Major League Rugby launched in US

Stainalert · 15-04-2019 10:06am

Deleted User wrote: »

We have dozens of players culled from the provinces each year. Some of whom are potentially Pro14/Internationally standard, in their mid/late 20s but were cut from the academies for whatever reason.

So we have all these players, end up playing AIL and never develop beyond that whereas if they were in Pro leagues would be viable options for a call back to Provinces/International should they develop to their potential.
As I threw out earlier, in the past decade I trained with two such lads in Darragh and Robbie.

AIL is a better standard than MLR

thomond2006 · 15-04-2019 10:08am

Stainalert wrote: »

Pretty one eyed view of looking at things through professional rugby goggles.
Ignoring your own domestic game and exporting players certainly hasn't worked for the FAI. In rugby terms it has hurt South Africa badly. For me a strong domestic club league would be a far more preferable solution for a whole host of reasons.

Stainalert wrote: »

AIL is a better standard than MLR

Are players who want to earn a living in rugby supposed to take these things into account?
The provinces aren't competing with MLR on salary levels, this is nothing like what has happened to South Africa. South African rugby has external marco-economic factors that it cannot control and is losing international players.

15-04-2019 10:13am

Stainalert wrote: »

AIL is a better standard than MLR

And are AIL players doing anything at all for the growth of the professional game (or the game in general) at all in Ireland?

IRFU (rightly or wrongly) have focused in on the schools, academies, provinces as their primary route of player development. What are late developers meant to do, in your "wide" view? Or players who never went through the schools system so were overlooked by academies, as their club underage coaching could not develop them quickly enough?

The Lost Sheep · 15-04-2019 11:18am

Stainalert wrote: »

And that should be considered a success for Irish rugby?

What of the players personally and

Stainalert wrote: »

Pretty one eyed view of looking at things through professional rugby goggles.
Ignoring your own domestic game and exporting players certainly hasn't worked for the FAI. In rugby terms it has hurt South Africa badly. For me a strong domestic club league would be a far more preferable solution for a whole host of reasons.

Says yourself who is only seeing it in eyes of your club alone. A considerably strong domestic club league is fine but isnt going to happen

Stainalert wrote: »

AIL is a better standard than MLR

Says who? You and who else? And should players who want to earn full time from the game and be a full time professional should do what then?

Deleted User wrote: »

And are AIL players doing anything at all for the growth of the professional game (or the game in general) at all in Ireland?

IRFU (rightly or wrongly) have focused in on the schools, academies, provinces as their primary route of player development. What are late developers meant to do, in your "wide" view? Or players who never went through the schools system so were overlooked by academies, as their club underage coaching could not develop them quickly enough?

AIL club game is doing huge things for growth of the sport.
IRFU has focused on underage game not simply schools to help player participation etc but AIL is played by all players before they go on to be regulars in the professional game.

Stainalert · 15-04-2019 11:25am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Are players who want to earn a living in rugby supposed to take these things into account?
The provinces aren't competing with MLR on salary levels, this is nothing like what has happened to South Africa. South African rugby has external marco-economic factors that it cannot control and is losing international players.

The Cara Cup is a competition supported by the IRFU at the expense of their own national league. The IRFU's actual role is to build and promote rugby at all levels in Ireland (and not just professional). Of course players can do what they want and fair play to them but that is nothing to do with my argument (As an aside I am fairly sure a lot of them would take the quality of the rugby into account). It is not the IRFU's role to support other unions or leagues who will ultimately compete with Irish provinces to sign players - yes that is not happening directly now but it won't be long before American teams start looking further down the supply chain for players and will actually be competing with the Irish provinces for players.

The comparison with South Africa is perfectly valid - There are hundreds of South Africans playing outside SA not just internationals, Kenyon Knox in Munster for example. Assuming he makes a good go of it over here he will be lost to South African rugby. One of the reasons South Africa has suffered is because the quality of their own domestic rugby is declining.

