List of 2019–20 Major League Rugby transfers

This is a list of player transfers involving Major League Rugby teams that occurred from the end of the 2019 season and through the 2020 season. The league confirmed the additions of three teams for the 2020 season, New England Free Jacks, Old Glory DC, and Rugby ATL.

Rugby ATL

Main article: Rugby ATL

Austin Gilgronis

Main article: Austin Gilgronis

Colorado Raptors

Main article: Colorado Raptors

Old Glory DC

Main article: Old Glory DC

Houston SaberCats

Main article: Houston SaberCats

New England Free Jacks

Main article: New England Free Jacks

New Orleans Gold

Main article: New Orleans Gold

Rugby United New York

Main article: Rugby United New York

San Diego Legion

Main article: San Diego Legion

Seattle Seawolves

Main article: Seattle Seawolves

Toronto Arrows

Main article: Toronto Arrows

Utah Warriors

Main article: Utah Warriors

See also

References

  1. ^ "Major League Rugby Archives". Archived from the original on 2019-08-20. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  2. ^ "ATL confirm three including RUNY No8 Ross Deacon". 24 November 2019.
  3. ^ "Dan Faleafa set to join Austin Elite". 2 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  4. ^ "Austin sign former All Blacks winger Frank Halai". 20 September 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-09-29. Retrieved 2019-09-29.
  5. ^ "Austin recruit Pacific pair Leavasa and Malele". 23 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-10-23. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  6. ^ "Fijian Warrior, Enele Malele to join Austin Herd. - Austin Herd". Archived from the original on 2019-10-01. Retrieved 2019-10-01.
  7. ^ "Corey Jones to Join the Austin Gilgronis".
  8. ^ "Austin signs Premiership veteran Sebastian de Chaves". Americas Rugby News. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.
  9. ^ a b Houston SaberCats [@Hou_Sabercats] (September 19, 2019). "The SaberCats are excited to announce the signing of Kyle Breytenbach. Breytenbach is a versatile forward who plays both backrow and lock. He is a familiar face having most recently played for our Texas @usmlr rivals @austinherdrugby . We're glad to have him on our side now 🐯👊 https://t.co/tRSjlzK0M6" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 19, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  10. ^ "Travis Larsen set to join Old Glory". 31 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-31. Retrieved 2019-08-31.
  11. ^ "Peter Malcolm moves from Austin to San Diego". 9 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-25. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  12. ^ "Ben Mitchell leaves Austin for San Diego". 20 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-25. Retrieved 2019-08-25.
  13. ^ a b c "World Cup trio on MLR retirement list". 24 July 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-29. Retrieved 2019-08-29.
  14. ^ "Soleil ☀️ on Instagram: "Après une expérience américaine, très heureux de revenir en France et de rejoindre le @csbeaune_rugby #fédérale1 #csbeaune #soleil 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 ☀️ 🍇"".
  15. ^ a b c d "Sanguinetti opts for Peñarol, Houston eye Argentine duo". 6 December 2019.
  16. ^ "Dylan Pieterse moves from Austin to DC". 7 December 2019.
  17. ^ "Glendale signs former Wallabies star Digby Ioane". 8 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-10-08. Retrieved 2019-10-08.
  18. ^ "American Raptors on Instagram: "🚨 the Colorado Raptors are excited to officially announce their final player signing for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. Rounding out the Raptors player squad is former New Zealand All-Black, Rene Ranger.🚨 "We're all really excited to have Rene join our environment for the coming season," Raptors Head Coach Peter Borlase said. "With Rene playing at the highest level both internationally as well as in southern/Northern hemisphere competitions his knowledge and leadership will be well received in our squad, especially developing some of the young blood in our back line. Rene is known for his direct physical style of play, but also his distribution skills and will add to our players play. He is a top man with humility, a hard work ethic and team first attitude." with the Raptors squad complete, the Colorado MLR team will kick off their preseason on Dec. 2, preparing for two preseason matches in January and the season opener in February. 👉 Hit that link in the bio to reserve your 2020 tickets!! 👈 #ColoRaptors #CORaptors #RaptorsRugby #2020MLRseason #allblacks"".
  19. ^ "London Scottish FC | Will Magie to join London Scottish". Archived from the original on 2019-10-07. Retrieved 2019-10-07.
