Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Houston SaberCats are starting to return to full strength at just the right time. Hanco Germishuys and Nick Boyer were back on the pitch this past weekend, and both Siaosi Mahoni and Davy Coetzer have been declared fit to play in Friday’s match against Old Glory.
Also back in the lineup this week is inspirational captain Dean Muir, who has returned from South Africa after an extended maternal leave. His stand-in Nathan Den Hoedt remains sidelined with a lower leg injury. Head coach Pote Human notably saw his suspension lifted ahead of the Toronto match after completing community service.
One name who will not be featuring for the SaberCats as anticipated is Ruben de Haas. The Eagles scrumhalf’s contract was evidently not approved by league officials. That disappointment has been tempered by the return of first choice No9 Dillon Smit from injury.
The Arrows have made a late-season addition to their back row. Former Senior Academy No8 Matt Fish will get an opportunity in the final two weeks of the season. Though perhaps older for a rookie with his 26th birthday fast approaching, Fish was a standout at collegiate level with Waterloo and represented the Canadian University All-Stars against the All-Americans in 2019. More recently he had been focusing on his professional career outside of rugby.
Utah celebrated the return of Paul Lasike against Seattle but were hit with the loss of Tuvere Vugakoto with what looked like a serious leg injury. Henry Bell will continue to start at hooker. Joey Backe is the most likely candidate to take over the No16 shirt, with USA Hawks select Sam Faoagali also on the roster. Chad Gough might be another alternative after filling in temporarily earlier this season.
The Seawolves lost three players in what was the most competitive match of the weekend. Mzamo Majola came off at the first hydration break and had his arm in a sling, while AJ Alatimu did not return from the halftime break. Second row Rhyno Herbst dislocated his shoulder in the second half. Captain Riekert Hattingh remains sidelined with a broken foot.
New York had Brendon O’Connor back in the squad against Dallas but are now awaiting news on the severity of Nate Brakeley’s injury. While it initially appeared to be a knee problem, it was the ankle of the Ironworkers captain that was on ice after the match.
Chance Wenglewski missed the Jackals encounter after coming off with an HIA against San Diego. Joe Basser also went down against the Legion with a compressed nerve in his leg, but could be back in the lineup soon. Jack Heighton is reportedly back in training but Ben Bonasso’s season is over after undergoing shoulder surgery.
