USA SELECTS’ FLY HALF HARRY BENNETT INKS DEAL WITH RUNY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

USA SELECTS’ FLY HALF HARRY BENNETT INKS DEAL WITH RUNY

NEW YORK (December 21, 2018)- Rugby United New York is thrilled to announce the signing of Fly Half Harry Bennett. The stand out, originally hailing from Australia, was recently chosen to represent the USA Men’s Select team during the Americas Pacific Challenge, but did not tour due to injury.

Bennett began his playing career for the Kings School, and went on to earn selection to the heralded Australian Schoolboys representative side. In 2009, Bennett was selected for Super Rugby’s NSW Waratahs’ Junior Squad. He played for the team for two years, simultaneously making appearances for the Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club. He stayed with Eastern Suburbs until 2014, and was selected for the Australian Barbarians RC touring side at the end of that season.

In 2015, Bennett moved to the United States, and lit up the Pacific Rugby Premiership from the moment he arrived. He was a staple for Santa Monica RC, and won PRP Rookie of the Year honors. This led to a professional contract with the now defunct Sacramento Express, where he was a regular starter.

In 2016, Bennett moved coasts, and led the New York Athletic Club to a national championship appearance, alongside RUNY signings Chris Mattina, Nate Brakeley, and others. He was signed to play for RUNY during the 2018 exhibition season, and made 1 appearance against the Toronto Arrows, before succumbing to injury.

“The exhibition season was a huge success, considering the obstacles of everything coming together very quickly,” Bennett told us. “Moving forward, there is a sense of optimism and excitement within the RUNY squad. We want to make an impact on Major League Rugby in our first season.”

“Harry has played at some of the highest levels in not only America, but in the world,” said General Manager James English. “His professionalism and experience will add tremendous value to the organization’s culture.”

“Harry’s signing keeps on board a talented and seasoned playmaker in the 10 jersey,” added Head Coach Mike Tolkin. “He possesses the complete skill set that you’d expect to see in a top fly half along with valuable experience among the professional ranks.”

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.