Italian international Robert Barbieri has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby. The 35-year-old loose forward hangs up the boots after enjoying a 16-year career in Europe including more than a decade playing for Benetton Treviso in the Italian 1st division and the Guinness Pro Championship. Born and raised in Toronto …
Read More »Socino leaves Scotland for Spain
Juan Pablo Socino has left Edinburgh Rugby by mutual agreement, departing to take up a contract with El Salvador in the Spanish División de Honor – currently known as the Liga Heineken. He makes the move just a year after joining the Scottish side from Newcastle Falcons. The 31-year-old center, …
Read More »Brex opts for Italy using Olympic loophole
Juan Ignacio Brex is set to play for Italy in the upcoming Rugby Europe Olympic qualifier event. The 26-year-old has previously represented Argentina on the World Sevens circuit and the Nations Cup. With an Italian passport, however, he will now switch allegiance using the ‘Olympic loophole’ after observing a three-year …
Read More »Canadian Overseas Pro Update
As the European club season reaches a close and Super Rugby leans towards the playoffs, it’s time to look back and see how Canada’s overseas contingent fared in the 2018-19 campaign. Only a handful of Canadian internationals are currently based in the Southern Hemisphere – Tyler Ardron the most prominent. …
Read More »DTH van der Merwe starts for Glasgow in Pro 14 Final
DTH van der Merwe will start for Glasgow Warriors against Leinster in the Guinness Pro 14 Final on Saturday. The Canadian winger continues his comeback from shoulder surgery, having made a surprise early return in last weekend’s Semi Final victory over Ulster. Playing in a Guinness Pro Championship final is …
Read More »Hassler returns to rugby, signs for Seawolves
Nine months after announcing he was stepping away from professional rugby, Jeff Hassler is back. The former Ospreys star was set to join Harlequins in August before his decision. He will now suit up for the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby. At 27 years of age, Hassler still has …
Read More »Canada to play Leinster in World Cup Warm-Up at Hamilton
Canada has secured a fixture against one of Europe’s top club sides as part of their build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field will again play host to international rugby as Leinster arrives on Saturday, August 24. The 24,000 seat stadium last housed Canada …
Read More »Blaine Scully leaves Cardiff for return home
Blaine Scully has opted to end his Cardiff Blues stay early, announcing on Wednesday that he would be returning home to the USA to focus on World Cup preparations and ‘the next experience’. An appearance in Major League Rugby has been speculated but the USA captain has not revealed his …
Read More »Kieran Crowley named Pro 14 Coach of the Year
Former Canada coach Kieran Crowley has been named Guinness Pro 14 Coach of the Year. The award is recognition of the historic success of Benetton Treviso this season, becoming the first Italian side to reach the knockout stages of the competition. This past weekend they nearly overturned Munster, the latter …
Read More »RUNY adds former Leinster hooker Sean McNulty
Rugby United New York have enlisted the services of former Leinster and Ireland u20 hooker Sean McNulty for the remainder of the Major League Rugby season. The 23-year-old joins the club on loan from the New England Free Jacks, who he is committed for in the 2020 season. McNulty was …
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