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Considering the circumstances that the new coaching staff under Greg McWilliams had on their plate, Rugby United New York fared about as well as could be hoped in the 2020 Major League Rugby season. A slew of injuries to start the season and at least four key recruits left waiting on visas meant some creative adjustments were required over the five weeks that were.
RESULTS
The first two weeks of the season were spent in Las Vegas with squad well below full strength. A fired-up Free Jacks sent RUNY reeling with an opening round loss that left the team down two more starters for the game against Austin. Even the lowly Gilgronis did not go quietly in the dry desert heat but at least McWilliams and his men got the win.
Reinforcements arrived for the first game in the east as the New York pack wore down their opposites in Atlanta. Houston were next on the list and a big first half secured another win on the road. Torero Stadium proved a step up as the Legion took a ferocious contest in San Diego to end the season.
TOP PERFORMERS
Nate Brakeley might be given the Key to the City, or at least the Pig ‘n’ Whistle, for his titanic efforts. The big lock played every minute of the season and was an inspiring figure alongside skipper Dylan Fawsitt. In the back row it was wily veteran James Denise and hard-nosed Kyle Sumsion who set the standards.
Taking over the first choice scrumhalf role was Marcus Walsh who enjoyed his all-Irish partnership with Cathal Marsh. Chris Mattina was another every-minute man and fellow center Will Leonard made his presence felt despite missing two games due to suspension.
NEW NAMES
Nine new caps took the field in 2020, by far the most celebrated being French giant Mathieu Bastareaud. It would be unfair to call him a flop, but he certainly didn’t hit the heights envisioned. Bastareaud settled in at No8 where youngster Rob Irimescu also saw minutes despite being earmarked for hooker.
Troy Lockyear impressed in two games as a makeshift outside center, the only new cap in the backs. Charlie Hewitt and Hanco Germishuys arrived in Week Three from Houston and Glendale respectively and played well in limited action. Flanker Julio Giraldo made history as the first Colombian in MLR while front row trio Will Burke, Jonas Petrakopoulos, and Alec McDonnell made their professional bows.
MISSING MEN
Three recruits stuck in Ireland were second row Cormac Daly, eightman Evan Mintern, and scrumhalf Jason Higgins. New Zealand Māori flanker Kara Pryor was another left to watch from afar with extended waits for visa approval causing havoc around the league.
Versatile forward Alex MacDonald suffered a long-term injury on the eve of the season while lock Trevor Cassidy punctured a lung in the first half of the opening week. Loosehead prop James Rochford was excellent on arrival but missed the first two weeks on paternity leave. Utility back JP Aguirre was named on the bench against Houston but did not see game time in 2020.
HOME BASE
Co-owner James Kennedy was very vocal of his desire to look at different options during the off-season but in the end MCU Park was again booked for home games. The season was cancelled just days ahead of the first scheduled game in Brooklyn. It remains to be seen if an alternative to the Coney Island baseball diamond will be found ahead of 2021.
WISH LIST
A decent rugby venue looks doubtful short of new construction, so we’ll focus on player personnel. Recruits are inevitable with Bastareaud and Marsh at the very least on the departures list and others likely to follow. Denise and Cassidy are into their mid-30s as are Mike Petri and Ben Foden. Will any soldier on after a prolonged pandemic break?
The front row was short on numbers until just before the season started and McWilliams will need to gauge whether his youngsters will be up to the task in 2021. If the Irish recruits are no longer en route there are looming gaps at lock, eightman, scrumhalf, and flyhalf that need to be filled. Presumed arrival Drew Mitchell doesn’t really solve any pressing concerns.
OUTLOOK
This should have been a big year for RUNY and it’s unfortunate that their full potential was never reached. Continuity in the coaching staff is a plus but significant turnover is expected on the player front. Given their ambitions one can only believe that suitable replacements will be found. Until then we’ll just have to settle for a question mark.
