US EAGLE 435 JOHN QUILL SIGNS WITH RUNY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

US EAGLE 435 JOHN QUILL SIGNS WITH RUNY

NEW YORK (January 8, 2019)- In arguably one of the biggest moves of the Major League Rugby offseason, Rugby United New York is thrilled to confirm the signing of US Eagle John Quill. The 29-year-old flanker has been capped over 25 times for the United States, and played with Major League Rugby’s Glendale Raptors during the inaugural 2018 season.

Quill hails from Youghal in County Cork, Ireland. He started playing representative rugby with the Munster U19 team and was a part of the academy for 3 years. Due to his strong performances, Quill was selected for the Ireland U19 team. At the conclusion of his contract with the Munster, Quill started looking for options abroad.

He joined Boston RFC after moving to the Northeast in 2012. His first international appearance came later that fall, when he debuted against Russia that November. He made the decision to return to his home club, Dolphin, for 2013, and parlayed that into a contract with the London Welsh for the 2014 season. During that time, he helped the organization secure promotion to the English Premiership.

2015 was banner year for Quill, as the Irishman was selected for his first World Cup. After a strong tournament, Quill joined the now-defunct Sacramento Express. He captained the side in their only year in existence before moving out to Denver. He joined the Glendale Raptors in 2016, and was with the side for 2 seasons, including the inaugural MLR season. Quill earned first team honors in the MLR Championship Series accolades.

“Every club in this league has a foundation, a character different to the next, and nowhere is that more prevalent than in NYC,” Quill told us. “We have big characters, rugby mad fans, and a will to punch above our weights. These are things you can’t buy, and they’ll be the reason this league is here long into the future.”

“We are very happy to welcome John to New York,” said General Manager James English. “He is a great guy that brings a wealth of professionalism, experience, and leadership. He will add huge value and serve as a great mentor to some of the young talent coming through.”

“As a long-time Eagle and uncompromising quality player, Quilly brings a wealth of talent and experience to our squad,” concluded RUNY Head Coach Mike Tolkin. “His inclusion into a group of quality back rowers continue to push our limits there. I’m pleased to have him back on the East Coast, working and playing with many former friends and teammates.”

Welcome to New York, John.

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 will take place in 2019. When they officially join the league, 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 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 MLR

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 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.