Rugby United New York Re-Signs Mike St Claire

Rugby United New York re-signed Michael St. Claire for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. The 30-year-old center/wing is 5’10”, and 215 lbs.

During 2019, Mike played 677 minutes in 11 matches and scored 3 tries. The Rooster #30 carried the ball 49 times for 458 meters and had 55 tackles. During the Summer Mike played in the USA Club 7s Nationals and helped the team to a third-place finish. He played in the World 9s for Jamaica and Old Blue in the American Rugby Premiership in the Fall.

Mike is from Medford, New York and graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School. After graduating, he attended Stony Brook University from 2010-2013, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. While at Stony Brook, he played both Division 1 rugby and basketball.

Mike then turned to club rugby 15s and 7s in 2013. He played for Long Island RFC and then became part of the Northeast Academy player pool. In 2014 to the present, he has played with Old Blue in both 15s and 7s. He has represented the team at multiple USA Rugby Club Sevens Nationals.

Mike has also played rugby sevens for the Boston Sevens at the 2014 Elite City Sevens and the following year for the Northeast Academy at the 2015 Elite City Sevens. He also played for the Northeast Academy at the Las Vegas Invitational.

In 2018, Mike was signed to a professional contract for Rugby United New York, where he played wing in all three of their exhibition season match wins. His performance for the team and during the 2018 American Rugby Premiership for Old Blue has earned him a contract for the 2019 season.

Rugby United New York has signed very talented professional athletes so far for 2019 and the team appears that they will be one of the leading contenders for the title in 2019.

Rugby United New York 2019 Comments

“I was super excited for the exhibition season last year,” St. Claire told us. “New York is my hometown, and there is an amazing amount of natural talent here, all we need is consistent exposure. Major League Rugby now gives us that opportunity.”

“Mike has made great strides in his game over the last few years,” Head Coach Mike Tolkin said. “He showed glimpses of what a devastating attacker he can be during our 2018 exhibition season. He possesses outstanding footwork, pace, and agility, as well as remarkable intuitive skills. We look forward to having his positive character and playing ability on our squad this season.”

“He is a New Yorker through and through,” added General Manager James English. “He is a natural athlete, who is maturing into a serious rugby player. RUNY and MLR will be his chance to prove what he can do at the top level of American rugby.”

“There is a positive outlook for the 2019 Major League Rugby season,” St. Claire finished by saying. “We have a great group of guys who have played alongside, and against, each other over the years. We have the chemistry, as well as the skill level to compete in this league.”