Stainalert · 15-04-2019 11:27am

Deleted User wrote: »

And are AIL players doing anything at all for the growth of the professional game (or the game in general) at all in Ireland?

IRFU (rightly or wrongly) have focused in on the schools, academies, provinces as their primary route of player development. What are late developers meant to do, in your "wide" view? Or players who never went through the schools system so were overlooked by academies, as their club underage coaching could not develop them quickly enough?

Yes - The AIL week in week out develops many Irish players who go on to climb up the professional ranks. It's value as a development tool for Irish players is massively underrated.

15-04-2019 11:29am

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

AIL club game is doing huge things for growth of the sport.
IRFU has focused on underage game not simply schools to help player participation etc but AIL is played by all players before they go on to be regulars in the professional game.

AIL clubs are but the players (because of the structures) are not, there are players of good professional standard playing in the clubs. They will never be able to advance to their potential, and that is always going to hamper the game development. The AIL just does not have the public imagination anymore, the days of potentially seeing thousands at a game are gone.

The AIL is being used as a proving ground for players already identified, allowing for the IRFU to not have to create playing opportunities for their up and coming players.
The AIL is not being used to scout players though, like the MLR would/should do.

I know that the IRFU are trying to redress the imbalance between schools and clubs but there is no way that you can say the same kid would have equal developmental opportunities in either club or school. Schools players are given professional level coaching and development, clubs underage are run by volunteers doing their level best with what side patch they get to train on.

15-04-2019 11:35am

Stainalert wrote: »

Yes - The AIL week in week out develops many Irish players who go on to climb up the professional ranks. It's value as a development tool for Irish players is massively underrated.

How many players, cut from the academies, go to AIL and get professional contract in Ireland?

15-04-2019 11:37am

Stainalert wrote: »

The Cara Cup is a competition supported by the IRFU at the expense of their own national league. The IRFU's actual role is to build and promote rugby at all levels in Ireland (and not just professional).

What national league do the teams have?
They are trying to develop the players, in the provincial set up, with their move sets and under the eye of their own coaches and fitness staff. The AIL is not going to do that for them.

Squidgy Black · 15-04-2019 11:50am

I've no issue with the actual Cara Cup games themselves, in fact I think the more opportunities young lads have to play in representative sides for provinces, the better. As it gives them an avenue on top of playing with AIL sides to showcase their abilities to Leinster management, and other provinces as well.

The main issue is just the timing of the games. This time of year is always going to be crunch time for AIL sides, be it teams fighting relegation, or trying to get into playoff positions, and the IRFU would have been well aware of it. Granted some players did turn down going on the tour due to this, but others may have seen this as their opportunity to push for a sub-academy spot.

I just think it should have been managed a bit better by the IRFU in terms of timing. There's a disconnect lately between the IRFU and the clubs over the whole proposals for restructuring the league, and things like this aren't going to help that us vs them mentality that's starting to set in within pockets of the AIL clubs and their members.

Stainalert · 15-04-2019 12:03pm

Deleted User wrote: »

What national league do the teams have?
They are trying to develop the players, in the provincial set up, with their move sets and under the eye of their own coaches and fitness staff. The AIL is not going to do that for them.

Strongly disagree. The AIL is doing it for them and has been doing a good job of it for years. The real question is how can it do it better. Greater linkage between clubs and their respective Professional team is one, more academy / fringe pros players playing in the league (and thus increasing the quality of the rugby product) is another.

Stainalert · 15-04-2019 12:05pm

Deleted User wrote: »

How many players, cut from the academies, go to AIL and get professional contract in Ireland?

Plenty Tom Farrell, Matt Healy, Craig Ronaldson, Shane Delahunt, Dave Heffernan, Tom Daly.

Squidgy Black · 15-04-2019 12:09pm

Stainalert wrote: »

Plenty Tom Farrell, Matt Healy, Craig Ronaldson, Shane Delahunt, Dave Heffernan, Tom Daly.

