News Archives

NOLA signs former New Zealand u20 prop Sean Paranihi

NOLA Gold have signed Manawatu Turbos prop Sean Paranihi on a two-year deal through the 2024 Major League Rugby season. The 26-year-old tighthead specialist is the second front rower to arrive from New Zealand, following Northland loosehead Jarred Adams. Paranihi represented his country at the 2016 World Rugby u20 Championship …

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Chicago Hounds sign Dallas flanker Mike Matarazzo

The Chicago Hounds have signed blindside flanker Mike Matarazzo for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. He makes the move north from the Dallas Jackals, having spent the 2021 season with Rugby ATL after being selected in the 1st round of the 2020 Collegiate Draft. Matarazzo enjoyed a breakthrough season …

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Houston SaberCats sign Hanco Germishuys and Dom Akina

The Houston SaberCats have confirmed the signings of Hanco Germishuys and Dominic Akina for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. They were selected in the Dispersal Draft from the LA Giltinis and Austin Gilgronis respectively. Both are noted for their dynamic ball carrying ability. Germishuys started for the Eagles in …

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New York names new coaching team for 2023

Fresh off announcing a new home and a new nickname, New York have now identified their new coaching staff for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The defending champions will be led by former Utah Warriors player-coach James Semple with ex-All Blacks prop Ben Afeaki named Forwards Coach. Semple, who …

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MLR Off-Season Update – Rugby ATL

Rugby ATL have now confirmed their playing roster for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. Some prominent names have departed during the off-season and only four have been recruited from overseas, with the club instead opting to back younger players to step up. Their home venue will stay the same, …

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Premier Rugby Sevens to add teams in 2023

Premier Rugby Sevens intends to double its number of franchises for the 2023 season. Four competed this past season, with each fielding a Women’s and Men’s team. The professional league will also move to an East-West conference system. The four existing franchises will be assigned a geographical region this year …

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Chile’s opening RWC match venue may change

Chile’s opening match venue at Rugby World Cup 2023 may change. Los Cóndores are scheduled to play against Japan on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Le Stadium in Toulouse. Nine months out from the World Cup, doubts have surfaced in France concerning whether the stadium will in fact be ready …

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Chicago acquires ex-Austin back row Michael de Waal

The Chicago Hounds have acquired loose forward Michael de Waal from the Jackals in exchange for salary cap considerations. Dallas drafted his rights from the Austin Gilgronis during the Dispersal Draft. The 27-year-old returns to the Midwest, having previously lined up for Lindenwood University. Originally from South Africa, de Waal …

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Calvin Whiting re-signs with Utah Warriors

The Utah Warriors have secured one more returning player ahead of the 2023 Major League Rugby season. USA international Calvin Whiting will play a fourth season with the club. The announcement comes just over two weeks since the Warriors announced their squad for the new campaign. Whiting initially signed on …

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Defending MLR champions New York adopt new nickname

Rugby New York have formally adopted a new nickname for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The defending champions will be known as the ‘Ironworkers’. A new logo recognizing the change was unveiled on Monday. Former captain Mike Petri narrated the brand reveal. We’re building something special here in New …

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