Rugby United New York signed John Quill for the 2019 Major League Rugby season. John played with the Glendale Raptors during the 2018 MLR season and appeared for the Raptors during their Fall 2018 exhibition season.
The 28-year-old, 6’2″, 230-pound player is from Youghal, Cork in Ireland and was the U.S. eligible for the National team through his U.S. mother.
John makes a difference when he is on the pitch and RUNY will welcome his inclusion with the team in 2019.
John attended Christian Brother Youghal and then the Cork Institute of Technology. He comes from a family of bakers and he represented the 5th generation in this career, baking for Detour Bakery in Denver.
John was part of the Munster Academy system from 2009-2012. He played for Ireland Schools, for Ireland Under-18s, and for the Munster Under-19s and for Munster A. He played for Dolphin RFC from 2011-2014. He was the top try scorer for the team for two of the seasons and was named club player of the year in 2012.
In 2012 he moved to the U.S. and played with Boston RFC. He then moved to London and played with the London Irish Academy before returning to Dolphin RFC in London. During the 2014-2015 season, he played with the London Welsh in the RFU Championship. He made 8 appearances for the club, scored three tries, and helped the team’s promotion to the English Premiership. In 2015 he returned to the U.S. and played with New York Athletic Club.
He continued his professional rugby career in 2016 with the Sacramento Express and then joined the Glendale Raptors and Glendale Merlins.
John Quill and USA Rugby National Team
John Quill has earned 29 caps for the USA Rugby Men’s National Team as Eagle 435. He debuted for the Eagles (No. 435) against Russia at Colwyn Bay on November 9, 2012. He played in the 2015 Rugby World Cup in three matches, with one start. Then he took some time off from the team before returning in 2017. His most recent match was on November 24, 2018, against Ireland in Dublin.
John’s Eagles statistics includes 29 international test matches between 2012-2018. Nineteen of the matches he started and he scored four tries.
Rugby United New York Comments
“Every club in this league has a foundation, a character different to the next, and nowhere is that more prevalent than in NYC,” Quill told us. “We have big characters, rugby mad fans, and a will to punch above our weights. These are things you can’t buy, and they’ll be the reason this league is here long into the future.”
“We are very happy to welcome John to New York,” said General Manager James English. “He is a great guy that brings a wealth of professionalism, experience, and leadership. He will add huge value and serve as a great mentor to some of the young talent coming through.”
“As a long-time Eagle and uncompromising quality player, Quilly brings a wealth of talent and experience to our squad,” concluded RUNY Head Coach Mike Tolkin. “His inclusion into a group of quality back rowers continue to push our limits there. I’m pleased to have him back on the East Coast, working and playing with many former friends and teammates.”
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