Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Rugby ATL winger Harley Wheeler will skip out on the 2021 Major League Rugby season in order to take up a full-time position with the USA Sevens program in Chula Vista. The 23-year-old has committed to pursuing a spot at the Tokyo Olympics that were postponed to July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was Wheeler’s first season in MLR after graduating from Life University. He played in four matches for the expansion side, starting three. Signed on a multi-year deal, he is expected to return to ATL in time for the 2022 campaign.
Rugby ATL Head Coach and GM Scott Lawrence says the team supports Wheeler’s decision.
“The MLR was founded with the intention of making the United States more competitive on the International stage and we are committed to that cause. We wish Harley the best and hope he is able to further develop as a player and as a person in pursuit of his Olympic dream. We are grateful to provide another American wing an opportunity to fill Harley’s shoes for us in pursuit of an Eagles 15s jersey.”
Wheeler is already an experienced sevens player having represented the Men’s Eagles at the Pan-Am Games in Lima last year. He made his World Sevens Series debut in Cape Town this past December.