From Clontarf alone, over the last few years we've had a number of players called up and gotten provincial contracts, granted some only short term deals but still. Mick McGrath, Matt D'Arcy, Collie O'Shea, Royce Burke-Flynn, Ivan Soroka, Tony Ryan.

nice_guy80 · 15-04-2019 12:40pm

Putting more emphasis on the AIL than schools rugby would be a start

The U18 and U20 teams in clubs need to gain more importance than the schools rugby.

Blut2 · 15-04-2019 1:19pm

On top of the very valid adding depth to the professional player numbers argument, surely the wishes of the players deserve to be factored in here too. I know if I was a 22 year old young lad I'd have been over the moon at a contract offer to go play rugby for a couple of years in the US - it'd be the experience of a lifetime. If the Cara Cup makes that a reality for more of the guys then its a great thing.

Dog Botherer · 15-04-2019 1:26pm

https://twitter.com/pauleddison/status/1117757569601351686?s=21

Dubinusa · 15-04-2019 2:38pm

The Leinster A's were miles better than the Freejacks.
The only lads I recognized at the match were Ronan Kelleher; Jack Kelly Gavin Mullin and Jimmy O Brien.
Leinsters #7 was particularly good as was the #4.
I think Vakh was the lh?
For the Freejacks, there was nothing of note to remember as they were annihilated and really exposed defensively.
Thought Mullin was good and Leinsters #4 was the best player on the field.
The attendance was ok. I reckon 1500 to 2200.
Coach Smith will be working his email trying to sign some of the Leinster lads.
I know he has spoke to Mitchell from Connacht about playing for N.E.
Leader was the 10 for N.E. I don't know how good he can be, playing on a poor side!
Anyhow, I hope mlr is here to stay.

thomond2006 · 28-04-2019 6:49pm

Bastareaud is joining New York next season.

errlloyd · 28-04-2019 7:35pm

Thinking of going to a New York game next week.

AbusesToilets · 29-04-2019 11:09am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Bastareaud is joining New York next season.

Wow, that's a pretty legit signing. Wonder what the wage packet is like?

Squidgy Black · 01-05-2019 8:43pm

Samu Manoa signed for Seattle, they seem to be splashing out on marquee players in the hope of getting interest

Kevski · 15-06-2019 10:32pm

Does anyone know if he MLR final will be shown anywhere tomorrow? Online/TV/in Dublin?

Lucas44 · 16-06-2019 3:06am

Dubinusa wrote: »

The Leinster A's were miles better than the Freejacks.
The only lads I recognized at the match were Ronan Kelleher; Jack Kelly Gavin Mullin and Jimmy O Brien.
Leinsters #7 was particularly good as was the #4.
I think Vakh was the lh?
For the Freejacks, there was nothing of note to remember as they were annihilated and really exposed defensively.
Thought Mullin was good and Leinsters #4 was the best player on the field.
The attendance was ok. I reckon 1500 to 2200.
Coach Smith will be working his email trying to sign some of the Leinster lads.
I know he has spoke to Mitchell from Connacht about playing for N.E.
Leader was the 10 for N.E. I don't know how good he can be, playing on a poor side!
Anyhow, I hope mlr is here to stay.

Leader is a poor player

The Lost Sheep · 20-12-2019 11:16pm

Rugby Atlanta have announced their squad for 2020 season. Few Irish in their squad for the tournament
Cronan Gleeson and Ross deacon.

The Lost Sheep · 09-04-2020 6:53pm

Colorado Raptors withdraw from the league

CrabRevolution · 10-04-2020 6:25pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Colorado Raptors withdraw from the league

Covid Related, or had they bigger issues?

The Lost Sheep · 10-04-2020 6:45pm

CrabRevolution wrote: »

Covid Related, or had they bigger issues?