  20. ^ "American Raptors on Instagram: "Former @glendaleraptors player Murphy Taramai has signed with the @hurricanesrugby of Super Rugby. Congratulations and all the best in your career going forward."".
  21. ^ "Rugby ATL on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-04-30.[user-generated source]
  22. ^ "Ryan Burroughs commits to 2020 for Old Glory". 23 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-25. Retrieved 2019-08-25.
  23. ^ "Old Glory sign Penn State flyhalf Mike Dabulas". August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-28. Retrieved 2019-08-28.
  24. ^ "DC signs Canada center Doug Fraser from Austin". 20 November 2019.
  25. ^ "Old Glory sign Kiwi prop Gordon Fullerton". 10 July 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-28. Retrieved 2019-08-29.
  26. ^ "Old Glory sign Penn State captain Jack McLean". 6 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-11. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  27. ^ a b @OldGloryDC (October 9, 2019). "Twitter post" (Tweet) – via Twitter. [dead link‍]
  28. ^ "Old Glory DC is proud to announce the signing of Fijian lock Tevita Naqali". 24 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-10-24. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  29. ^ "Old Glory DC is excited to welcome New Zealand native and fly-half Jason Robertson to the 2020 squad". 11 November 2019.
  30. ^ Old Glory DC [@OldGloryDC] (September 12, 2019). "SIGNED 📑 Old Glory DC is proud to welcome Dylan Taikato-Simpson to the 2020 squad. Hometown: Tauranga, New Zealand Position: Fullback Past Teams: Stirling County RFC, Rugby Viadana, Glendale Raptors https://t.co/GIg3XP9iVc" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 28, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ a b Old Glory DC [@OldGloryDC] (November 10, 2019). "SIGNED 📑 Old Glory DC is excited to welcome experienced Major League Rugby player Jake Turnbull to the 2020 squad. Hometown: Sydney, Australia Position: Prop Past Teams: Houston Sabercats, Denver Stampede, Glendale Merlins, USA Selects 🔗 https://t.co/PFxq7iHq4b https://t.co/MxMSMCBFrA" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 10, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  32. ^ "Old Glory DC is proud to announce the signing of half-back Danny Tusitala". 3 November 2019.
  33. ^ "❗️PLAYER UPDATE❗️Tim Cadwallader... - Houston SaberCats Rugby | By Houston SaberCats Rugby | ❗️PLAYER UPDATE❗️Tim Cadwallader boasts a unique versatility in that he can play at both hooker and prop. Representing New Zealand at the U20 world cup..." www.facebook.com. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  34. ^ Houston SaberCats [@Hou_Sabercats] (October 2, 2019). "The SaberCats welcome Dewet Roos to the 2020 squad 🐯🙌. The standout scrumhalf known for his acceleration and accurate delivery comes to us from the NSW Country Eagles during the 2018 NRC campaign. 👏👏 #USMLR #SaberCats #MLRugby #HoustonSaberCats #TearItUp https://t.co/dSVEAUckeW" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 2, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  35. ^ "Houston SaberCats Rugby on Instagram: "‼️Player Update‼️ Meet @boydwiggins the 270 LBS kiwi has been playing for the Northland Rugby Union and now is bringing his dominance to the SaberCats! We can't wait to see what he can do in AVEVA Stadium this season."".
  36. ^ a b "South American Super Liga launched in Montevideo". 30 November 2019.
  37. ^ "SaberCats sign former Brumbies halfback de Wet Roos". 18 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-10-19. Retrieved 2019-10-20.
  38. ^ Jason Harris-Wright [@jayharriswright] (August 16, 2019). "This comes as a bit of a late announcement but unfortunately after sustaining a bad knee injury I have been forced to finish playing professional rugby. After surgery and months and… https://t.co/6KMd8evlqG" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  39. ^ New England Free Jacks [@NEFreeJacks] (November 12, 2019). "Welcome @_sambeard! Canterbury mid-fielder joins the @nefreejacks for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in @USMLR ✍️ Sam joins with experience in @superrugby, @Mitre10Cup & @PRO14Official 📍@crfu 📍@crusadersrugby 📍@dragonsrugby 📍@EdinburghRugby 📍@BOPRugby https://t.co/nKkIAk9oKc https://t.co/3u9GLovQZX" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 2, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  40. ^ a b New England Free Jacks [@NEFreeJacks] (August 1, 2019). "SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT | The New England Free Jacks name a balanced, world class player group in the preliminary roster for the Inaugural 2020 Season in @USMLR 🐎🔥👊 https://t.co/mB1KpaRVPM #LightTheLantern #ReadyToRide #MountUp #NEFreeJacks #Rugby #USMLR https://t.co/Gb3cvkmOLS" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 7, 2020. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ New England Free Jacks [@NEFreeJacks] (November 4, 2019). "Welcome @Hatake_03! Kensuke Hatakeyama, Japan's 4th most capped front rower, joins the @NEFreeJacks for the 2020 and 2021 seasons in @usmlr ✍️ 78 Caps - @JRFURugby 163 Appearances - @sungoliath 5x All Japan Championships 4x Top League Championships https://t.co/nKkIAk9oKc https://t.co/s5PWIUXVUH" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 4, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  42. ^ "Free Jacks confirm 10 new signings". August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-03. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  43. ^ "NOLA sign former Brumbies back Robbie Coleman". 9 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  44. ^ "NOLA Gold Rugby on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-04-30.[user-generated source]
  45. ^ "NOLA sign former Dragons fullback Carl Meyer". 5 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-27. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  46. ^ "NOLA Gold Rugby on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-04-30.[user-generated source]
  47. ^ NOLA Gold Rugby [@nolagoldrugby] (August 29, 2019). "🚨Signing News!🚨 Dino Waldren signs 3-year contract with the Gold! "We're happy to welcome @WaldrenJr to our NOLA Gold family. As a 12-time capped @USARugby Eagle and with his time overseas at @LSFCOfficial, Dino brings an elite level of experience..." 👑#GoldReign #GeauxGold https://t.co/QpVRizHtQx" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Rugby United New York [@rugbyunitedny] (June 12, 2019). "Big day for the Blue and Orange. Welcome to the Roosters @BastaOfficiel #AllezLesBleues https://t.co/3ZGEDHHac9" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  49. ^ "Irish Second Row Cormac Daly Signs with Rugby United New York".
  50. ^ "Rugby United New York Adds All-Ireland League Champion Scrum-Half".
  51. ^ "Rugby United New York Signs Collegiate All-American Robert Irimescu". Archived from the original on 2019-09-29. Retrieved 2019-09-29.
  52. ^ San Diego Legion [@SDLegion] (September 10, 2019). "🛡️NEW SIGNING🛡️Australian native Luke Burton set to make his Major League Rugby debut in 2020! The Super Rugby fly half combines strong running with a brilliant kicking game providing a perfect compliment to the Legion attack. 👌💯 #WeAreLegion #SDLegion @usmlr @lukeburton https://t.co/67EAOiivXi" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 26, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  53. ^ @SDLegion (August 29, 2019). "Twitter post" (Tweet) – via Twitter. [dead link‍]
  54. ^ "San Diego Legion Signs Devereaux Ferris". 25 September 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-09-25. Retrieved 2019-09-29.
  55. ^ "Bath's Davies Ready to Hunt with Seawolves". Archived from the original on 2019-10-17. Retrieved 2019-10-17.
  56. ^ Seattle Seawolves [@SeawolvesRugby] (September 26, 2019). "SIGNED: Ryno Eksteen 🔏 Former @CheetahsRugby Flyhalf shifts to @USMLR with Seattle. 🌊 #TogetherWeHunt #DefendTheDynasty 📰: https://t.co/nwYwwjO43o https://t.co/RBlbLhA0hC" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  57. ^ Seattle Seawolves [@SeawolvesRugby] (October 10, 2019). "SIGNED: FP Pelser 🔏 @GriquasRugby's Pelser Seattle bound to join the Seawolves pack. Welcome to the @SeattleSouthsid, FP! 🌊 #TogetherWeHunt #DefendTheDynasty 📰: https://t.co/j0VPBHoUQZ https://t.co/iV4GimF3ol" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  58. ^ Seattle Seawolves Rugby [@SeawolvesRugby] (October 4, 2019). "SIGNED: David Busby 🔏 @UlsterRugby product heads to Seattle, Busby becomes Seawolf. Welcome to the @seattlesouthside, David! 🌊 #TogetherWeHunt #DefendTheDynasty 📰: https://t.co/muYUZrJv6G https://t.co/0azb4b79h2" (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 9, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022 – via Twitter.
  59. ^ "Seawolves sign Wasps center Ross Neal". 30 November 2019.
  60. ^ "Peter Tiberio announces retirement from Rugby". 2 October 2019.
  61. ^ "Ross Neal and Sebastian de Chaves join on short-term deals | 5th August 2020 | News". London Irish. 2020-08-05. Retrieved 2020-08-05.
  62. ^ "Arrows re-sign 10 and add South American duo". August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-03. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  63. ^ "Arrows re-sign six, add international trio". 30 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-31. Retrieved 2019-08-31.
