MLR Off-Season Update: Anthem RC

It remains to be seen if Anthem can finally conjure their first franchise victory in 2026, but the team has undoubtedly received significant upgrades in the off-season. The roster now more closely resembles a senior USA squad with four capped Eagles among the 15 new signings confirmed to date.

Luke Carty will bring stability to the unsettled flyhalf position, while Tom Pittman is an option at No10 or No12. Payton Telea-Ilalio arrives from California and is set to be the starting loosehead prop, while ex-NOLA Gold skipper Moni Tonga’uiha brings veteran leadership and a bit of steel to the back row.

Three international signings bolster the tight five. James Scott makes the move from Chicago, having been arguably the best lock in Major League Rugby in the past two years. Johan Momsen was MLR’s Forward of the Year in 2021 and could also slot in at blindside flanker. It’s all change at hooker with Ramiro Gurovich recruited from Argentina to help the development of Seth Smith and Campbell Robb.

The departures of Line Latu and Mitch Wilson to New England have been covered by Julian Roberts and Malacchi Esdale, though Erich Storti – a starting center last season – could yet be a preferred option at fullback having featured there with the Eagles. Toby Fricker and Corbin Smith are currently in the UK and it’s unclear if they will return for the 2026 season.

With 26 players identified so far there is still room for a half-dozen reinforcements. A couple more halfbacks will be needed, and a ball-carrying loose forward would be a welcome addition.

At the managerial level, Agustín Cavalieri continues as Head Coach after taking over from Alama Ieremia towards the tail end of the 2025 campaign. Former Samoa center Elvis Seveali’i is set to reprise his role in charge of the attack. This has been Mark Carney’s first off-season as General Manager, having assumed the role earlier in the year. He was previously GM of Rugby ATL and then RFC LA.

* lists below reflect confirmed roster moves to date *

RETURNING (11)
Alex Maughan (TH/HO, 2nd season)
Alex Hernandez (TH, 2nd season)
Sam Golla (LO, 2nd season)
Makeen Alikhan (FL, 2nd season)
Alejandro Martinez Tapia (FL/N8, 2nd season)
Karl Keane (SH, 2nd season)
Ishy Safodien (SH, 2nd season)
EJ Freeman (CE, 2nd season)
Junior Gafa (CE, 3rd season)
Erich Storti (CE/FB, 2nd season)
Conner Mooneyham (WI, 2nd season)

ARRIVALS (15)
Elias Garza (LH, Life University)
Alessandro Heaney (LH, RFC Los Angeles)
Payton Telea-Ilalio (LH, San Diego Legion)
Ramiro Gurovich (HO, Pampas, AR)
Campbell Robb (HO, Central Washington University)
Seth Smith (HO, Houston SaberCats)
Oliver Kane (TH, San Diego Legion)
James Scott (LO, Chicago Hounds)
Johan Momsen (LO/FL, Houston SaberCats)
Will Sherman (LO/FL, UCLA)
Moni Tonga’uiha (FL/N8, NOLA Gold)
Luke Carty (FH, NOLA Gold)
Tom Pittman (FH/CE, Chartres, FR)
Malacchi Esdale (WI, Seattle Seawolves)
Julian Roberts (WI/FB, NOLA Gold)

DEPARTURES (7)
Dan Hanson (LH)
Jake Turnbull (LH, Chicago Hounds)
Ethan Howard (HO)
Neil Trainor (HO)
Joe Apikotoa (TH)
Mitch Wilson (WI/FB, New England Free Jacks)
Line Latu (FB, New England Free Jacks)

2026 CONFIRMED PLAYERS