Covid influenced but there were rumours of a team being in trouble before Christmas.
Since then its became known that it was Raptors who wouldnt to pull plug.
At least the league has teams already lined up to join next year and have some reserves to get through this year

Squidgy Black · 10-04-2020 6:47pm

CrabRevolution wrote: »

Covid Related, or had they bigger issues?

There was rumours going around last year that they were going to withdraw from the league, then re-branded and stayed in. But apparently they gave their notice to leave before the whole Covid crisis and it's only coming out now.

Source: http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2020/04/09/colorado-raptors-withdraw-from-major-league-rugby/

Mc Love · 12-04-2020 9:43pm

That's a pity, I really liked the raptors

The Lost Sheep · 12-06-2020 9:46pm

Allen Clarke named as head coach of Dallas team to enter the league in 2021

The Lost Sheep · 17-06-2020 5:36pm

Chris robshaw joining San Diego for 2021 and 2022

Stan27 · 17-06-2020 5:53pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Chris robshaw joining San Diego for 2021 and 2022

That's huge for the league.

The Lost Sheep · 09-12-2020 1:33am

2021 season to start on March 20
18 weeks of regular season for the 13 teams before 2 weeks of finals in Eastern and Western Conference before Championship final on 1st August
Fixtures
https://www.majorleague.rugby/schedules/

Dog Botherer · 09-12-2020 5:13am

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

2021 season to start on March 20
18 weeks of regular season for the 13 teams before 2 weeks of finals in Eastern and Western Conference before Championship final on 1st August
Fixtures
https://www.majorleague.rugby/schedules/

March seems an extremely optimistic start date but fingers crossed. seemed to be more popular than i was expecting and the USA can ill afford to fall behind in developing the pro game.

The Lost Sheep · 15-12-2020 12:02pm

Dog Botherer wrote: »

March seems an extremely optimistic start date but fingers crossed. seemed to be more popular than i was expecting and the USA can ill afford to fall behind in developing the pro game.

Fall even further...

Luke Carty, Jack's younger brother, has signed for LA Gilintis

Lost Ormond · 20-01-2021 1:14am

Another team gone from the league for 2021
https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/dallas-jackals-move-inaugural-season-to-2022/

Lost Ormond · 03-02-2021 12:18pm

Nenagh native Cronan Gleeson signed with San Diego Legion for 2022
https://djcoilrugby.com/2021/02/02/san-diego-legion-cronan-gleeson/

Lost Ormond · 17-02-2021 7:19pm

New season starts in a months time

Over 20 players are Irish or have spent some time playing rugby in Ireland by my count from squads listed on the wiki pages. Hopefully they can get games played this year and build on the first year in 2019

Austin Gilgronis
Ned Hodson

Houston Sabercats
Charlie Connolly
aussie sam windsor played ulster in 15/16

LA Giltinis
Sean McNulty
Luke Carty
Harry McNulty

San Diego Legion
Cronan Gleeson
Ben Mitchell

Seattle Seawolves
Dave Busby

Utah Warriors
Matthew Dalton
Paul Mullen

New England Freejacks
Conor Kindregan
Ronan McCusker
John Poland
Tadhg Leader

New Orleans NOLA Gold
Dino Waldren american played AIL with Blackrock for year or two
Tim Maupin had played AIL with Trinity
Pat O Toole

Old Glory DC Washington
Jamie Dever

Rugby United New York
James Rochford
Will leonard
Evan Mintern
Dylan Fawsitt

Toronto Arrows
Jason Higgins

Podge_irl · 17-02-2021 7:29pm

Is Cathal Marsh not still there then?

Lost Ormond · 17-02-2021 7:30pm

Podge_irl wrote: »

Is Cathal Marsh not still there then?

