The San Diego Legion have signed Canadian international Josh Thiel for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. Most recently part of the Pacific Pride national development program, the Abbotsford product adds further depth to a backs division already bursting in talent.

Thiel comes from strong rugby roots. His father Jon spent a decade in Europe playing professionally and won 44 caps as a tighthead prop for Canada, and mother Jen Ross played in four tests and was named 2012 Rugby Canada Coach of the Year. Twin brother Jake, a loose forward, is currently representing Canada on the World Sevens Series.

Having played in the midfield alongside George Barton at the 2017 World Rugby u20 Trophy, Thiel won his first test cap as a fullback against Chile in the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship. He has played both flyhalf and center for the Pride and is a useful left-footed kicking option.