Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Dallas Jackals have made a series of moves ahead of Monday’s trade and signing deadline. Joining the team are former Austin winger Rodrick Waters, a free agent signing, and two backs from a trade with Rugby ATL – center Lui Sitama and winger Jalen Tatum.
Waters played for the Gilgronis during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, having previously been part of the Houston SaberCats academy program. The 28-year-old played 10 games for the AG’s in 2021 including 5 starts, scoring three tries. In recent months he has been playing club rugby with the Austin Blacks.
Sitama, 25, was the 4th overall pick in the 2020 Collegiate Draft and made one appearance for the AG’s before being traded to ATL. The debuted for Ratlers against Austin in March and has made six appearances this year, scoring two tries. Primarily a center, his three starts have come on the wing.
Tatum has yet to make his MLR debut. A collegiate lacrosse standout, the 23-year-old stands 6’5″ (1.95m) and was initially signed as a flanker by ATL ahead of the 2021 season but has since converted to the wing. He attended the USA’s Pathways Development Camp in Glendale last September.
In return for the two players, Rugby ATL receives salary cap considerations for the 2022 season, and conditional salary cap considerations for the 2023 season. Dallas have also acquired 2nd and 3rd round picks in the 2022 draft and salary cap considerations for the 2023 season from the Houston SaberCats in exchange for salary cap considerations for the 2022 season.
ED. NOTE: Dallas have made another late trade as below.
Another move by Dallas sees one international slot for the 2022 season going to the New England Free Jacks. In return the Jackals receive two development squad players – hooker Connor Robinson and flanker Matthew Gash-Gilder. Both were NCR Division 1 All-Americans in 2021. Also going to the Jackals is a 2nd round pick in the 2022 Collegiate Draft.
