Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Cameron Dolan has found a new home in professional rugby, having signed for Cardiff Blues of the Guinness Pro 12 ahead of the 2015/16 season. In confirming a move first reported by Americas Rugby News’ own Paul Tait in April, Dolan becomes the second American player to sign for the club following former Leicester Tigers outside back Blaine Scully in March.
The two Americans were referred to Cardiff by former USAR national high performance manager Billy Millard, who was hired as the Welsh region’s new head of elite performance in December. Both were named in Eagles head coach Mike Tolkin’s World Cup training squad yesterday and are expected to travel with the US Eagles to the tournament this September.
Signed as a utility forward but most comfortable at no8, Dolan signed for Northampton Saints after winning man-of-the-match in November 2013 against the New Zealand Maori in Philadelphia. He was earmarked as a potential first team challenger for the 2014/15 Aviva Premiership season, but with new signing Jonathan Fisher and countryman Samu Manoa in the way, Dolan’s chance never materialized.
After spending the season playing a handful of games with Northampton’s reserve side, the 6’6” forward managed only one start in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, his only senior appearance for Saints during his 18-month stay.
Dolan has won 10 caps for the Eagles since June of 2013, scoring two tries, with all seven of his starts coming in the no8 jersey. His last match was the Pacific Nations Cup loss to Japan in Carson, Texas, last June. Dolan was originally slated to face the All Blacks in Chicago but had to withdraw with injury, and was unavailable for the senior tour in November due to the deal between USAR and PRL.