  64. ^ a b "Arrows confirm nine for 2020 including LeSage and Rowland". 23 October 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-10-23. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  65. ^ "Morgan Mitchell signs for Kamaishi Seawaves". 5 November 2019.
  66. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 20, 2019). "🛑 STOP ... Welcome Michael Baska to Warriors Nation! Baska comes is no stranger to the American rugby landscape and joins the Warriors for 2020 after a great season with NOLA Gold. SIGNED, LOCKED & #RELOADED👹 Find season tix for 2020 here https://t.co/Hs4DpTxGLR https://t.co/vdmJdczIoL" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  67. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 16, 2019). "🖋SIGNED 🔒LOCKED & 👹RELOADED Meyer is no stranger to the state of Utah and we're excited to have him with us in this upcoming 2020 season. Welcome to Warriors Nations Caleb! Season tix for 2020 available at https://t.co/Hs4DpTg5nh https://t.co/eFqVucyeu1" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  68. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 18, 2019). "🚨 Welcome Michael Payne to Warriors Nation! The 6ft 245lb Murrieta California native and former BYU prop joins the Warriors as part of our 2020 season campaign. SIGNED, LOCKED & #RELOADED👹 . Season tix for 2020 available at https://t.co/Hs4DpTxGLR https://t.co/0uYSwDiNiR" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  69. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 14, 2019). "🇼🇸 9️⃣ 🔥 Joining Warriors Nation at number 9 in 2020 will be New Zealand born Manu Samoa scrum half Dwayne Polataivao! Polataivao is joining the Nation after being on tour this year at the Rugby World Cup with Manu Samoa. Welcome Dwayne! SIGNED, LOCKED & #RELOADED👹 https://t.co/s0pEHd8VQR" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  70. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 20, 2019). "🚨 Warriors Nation! Join us in welcoming @hagen_schulte to the Utah Warriors! Schulte will be adding to the back line this upcoming 2020 season at fly half or fullback. We look forward to having him us! SIGNED, LOCKED & #RELOADED👹 Season tix for 2020 https://t.co/Hs4DpTxGLR https://t.co/5PMmQxyntt" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  71. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 6, 2019). "📣Another addition to the Warriors with the signing of loose forward Richard Stanford. Welcome to Warriors Nation! SIGNED, LOCKED... #RELOADED👹 Lock/Flanker 6' 5" FT 234 LBS 2007 Melbourne Rebels 2006-08 Brumbies 2009-10 Force 2012 Waratahs 2014 NSW Country Eagles https://t.co/zplQjYTLVr" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  72. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 5, 2019). "Welcome Jurie van Vuuren( @Jurievanvuuren ) to Warriors Nation! SIGNED, LOCKED #RELOADED👹 Lock/Flanker 6'4" FT 220 LBS 2014–2016 Stormers 2014–2017 Western Province 2017–2019 Southern Kings 2018–present Eastern Province Elephants https://t.co/KJcKDFFHo9" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  73. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 13, 2019). "✈️ 🇫🇯 Flying Fijian to Warriors Nation! Welcome Ratu Veremalua Vugakoto(A.K.A Tuvere) to the Nation! At hooker, Veremalua will be joining the Warriors coming off of his first Rugby World Cup tour this year with @fijirugby. SIGNED, LOCKED & #RELOADED👹 https://t.co/qfu9PXf313" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  74. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 17, 2019). "🗣 Welcome to Warriors Nation Tu'ihalangingie! Roderick, more commonly known as Ricky hails from Kolomotu'a, Tongatapu and will be adding to the front row in our upcoming 2020 MLR season! SIGNED, LOCKED #RELOADED👹 Season tix for 2020 available at https://t.co/Hs4DpTg5nh https://t.co/DFJHSunknn" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  75. ^ "UTAH WARRIORS RUGBY on Instagram: "🥊 Packing a punch at tighthead for Warriors Nation in 2020 from Auckland New Zealand will be Kalolo Tuiloma( @ktuiloma )! A.K.A "The Bulldozer". SIGNED, LOCKED & #RELOADED👹 Tighthead Prop 6'2" FT 302 LBS 2013 South Canterbury 2016 Counties Manukau 2016-2017 Grenoble 2018 Highlanders"".
  76. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 13, 2019). "🗣At center, hailing from Johannesburg South Africa, SIGNED, LOCKED & #RELOADED👹. Welcome to Warriors Nation @usarugby eagle #513, Calvin Whiting! https://t.co/DltSMTQodI" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
  77. ^ Utah Warriors Rugby [@utwarriorsrugby] (November 12, 2019). "🚨 SIGNED, LOCKED & RELOADED He's come through the ranks of the local Utah rugby programs and has excelled. Welcome to Warriors Nation @bailey_wilso ! #Reloaded Season tix for 2020 available at https://t.co/Hs4DpTg5nh https://t.co/mDgb4mDw3s" (Tweet). Retrieved December 26, 2020 – via Twitter.