📰 HEADLINES

SPAIN 

• Takeaway: The Spanish Rugby Federation is appealing the World Cup ban, claiming the ineligible player played an insignificant role in the process. 

• Game Time: Forward Gavin van den Berg played 22 and 34 minutes in Spain's 52-7 and 43-0 wins over the Netherlands. 

• Quote: "We also think the penalty was excessive in terms of the role the player actually played on the pitch," said Koi Hogg, a loose forward for the Spanish national team. "The two games were both arguably won before he even came on. You can imagine how the rest of us feel. It would be huge for Spain to be in next year’s World Cup. It would put us on the map.”

USA RUGBY 

• Takeaway: US-eligible lock Nafi Ma'afu signed a three-year deal with Biarritz, who were recently relegated from Top 14 to Pro D2. 

• Eagle Selection TBD: While Ma'afu was not selected for the Chile series, there's rising speculation that the 23-year-old - who turns 24 on June 19th - may get the call for the November tests.

🇺🇸 USA RUGBY

• Takeaway: Americas Rugby News compared the Men's Eagles roster that played Uruguay versus the roster set to play Chile next month. 

• Biggest Change: "The most significant change in the squad is the return of Sale flyhalf AJ MacGinty, who missed out on the Uruguay tests with injury. He should captain the team, and takes over the roster spot of Will Magie who recently announced his retirement."

🏉 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY

• Quote: "But to some readers – and perhaps to some owners and league officials – that seemed wrong, an overstatement of a regular bit of boardroom politics, an overreaction to the simple application of rules which after all are meant to be followed, in a season of encouraging crowds and in general more competitive play." 

• Quote: "In a full-time environment you’re expected to know your stuff,” said Mitch Wilson, who won the D1A National Championship with Life in 2018 and 2019. “If you make a mistake, you’re expected to fix it. Guys are here building their careers, whether it’s here in the MLR or maybe taking a stepping stone to a Super Rugby contract. They’re expected to know what they’re supposed to do and so am I. In that way, playing college rugby at Life set me up pretty well.” 

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📆 THIS WEEK IN RUGBY

• Top 14 Rugby
  • Semifinal #1

• Challenge Cup of the Americas
  • American Raptors vs. Peñarol
• Major League Rugby
  • Western Conference Final
• Men's Internationals
  • Japan vs. Uruguay
• Pacific Four Series
  • USA vs. New Zealand
• Premiership Rugby
  • Final
• Super Rugby
  • Final
• United Rugby Championship
  • Final

• Major League Rugby
  • Eastern Conference Final
• Men's Internationals
  • England vs. Barbarians