Sorry he is. Was bound to miss at least one name...

realhorrorshow · 17-02-2021 7:32pm

Lost Ormond wrote: »

New season starts in a months time

Over 20 players are Irish or have spent some time playing rugby in Ireland by my count from squads listed on the wiki pages. Hopefully they can get games played this year and build on the first year in 2019

Austin Gilgronis
Ned Hodson

Houston Sabercats
Charlie Connolly
aussie sam windsor played ulster in 15/16

LA Giltinis
Sean McNulty
Luke Carty
Harry McNulty

San Diego Legion
Cronan Gleeson
Ben Mitchell

Seattle Seawolves
Dave Busby

Utah Warriors
Matthew Dalton
Paul Mullen

New England Freejacks
Conor Kindregan
Ronan McCusker
John Poland
Tadhg Leader

New Orleans NOLA Gold
Dino Waldren american played AIL with Blackrock for year or two
Tim Maupin had played AIL with Trinity
Pat O Toole

Old Glory DC Washington
Jamie Dever

Rugby United New York
James Rochford
Will leonard
Evan Mintern
Dylan Fawsitt
Cathal Marsh

Toronto Arrows
Jason Higgins

You missed Rugby ATL.

Lost Ormond · 17-02-2021 7:35pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

You missed Rugby ATL.

No Irish players with them. Cronan Gleeson would have played with them in 2020 but obviously no games. He moved on to San Diego

Purist98 · 17-02-2021 8:13pm

Lost Ormond wrote: »

Sorry he is. Was bound to miss at least one name...

He's actually retired from pro rugby, back working in Dublin and playing with Terenure

realhorrorshow · 17-02-2021 8:46pm

Lost Ormond wrote: »

No Irish players with them. Cronan Gleeson would have played with them in 2020 but obviously no games. He moved on to San Diego

I'd have to have a look at their squad buy at the very least Ross Deacon is still there. I think Sean Coughlan might be too.

Lost Ormond · 17-02-2021 8:52pm

realhorrorshow wrote: »

I'd have to have a look at their squad buy at the very least Ross Deacon is still there. I think Sean Coughlan might be too.

Yeah sorry. Some of places only list one nationality and obviously missed a few who are eligible for multiple countries.

Lost Ormond · 25-02-2021 3:42pm

Adam Ashley Copper signed for LA Gilintis

Squidgy Black · 25-02-2021 3:45pm

Lost Ormond wrote: »

Adam Ashley Copper signed for LA Gilintis

So there's the Austin Gilgronis and the LA Giltinis.

So gimmicky, definitely won't age well.

Lost Ormond · 25-02-2021 4:43pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

So there's the Austin Gilgronis and the LA Giltinis.

So gimmicky, definitely won't age well.

Both named after cocktails created by owners.
Gimmicky but if the owner can build interest in the teams etc then does it matter

wavehopper1 · 26-02-2021 12:59am

Lost Ormond wrote: »

Both named after cocktails created by owners.
Gimmicky but if the owner can build interest in the teams etc then does it matter

Actually the same owner, Adam Gilchrist. He's got the giltinis and the gilgronis.
As far as I know, he's the only guy who owns two teams, and the MLR changed their rules for him to do it. Which caused one club to withdraw (rugbytown?). I really hope this doesn't go south.
Anyway, thanks for posting the Irish players. I think some of the younger lads have ambitions to qualify for the USA, like AJ mcginty. The younger McNulty (a hooker, I think) would be qualified anyway due to residency.

Lost Ormond · 26-02-2021 1:15am

wavehopper1 wrote: »

Actually the same owner, Adam Gilchrist. He's got the giltinis and the gilgronis.
As far as I know, he's the only guy who owns two teams, and the MLR changed their rules for him to do it. Which caused one club to withdraw (rugbytown?). I really hope this doesn't go south.
Anyway, thanks for posting the Irish players. I think some of the younger lads have ambitions to qualify for the USA, like AJ mcginty. The younger McNulty (a hooker, I think) would be qualified anyway due to residency.

Knew that. just had typed owners. not major difference.
He's got an alright set up with that company behind him and ties with Pacific islands as well as Asia, Middle East.

There's a fair few on that list who are qualified already through family which is another reason theyre playing over there

Major League Rugby launched in US

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