USA

Pele Cowley will be returning to Austin for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. The Manu Samoa scrumhalf was one of three internationals who arrived just one game before the campaign was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His MLR debut was a memorable one. Cowley played all 80 minutes …

The Houston SaberCats have confirmed the return of South African pair De Wet Roos and Kyle Breytenbach for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. Both players continue contracts signed in the fall of 2019, with Roos arriving from Australia and Breytenbach from Austin. Roos, 29, captained the Cats in his …

Erich de Jager is switching from the Free State to the Free Jacks. The South African prop has signed on with New England through the 2022 Major League Rugby season after five years in the Cheetahs organization. At just 24 years old de Jager is already an experienced professional. He …

The San Diego Legion have confirmed a return for Josh Thiel for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. Initially unveiled by the club in December, the 23-year-old Canadian international returns for the second year of his contract after joining from the Pacific Pride. Thiel’s arrival was delayed due to visa …

Marcelo Torrealba has signed a new contract with the Austin Gilgronis that will see the Chilean scrumhalf staying in Texas through the 2021 Major League Rugby season. In doing so the 24-year-old again turns down the South American Súper Liga in favor of the North American competition. Since arriving from …

Deion Mikesell has signed for French Pro D2 side Carcassonne. The twice-capped Eagles winger departs the New England Free Jacks after just one season. This will be his second stint in France, having spent four months with Clermont’s academy side during the 2018-19 season. After arriving from the Houston SaberCats …

Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News. It reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week.   UP Russia RWC 2027 bid Confirmed to be bidding for Rugby World Cup 2027 is Russia. The Rugby Europe Championship participants are …

Sydney’s Shute Shield competition is now through its 6th week of the season and players with Major League Rugby connections continue to make an impact. There are now nearly a dozen who have made an appearance, with a prominent new name showing up just a week ago. Paddy Ryan starred …

Paul Lasike put in an impressive performance against Saracens. The USA Eagles mid-fielder came off the bench to score a double for the Harlequins. He crossed for tries in the 59th and 74th minutes, doing so as an impact player from the bench. Prior to Lasike entering the match, the …

Aaron Mitchell has committed to a fourth campaign with the San Diego Legion. The 24-year-old tighthead prop has followed second row Siaosi Mahoni in signing a one-year extension through the 2021 Major League Rugby season. In his three years with the Legion Mitchell has been patient, with 23 appearances but …