Major League Rugby just got a big name rugby player as English back Ben Foden will be joining the new expansion team Rugby United New York (RUNY) for the 2019 season. Foden brings experience and versatility as he can play full back, wing, and at scrum half, plus at 33 he still has a few good years left in him. He also will have a coaching role with the club.

Foden started his career with the Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby but has spent a decade with the Northampton Saints. In 250 appearances for the Saints, he scored 290 points (59 tries) and also won a Premiership title in 2014. At the end of the 2017-18 season, the team announced Foden was not going to return for any future seasons paving a path to play in the MLR.

Foden suited up for the England National Side for 34 appearances after he got his first cap during the 2009 Six Nations tournament and he recorded 29 starts in those 34 matches. He also got called up to the national side for the 2011 World Cup where he scored two tries. For England, he scored seven tries with four of them coming against France (Three in Six Nations play and one in the World Cup).

In the press release about the signing, Foden had this to say about rugby in America: “I fully believe America to be the next big rugby playing nation and can’t wait to help develop young talent through the professional ranks. My family and I have always wanted to venture over across the pond to America, and now have the opportunity, which we look forward to seizing with both hands.” Hopefully, with his name, it can help grow the sport more in the country.

RUNY is the only confirmed expansion side for next season, but the Ontario Arrows and LA Coast Rugby are vying to be new franchises for 2019 as well after securing negotiating rights which suggests that it’s practically a done deal. However, with RUNY landing a big name like Foden, expect even more big names to come over to MLR. Foden will join fellow USA Eagles players Seamus Kelly and Mike Petri in New York. Versatility could come as a valuable asset for the club. and for Foden, as he could be used strategically against opposing teams depending who they face. He might be the primary full back for the club but his experience at the 15 could be valuable against teams with lots of speed like the Glendale Raptors, who have Mika Kruse, John Ryberg, and Harley Davidson. Foden also might play at wing against a tougher defense like the Seattle Seawolves as his speed could open up the field a lot. And then with his ability to play at scrum half could be valuable, especially if an injury does occur. His versatility could be helpful when it comes to finding players to play for their team as his depth may give the club flexibility to find more depth at other positions.

With the caliber of a player like Foden moving over to MLR, it’s exciting to see what type of squad New York will have in 2019. There might even be another big international signing for the club before next season begins.