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We are now six weeks into the Major League Rugby campaign with a dozen to go. Amazingly that is already one more week than the 2020 season lasted in its entirety. That in itself is reason to celebrate, so too the emergence of several potential Eagles for the return of test rugby.
When and where exactly that happens is yet to be confirmed. Plans are currently in motion for the USA to tour the UK for the mid-year tests. Hopes for a match against the British & Irish Lions have now been dashed but England looks to be a done deal with Wales among other opponents being discussed.
Unfortunately those plans now conflict with the MLR season, thanks again to the pandemic which delayed the start by a month. It’s unclear at this point if some players will be left with teams still in the post-season hunt or if the tests will be given absolutely priority.
A recent post by Gary Gold suggests that may be the case. It also confirms that ‘a number’ of uncapped players have caught his eye in the opening weeks. The next block of games will give us a better idea of who those might be. For now we take a look at a few candidates who are off to a good start.
Yes TR, there most certainly is a plan to introduce some young new talent to the Eagles squad, depending, of course, on availability and form, but there are a number of players in @usmlr who have been identified as future Eagles. Exciting times ahead!! https://t.co/TpxS82UBrz
— Gary Gold (@Garygoldrugby) April 26, 2021
Loosehead prop will be more of a concern for Gold with two World Cup selects now out of the picture, but it’s at tighthead where the best case is being made. Mason Pedersen has shown steady improvement over the past two seasons and may have now pushed ahead of Austin teammate Paddy Ryan in the pecking order. Pedersen’s contributions in the loose as a ball carrier and punishing tackler are top notch though Ryan still has the edge in the scrum.
In the second row it’s two players who have recently become eligible on residency that will be of interest. San Diego’s Ben Mitchell and New York’s Charlie Hewitt both have genuine international size and a good mix of set piece prowess and handling skills. Of the two Mitchell is ahead on form, but don’t be surprised to see both on Gold’s list as he looks to expand competition in the engine room.
A classic ball-hunting openside flanker hasn’t featured for the Eagles in some time with the likes of Hanco Germishuys, John Quill, and Tony Lamborn all hybrid loose forwards. Free Jacks No7 Joe Johnston is one who could quickly break into the side. At No8 it’s ATL’s Jason Damm who has rocketed up the charts with a string of impressive performances. If he can keep this form over the coming weeks he will be shoe-in for Eagles honors this year.
Along with Johnston, two US-eligible flyhalves who will have been targeted before even playing a game are Luke Carty and Harrison Boyle. Carty looks the more refined of the two at the moment for LA, but the younger Boyle is improving every week for New England. The latter has the size and skill to develop as a playmaking option at inside center. The question now is whether Boyle chooses to make himself available having previously trialed with the New Zealand u20s.
Conner Mooneyham has justified his first overall selection in the Collegiate Draft with some strong performances for Austin. It’s LA’s Ryan James, however, who is likely at the top of Gold’s list of outside back contenders. The 21-year-old speedster is benefitting from playing alongside world class talent and has not looked out of place. His kicking game is still a question mark but he has the frame and raw athletic ability to succeed at the next level.
