Overseas Pros Update
Overseas Pros Update
It’s been a while since we looked at USA players playing overseas, and where they are with their clubs. Here’s a rundown:
Cam Dolan (Naples U19s, Life University) started at lock for Cardiff and scored a crucial try in a 21-17 comeback win for the Blues over Edinburgh. Blaine Scully last played March 19, where he scored a try for Cardiff, but also picked up a thumb injury that has kept him out for several weeks.
AJ MacGinty (Life University) is finishing up his Connacht tenure in fine style. He was the starting flyhalf for the club in their 14-7 defeat of Glasgow, which secured a home semifinal against those same Warriors in two weeks. MacGinty has already been listed as not returning to Connacht next season.
In the Aviva Premiership, there’s plenty of news. Saracens are getting set for the Premierships semis and finished off the regular season with a 43-19 win over Worcester. Chris Wyles started at wing and Titi Lamositele (Chuckanut U19s) came on as a sub at prop at 41 minutes. Hayden Smith also subbed on at 41 minutes.
While Saracens prepares for the semis, Newcastle ended the season with a loss to Sale, but not in the relegation position. Todd Clever (College Park U19s, Nevada) and Eric Fry (Jesuit Sacramento, Cal) didn’t play, and haven’t seen much time with the team of late. But more Americans are slated to join the Falcons, as former Notre Dame and Cal All American Nick Civetta, who has been playing pro in Italy, will join the Falcons next year. The 6-8 second row is still pushing for his first Eagles cap. He has the added benefit of carrying a European passport, which makes it easier for him to break into the team.
And David Tameilau (Peninsula Green u19s), who earned his first caps this year, will also join the Falcons.
In Super Rugby, Andrew Durutalo continues to be a very bright spot for a Sunwolves team that has only the one victory. Durutalo has mostly played openside flanker but has sometimes slotted in at the No. 8 position, where his passing, honed in 7s, allows him to hit the wide flyhalf from the base of the scrum.