Rugby United New York re-signed Robert Irimescu for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. The 24-year-old hooker/flanker (25 in March) is 6’1″ and 230 lbs.
Rob played in all five 2020 MLR matches as a reserve. He is a talented young player and should benefit from the veteran experience on RUNY to develop as a player.
Rob is a New York City native and attended Xavier High School from 2010-2014. He was the captain of the rugby team his final year, was a three-time All-State section, and an All-American. He also played track and football. In the latter, he was the team’s captain and was selected to the All-City Second Team.
Rob attended Penn State from 2014-2019 earning B.S. Degrees in Finance and Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Accounting. He played on the rugby team and helped the team win back-to-back D1A Rugby East Conference titles. He was selected to the All-Rugby East Second Team once and the First Team twice. He was also named Forward of the Year.
Rob was also a two-time Men’s Collegiate All-American. He played the Men’s Collegiate All-Stars XVs in a 23-22 win over Canada University All-Stars prior to the USA Men’s National Team test against Canada at Infinity Park in Glendale, CO on July 27, 2019.
Rob played for NYAC in the 2019 Elite Cup competition and hopes to play for the team in the 2020 American Rugby Premiership.
Rugby United New York 2020 Comments
“As a native New Yorker, I was hoping I would get the honor to represent my hometown in Major League Rugby,” Irimescu stated. “I made it a personal goal to play for this team and I look forward to contributing to an already impressive roster.”
“Rob is yet another All-American product out of high school powerhouse Xavier,” RUNY General Manager James English continued. “We are excited to welcome Rob to the squad, and look forward to this next step in his rugby career.”
Irimescu joins returning veterans Dylan Fawsitt and Mike Brown to compete for playing time this upcoming Major League Rugby season. Rugby United New York will begin their 2020 MLR season on February 8th.
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