It’s another game for the history books as Rugby United New York takes its first steps on St. Patrick’s Day when they host the Ontario Arrows at Iona College’s Mazzolla Field. It’s not quite the first professional New York team, that will come next season when they are re-branded and officially join Major League Rugby. It is however a major milestone for New York rugby and the sport as a whole in North America.

New York is, of course, one of the world’s leading markets and most recognizable cities. To break ground – philosophically speaking – in such a desirable and symbolic city is something that previous attempts at professional rugby in the USA did not achieve. It seems appropriate that their first match comes against another major international city in Toronto, though their official title carries the provincial Ontario label.

With an eye to supporting the new startup league New York have already shipped four leading Eagles players to the San Diego Legion but still feature a very strong lineup with two Americas Rugby Championship forwards in the pack – Dylan Fawsitt captains the side at hooker with Nate Brakeley behind in the engine room. Ohio Aviators regular Anthony Parry and USA Islanders select Kirk Hamilton bookend the front row while former Connacht and Ireland ‘A’ lock David Gannon pairs with Brakeley.

The back row is less brand name but still formidable. Eagles Sevens rep Alex Schwarz is on one flank with Eagles triallist and NYAC captain James Denise on the other. Irish-born Junior All-American cap Ross Deacon is at the back of the scrum. There is also strength on the bench with Collegiate All-American prop Brian McKeller, USA Select XV’s Chris Sullivan, and former Manly second row Dave Shotton.

World Cup center Seamus Kelly and veteran Eagles speedster Luke Hume headline the back division that also boasts impressive talent. Another Connacht exile, Marcus Walsh, pairs with Sacramento Express standout Harry Bennett in the halfbacks. Canada ‘A’ rep Jack Fitzpatrick starts in the midfield and Eagles Sevens cap Connor Wallace-Sims on the wing. There is also a familiar name among the reserves as 57-cap Eagles scrumhalf Mike Petri returns to representative action for the first time since the 2015 World Cup.

Ontario have kept a nearly identical squad to the team that earned a draw in Houston but have opted to rotate the run-on side. Pat Lynott and Jack McRogers come into the front row with Rob Brouwer and AJ Quattrin switched to the bench. Captain Mike Sheppard shifts to the blindside flank and Josh van Horne starts in the second row. Twin brother Tom has recovered from injury to provide cover from the bench.

Canada u20 flyhalf Will Kelly is rewarded for his goal-kicking heroics against the SaberCats with a start. A new-look midfield sees Shawn Windsor bump out one spot to inside center and Ontario Blues veteran Josh Campbell starting outside him. Kyle Lagasca is named on the left wing in place of the unavailable Jon West. Saracens Academy scrumhalf Alex Gliksten is sure to attract attention as will New Zealand-born rocket-man Aaron McLelland at fullback.

This is a dream match-up for North Atlantic rugby fans. Even absent a few select internationals on each side these are strong lineups who will look to play attacking rugby. There are fascinating head-to-heads – Brakeley vs Ciulini, Walsh vs Gliksten, Hume vs McLelland. Nine full caps and numerous players with representative experience. It might not be professional rugby quite yet but it’s a perfect precursor to what awaits 12 months from now.

Kickoff is set for 2pm local time (Eastern). At the time of writing no live broadcast is scheduled.

RUGBY UNITED NEW YORK

1 Anthony Parry, 2 Dylan Fawsitt (capt.), 3 Kirk Hamilton, 4 David Gannon, 5 Nate Brakeley, 6 Alex Schwarz, 7 James Denise, 8 Ross Deacon, 9 Marcus Walsh, 10 Harry Bennett, 11 Connor Wallace-Sims, 12 Jack Fitzpatrick, 13 Seamus Kelly, 14 Michael St. Claire, 15 Luke Hume

Replacements: 16 Mike Brown, 17 Brian McKellar, 18 Chris Sullivan, 19 Dave Shotton, 20 Nick Wolley, 21 Mike Petri, 22 Chris Vakasisikakala, 23 Greg Voigt, 24 Gavan D’Amore-Morrison

ONTARIO ARROWS

1 Pat Lynott, 2 Jack McRogers, 3 Tom Dolezel, 4 Josh van Horne, 5 Paul Ciulini, 6 Mike Sheppard (capt.), 7 Peter Milazzo, 8 Kolby Francis, 9 Alex Gliksten, 10 Will Kelly, 11 Kyle Lagasca, 12 Shawn Windsor, 13 Josh Campbell, 14 Johnny Sheridan, 15 Aaron McLelland

Replacements: 16 AJ Quattrin, 17 Rob Brouwer, 18 Mike Smith, 19 Tom van Horne, 20 Marcello Wainwright, 21 Mario van der Westhuizen, 22 Jamie Leveridge, 23 Mitch Richardson, 24 Andrew Wilson

Date: Saturday, March 17

Venue: Mazzella Field, New Rochelle

Kickoff: 14:00 local (11:00 Pacific)

Broadcasts: n/a