Rugby United New York & Marcus Walsh

Rugby United New York signed Irish scrumhalf Marcus Walsh for the 2019 Major League Rugby season. The 26-year-old, 5″7″, 170 pound hails from Dublin, Ireland.

Walsh played for RUNY in their three-match exhibition season in 2018. He was then loaned to Austin Elite Rugby for the 2018 MLR regular season and earned MLR Player of the Week honors May 14.

Walsh began his competitive rugby career with Blackrock College in Dublin. He was a leader on a championship level team and helped to lead the team to the Junior Cup and Senior Cup titles. He then played with the Irish provincial sides.

Walsh was part of the Leinster Under the 17s-19s program, between 2009 and 2011 with the team leading the standings each year. He then signed a two-year contract with Connacht in 2012. During that time, he also received played with Lansdowne Rugby Club, in the All Ireland League, winning the competition in 2013.

Following his completion of the Connacht contract in 2014, Walsh moved to Marieta, Georgia to attend Life University and in 2017 earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management. He played rugby while there and led the team to a National Championship in 2016 as the captain.

After graduation, Walsh moved to New York City to play for the New York Athletic Club and he has been a leader for Winged Foot since then.

Rugby United New York Comments

“Last year, we really got off the ground running with the short amount of time we had together,” Marcus said.“With the squad and the management that we have in place this season, we should be in contention to win the league.”

“We are excited to welcome Marcus back to New York,” General Manager James English said. “He brings a huge character on and off the field. With his experience playing in Europe, as well as his success in Major League Rugby last year, I would keep an eye on him this season.”

“The addition of Marcus brings another solid scrum half option to RUNY,” Head Coach Mike Tolkin added. “He was a steady performer for us last season. On top of his excellent work habits, he possesses a strong skill set and a positive approach to the game.”

Welcome back to New York, Marcus. Time to get to work.