Roster Update: Front Row Reinforcements Added

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (January 23, 2020) – Rugby United New York announced today numerous roster changes ahead of the 2020 season. The side added depth to their front row, re-signing prop Kirk Hamilton and promoting prop Will Burke off the practice squad. The team parted ways with wing Gavan Morrison, who is now pursuing opportunities with the USA 7s program.



BUY SEASON TIX NOW



Hamilton earned three RUNY caps during the 2019 MLR campaign. The Rutgers University product, capped by the USA Islanders, is looking to provide more impact this season. The offseason departures of Callum Mackintosh and Chris Sullivan create space in the depth chart for the local veteran.

Buffalo Rugby Club brought Will Burke to RUNY’s attention. The local side submitted their nomination when speaking with Head Coach McWilliams. After video analysis work, he signed Burke to the practice squad.

Although only three weeks into camp, Burke impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a Major League Rugby contract. The University of Buffalo graduate garnered First Team All Rugby East honors in 2016 and was then nominated for the Men’s All American team.

Gavan Morrison is now pursuing opportunities with the United States’ 7s National team. The US finished second in the world last year and will compete in the Olympics this upcoming summer. Morrison earned 9 caps for the Roosters during his lone season in Major League Rugby. The organization wishes Gavan luck in his Olympic chase.

With depth in the front row still an uncertainty, additional signings can be expected in the coming days and weeks.

About Rugby United New York

Rugby United New York is a professional rugby team who joined Major League Rugby as an associate member in 2018, playing a brief, but successful exhibition season. Their first full MLR schedule took place in 2019. RUNY’s vision is to bring the excitement of professional rugby to the New York sports landscape. The use of rugby’s core values of inclusion, teamwork, respect, and discipline will help to educate, inspire and connect with the New York Community. Rugby United New York, the city’s first professional rugby franchise, strives to unite the entire rugby community and enrich it at every level throughout the region. The team was founded by James Kennedy of the Murphy Kennedy Group, who is an active supporter of grassroots rugby.

About Major League Rugby

MLR is a professional rugby league that launched in April of 2018. It’s an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of the American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes. For more information, visit usmlr.com.