft there hasn’t been a peep out of LA, with speculation growing that a re-brand is imminent following the overwhelmingly negative reaction to their initial ‘Giltinis’ offering. The team has not been idle on the recruitment front, however.
Blake Rogers and Nick Boyer have already confirmed their signings, while Raptors teammates Luke White and Mika Kruse should follow them to the West Coast. Along with a host of Australian players – not least Matt Giteau – LA are understood to be in advanced negotiations with Canada star DTH van der Merwe.
Draft Picks: Stephen McLeish (HO, Lindenwood Lions), Watson Filikitonga (CE, Iona College)
Re-signed: n/a
In: Blake Rogers (LH, Colorado Raptors), Nick Boyer (SH, Colorado Raptors)
Out: n/a
NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS
Biding their time since the draft were the Free Jacks, but they have sprung to life in the past week with the announcement of Ryan Martin as their new Head Coach and the signing of former Sharks captain Tera Mtembu on a three-year deal.
Brad Hemopo is currently playing for Norths in the Shute Shield and it’s not yet clear if he is returning. Kensuke Hatakeyama will continue in the second year of his contract, though at 35 years old his playing time will be managed. He will play an important role as a mentor for young tightheads Quentin Newcomer and Spencer Krueger.
Look for more announcements from New England on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
Draft Picks: Spencer Krueger (TH, Ohio State), Justin Johnson (FL, Life Running Eagles)
Re-signed: tba
In: Jack Miller (FL, Colorado Buffaloes), Tera Mtembu (N8, Sharks, SA, 2023), Tom Brusati (SH, St. Mary’s Gaels)
Out: tba
NOLA GOLD
The Gold are nearly finished their recruitment for the 2021 season. They have stayed consistent with their long-term approach, extending seven players and signing four newcomers on multi-year deals. Most of the regulars on the roster were already committed through next season and beyond.
While there shouldn’t be many more arrivals confirmed, the departures list is yet to be populated. Negotiations are ongoing and there could yet be a couple prominent names who do not return. Given the depth currently in place, however, the team should be more than covered.
Reserve hooker Lindsey Stevens is currently suiting up for Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield.
Draft Picks: Brian Nault (LH/TH, Central Washington), Andrew Guerra (FL, Notre Dame College)
Re-signed: Matt Harmon (LH, 2023), Kevin Sullivan (LH, 2023), Ignacio Dotti (LO, 2022), Moni Tonga’uiha (FL, 2023), Malcolm May (FL/N8, 2022), Nick Feakes (WI, 2023), Tim Maupin (WI, 2022)
In: Devin Short (FL, San Diego Legion, 2022), Damian Stevens (SH, Olímpia Lions, 2023), Cian Barry (SH/FH, UCLA), Juan Cappiello (CE, Mont-de-Marsan, FR, 2023), Jack Webster (CE, LSU), Kyle Rogers (FB, unattached, 2022)
Out: tba
OLD GLORY DC
It took a bit to get started but Old Glory have picked up the pace in recent days on their player announcements. They have already added some tall timber to the forward pack and this past week confirmed that Api Naikatini would be seeing out the final year of his contract.
Sadly it appears that Tendai Mtawarira will not be returning, but the good news is Jack Iscaro will be making his return after missing out on 2020 with injury. Another loosehead prop, Jake Turnbull, is currently starting for Randwick in the Shute Shield while co-captain Mungo Mason is at Warringah.
Draft Picks: Casey Renaud (LO, Kutztown), Matthew Gordon (FL/N8, Mary Washington)
Re-signed: Jack Iscaro (LH), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (N8), Thretton Palamo (CE)
In: David Beach (LO, Mystic River), Harry Masters (SH, Mary Washington)
Out: Tendai Mtawarira (LH, retired), Matt Hughston (FL)
RUGBY ATL
It’s been mostly re-signings thus far from Rugby ATL, though they have formally confirmed the addition of Pumas center Bautista Ezcurra. It’s not clear yet if draft pick Mike Matarazzo will in fact play in 2021 with suggestions he could look to spend a season abroad before returning to MLR.
The question mark in the pack is whether loan signings Stefan Willemse and Johan Momsen will return to the second row. Definitely departed are prop Jamie Ferrante, who has retired, and winger Harley Wheeler who will spend the season training with the Eagles Sevens side in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.
Draft Picks: Mike Matarazzo (LO/N8, U of Notre Dame), John Scotti (CE/WI, Arkansas State)
Re-signed: Chance Wenglewski (LH, 2022), Neethling Gericke (HO, 2022), Duane Aholelei (TH, 2023), Conor Keys (LO, 2023), Marno Redelinghuys (LO/FL, 2022), Matt Heaton (FL, 2023), Duncan van Schalkwyk (SH, 2023)
In: Bautista Ezcurra (CE, Jaguares, AR, 2022)
Out: Jamie Ferrante (LH, retired), Harley Wheeler (WI, USA Sevens)
RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK
Now hitting their stride under new GM Stephen Lewis, the Roosters have exploded with a raft of re-signing and three newcomers over the past couple weeks. Among them is big Fijian prop Samu Tawake, who takes the roster spot of departing Eagles tighthead Paddy Ryan.
