Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
George Barton is now officially a member of Rugby ATL. The Canadian midfielder was tipped weeks ago to be joining the defending Eastern Conference champions, and has finally landed at The Snake Pit. A member of the Seattle Seawolves since 2018, the 24-year-old gives the Ratlers another powerful ball carrying option at inside center along with current starter Will Leonard.
Two new players have been confirmed by the Free Jacks. Canada u20 flanker Ethan Fryer has already played for the development side against the Arrows Academy. Shane Fata is the newest addition, a product of Naas RFC in Ireland. The 19-year-old center or flyhalf has represented USA u18s and arrives on trial to fill a gap left by the departure of Mika Lomano for personal reasons.
Dallas hooker Matt Frings has been suspended for three weeks after being sent off in the match against the Seawolves on Saturday. Wearing the No7 shirt for the match, Frings received a red card from referee Federico Anselmi for a punch to the face of Seattle flyhalf Kieran Joyce.
The suspension will see Frings missing out on the upcoming matches against the LA Giltinis, Houston SaberCats, and Austin Gilgronis. He will be free to play against Old Glory DC on April 23.
There is more bad news for Dallas. Openside flanker Moe Abdelmonem, who captained the side in their Round 2 and 3 matches against San Diego and Houston respectively, will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. He is scheduled to go undergo surgical repair on the joint next week.
The Giltinis are facing a loose forward crisis with two key players suffering long-term injuries. Adam Ashe has a neck problem while Angus Cottrell suffered a serious knee injury in the final minute of Saturday’s game against San Diego. Cottrell is awaiting a scan to confirm the damage but it looks unlikely either player will be seen on the pitch again this season.
Lindsey Stevens returned from his knee injury this past weekend and Tom Mitchell is set to be cleared for duty. Still out this coming weekend are Sean McNulty (head knock), Langilangi Haupeakui (knee), Luke Carty (torn pec), Matt Giteau (calf), Ben LeSage (broken hand), Brooklyn Hardaker (knee), John Ryberg (hamstring), and DTH van der Merwe (knee).
New York has also seen one of their top back rowers stricken by injury. Pago Haini has suffered significant damage to his hamstring and is likely out for the season. The good news is a reinforcement will soon be on the way in the form of Eagles lock Nick Civetta, who will return to the club after completing his playing commitments with Oxford University at the Varsity Match on April 2.
There were significant career milestones achieved by two New York players against NOLA. Sam Windsor and Dylan Fawsitt became the 3rd and 4th players respectively to play in 50 Major League Rugby games, both as replacements. The former was not expected to dress for the match but a late injury to Jack Heighton saw him answering the SOS. Remarkably it’s the first time in his career that he has come off the bench – all 49 previous matches were as a starter.
Meanwhile Director of Rugby Steve Lewis is heading back to his native Scotland next month, albeit temporarily. The two-time USA Coach of the Year recipient will be joined by former Scotland 7s captain Scott Wight to take charge of the Co-Optimists in their return to the Melrose 7s. It’s been nearly 30 years since the invitational side last won the prestigious event. Lewis has already recruited two international superstars of the shortened game for his team – Kenya flyer Collins Injera and South Africa’s Cecil Afrika, formerly of the San Diego Legion.
Last but not least, expansion talk is heating up at MLR Headquarters. Last month The Guardian’s Martin Pengelly said he expects teams from Chicago and St. Louis to join the league next season. Sources have told ARN that neither are done deals, but there is a bidding group in Dallas this week seeking the royal seal of approval. Watch this space.
