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The Houston SaberCats have been hit with news that two key forwards have opted out of the 2021 Major League Rugby season. It’s not clear when the team was informed, but both Kyle Breytenbach and Jérémy Lenaerts confirmed their decisions on social media.
Breytenbach is focusing on his growing family and announced his wife’s pregnancy:
“Sad to announce I won’t be joining the Houston SaberCats for the 2021 season, but happy to say I have been drafted by TEAM DAD.”
Lenaerts published a more detailed statement:
“Given these challenging times across the world, the US MLR has put significant health and safety protocols into place to protect its players and staff. Without a doubt, the Houston SaberCats have put together a solid plan to minimise the risks related to COVID-19.
“As this is a difficult decision for me personally, nonetheless I have chosen to opt out for the 2021 US MLR season. I would like to thank the SaberCats staff and management for their understanding and support.”
Lenaerts is contracted through 2022 with an option for a third season. The terms of Breytenbach’s contract were not immediately available.
Both players were set to play major roles in the SaberCats pack this coming season as domestic-qualified second rows. Breytenbach was one of Houston’s best forwards in 2020, while Lenaerts was recruited from the Seattle Seawolves in September.
The SaberCats will need reinforcements with only Apisai Tauyavuca and Van Stewart regular locks in their ranks. Uruguay international Diego Magno also has considerable experience in the second row though he was used exclusively in the back row in 2020.
ARN understands that Dallas Jackals signing Kody O’Neil was selected by Houston in the supplementary draft. The former Raptors regular will be of critical importance to the team if they agree to terms.
