MLR Notes: Sánchez set for Miami, Zhvania signs for Chicago

Nicolás Sánchez is set to join Pumas teammate Tomás Cubelli in Miami, according to reports from France. Rumored since departing Brive in June, the suggestion is now that the deal is done and Sánchez will indeed be attending the same training grounds as Lionel Messi.

With his 35th birthday just days away, Sánchez remains a top class player who along with Cubelli helped Argentina defeat Wales in the World Cup Quarter Final this past weekend. The duo will become the most experienced halfback partnership in Major League Rugby.

Chicago have bolstered their front row with former Georgia prop Zura Zhvania. The 32-year-old loosehead won 41 caps for the Lelos until 2021 when he seemingly fell out with team management. Zhvania makes the move from French Pro D2 side Grenoble, having competed at the highest levels of Europe for the last decade first with Parisian giants Stade Français and then Wasps in the English Premiership.

NOLA will have versatile back row Malcolm May back in the fold next season. The 27-year-old enjoyed his finest year as a professional in 2023, playing all 16 games including 13 starts for the Gold. Both were career highs. May has been staying sharp during the off-season with the Miners, NOLA’s development outfit in the American Rugby Premiership.

Also extending for another season is Arrows forward Mason Flesch. This past year saw the 23-year-old Canadian international starting 14 games split between lock and blindside flanker. He then picked up his 3rd and 4th test caps during Canada’s tour of Tonga in August.

A couple names of note appeared on the Utah Warriors Selects roster following the Crossroads Cup. MLR’s youngest-ever signing – 18-year-old back row Aminae Amiatu-Tanoi – has seemingly left San Diego after appearing for the USA Hawks earlier this year. Meanwhile former Eagles lock Matt Jensen appears to be set for a comeback two years after retiring. Still just 31 years old, he could have a lot to offer the Warriors if a full return to MLR is on the cards.