Joining Ryan on the outgoing list are Mathieu Bastareaud and Cathal Marsh. ‘Basta’ has already returned to France and rejoined Lyon in the Top 14. The destination of Marsh is unknown but co-owner James Kennedy confirmed earlier this year that this was his last in RUNY colors.
There are two new wingers in Apenisa Cakaubalavu and Fa’asiu Fuatai. A third might be Drew Mitchell, but the former Wallabies star looks more likely to be involved off the pitch rather than on it. Evan Mintern and Kara Pryor may yet join having finally received visa clearance after the season was suspended.
Draft Picks: n/a
Re-signed: James Rochford (LH), Dylan Fawsitt (HO), Nate Brakeley (LO), Hanco Germishuys (FL), Kyle Sumsion (FL/N8), Harry Bennett (FH), Troy Lockyear (CE/FB), Connor Wallace-Sims (WI)
In: Samu Tawake (TH, Manawatu, NZ), Connor Buckley (SH, Iona College), Apenisa Cakaubalavu (WI, Fiji Sevens), Fa’asiu Fuatai (WI, Bay of Plenty, NZ)
Out: Paddy Ryan (TH), Mathieu Bastareaud (N8/CE, Lyon, FR), Cathal Marsh (FH)
SAN DIEGO LEGION
The Legion certainly made a splash with the signing of former England captain Chris Robshaw at the expense of Devin Short, who has moved to NOLA. It’s been crickets since, though the team says that roster announcements are coming later this week.
Patrick Madden and Cole Zarcone were added in the draft and the Head Coach role will be shared by Scott Murray and Zack Test. Rumors persist that Ma’a Nonu will head to France though a potential move to Béziers looks to be on hold while they sort out their ownership situation.
Draft Picks: Patrick Madden (FH/CE, Cal Poly), Cole Zarcone (WI, Central Washington)
Re-signed: tba
In: Chris Robshaw (FL, Harlequins, UK, 2022)
Out: Devin Short (FL, NOLA Gold)
SEATTLE SEAWOLVES
Seattle’s player signings for the 2020 season didn’t begin until September of last year but that seems a long way off for Seawolves fans to wait while other teams show off their wares. The only returning player confirmed thus far is Mat Turner, who steps up as player-coach with the departure of Phil Mack.
Tim Metcher is currently in Australia playing for Southern Districts in the Shute Shield. Plus-sized backs Ross Neal and Harry Davies have returned to the UK and it’s unclear if they will return though the team still owns their MLR rights for another two seasons.
Draft Picks: Aaron Matthews (FH/CE, St. Mary’s Gaels), Nick Taylor (CE, Lindenwood Lions)
Re-signed: Mat Turner (FB)
In: tba
Out: tba
TORONTO ARROWS
Arrows fans can expect a very similar team in 2021 with only two starting players on the departures list. Sam Malcolm has been replaced by Juan Cruz González, while an ‘international winger’ is set to be unveiled this week to take the place of captain Dan Moor.
Otherwise the recruitment looks all but complete with only one or two new signings likely to follow. A few prominent returnees should feature in the next batch as the team inches closer to being the first team to reveal their entire 2021 roster.
Draft Picks: n/a
Re-signed: Richie Asiata (LH), Steven Ng (HO), Cole Keith (TH, 2022), Tyler Rowland (TH), Paul Ciulini (LO), Kolby Francis (LO/N8), Tomás de la Vega (FL), Marcello Wainwright (FL), Manuel Diana (N8), Tayler Adams (FH), Will Kelly (FH), Guiseppe du Toit (CE), Spencer Jones (CE), Ben LeSage (CE), Mitch Richardson (CE), Leandro Leivas (WI), Gastón Mieres (WI/FB)
In: Gastón Cortes (TH, Leicester Tigers, UK), Adrian Wadden (LO, Leeds Beckett, UK), Siaki Vikilani (N8, Pacific Pride), Juan Cruz González (FB, CAU Madrid, ES)
Out: Dan Moor (WI, retired), Sam Malcolm (FB, Kamaishi Seawaves, JP)
UTAH WARRIORS
The Warriors have a reputation of being the slowest team to name their players each and every season. Thus far that trend continues with no announcements beyond their busy draft day, which was preceded by Robbie Povey’s move to Houston.
New hooker Sama Malolo is back in Australia alongside Metcher in the Southern Districts front row. The only updates otherwise are birthday wishes for Dwayne Polataivao and Vatemo Ravouvou. Can we take that as a sign they are coming back in 2021?
Draft Picks: Elijah Hayes (TH, Iowa Central), John Powers (FH/FB, Iona College), Derek Ellingson (CE/WI, St. Mary’s Gaels), Danny Giannascoli (FB, Loyola Maryland)
Re-signed: tba
In: tba
Out: Robbie Povey (FH/FB, Houston SaberCats)
