Rugby United New York Signs Irish Center Will Leonard

Rugby United New York signed Irish center Will Leonard for the 2019 Major League Rugby season.

The 23-year-old back began playing rugby with Shannon RFC youth team when he was 8 years old. He attended Crescent Comprehensive College from 2011-2014 and won the school’s first Munster School Senior Cup in 2013 in 19 years. The team then won consecutive Cups the next year.

Will also was a contributor in winning the Munster Junior Cup and the Munster Schools Bowen Shield. In 2014 he also played for the Munster Under-20s, starting against both Connacht and Ulster U20s.

Following his graduation from Crescent Comprehensive College, he attended the University of Limerick from 2014-2018, graduating with a First Class Honors Degree in Economics and Finance. He also returned to play for Shannon RFC.

Will helped Shannon move back to the Ulster Bank All Ireland League First Division after winning the 1B Division. He was nominated for the AIL Division 1B Player of the Year, as well as the All Munster Provincial Player of the Year during the 2017-2018 season. Most recently, Leonard was selected to play for the All-Irish club side this past year.

Rugby United New York Comments

I can’t wait to be a part of the first professional rugby side in New York,” Leonard told us. “We have a very strong squad, and a dedicated front office in place. We should be aiming for the playoffs in our first season.”

“I’m pleased to have Will on board at RUNY,” added Head Coach Mike Tolkin. “He brings a strong, go-forward running game, and a good all-around presence to our center position. He’s coming off a couple of strong seasons in Limerick, and I’m looking forward to working with him this season.”

“He is an athlete that will bring a lot of value to our organization,” said General Manager James English. “He will challenge the opposition with his physicality while opening up space for our flyers out wide. We’re thrilled to sign a player like this.”