Two Premiership veterans could be about to switch to Major League Rugby

Two veteran Premiership players are eyeing up a switch to Major League Rugby (MLR) in America – RugbyPass understands.

The MLR is the latest attempt in the US at a sustainable professional league. The seven-team tournament kicked off last month in their bid to succeed where both ProRugby America and the NRFL failed, and have enjoyed healthy crowds in their early season matches.

Under the current league regulations, each team is allowed to sign up to five overseas players, and it is already home to Tonga’s Fetu’u Vainikolo, former Biarritz speedster Takudzwa Ngwenya, Springbok Pedrie Wanneburg and Eagles veteran Todd Clever.

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A source has told RugbyPass that both Saracens wing Chris Wyles and Northampton Saint’s Ben Foden and are both linked with moves stateside.

Wyles is said to be negotiations with the San Diego Legion and is hoping to play a final year of professional rugby in a bid to remain in contention for Eagles selection ahead of the 2019 Rugby World in Japan.

Wyles announced that he would retire from the game at the end of his current season with Saracens but the prospect of playing in another World Cup could be enough to change his mind.

Wyles, who joined Saracens in 2008, has made 243 appearances for the club scoring 67 tries and is one of the most versatile players in the game.

Meanwhile, Foden, who today announced he would be leaving Northampton Saints at the end of the season, is also interested in playing in the burgeoning professional game in America, and RugbyPass understands that he has had talks with more than one team.

Foden, who has appeared 250 times for Northampton Saints, indicated that he is not retiring from the game.

“I still feel fit and hungry for competitive rugby, and while now is the time to move on, I am really excited for what the next chapter holds in store for me”.

Both are decorated Premiership veterans whose huge experience could be massively beneficial to any of the MLR’s seven fledgling sides.

Foden has played 249 times for Saints and 34 times for the England scoring seven tries, including two during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The 32-year-old played a remarkable 22 games at fullback during Saints’ double-winning season as Northampton claimed both the Challenge Cup and Premiership titles in the 2014/15 season.

The American born Wyles has also captained the USA for whom he made over fifty appearances and featured for his country at the Rio Olympics in 2016.