A few years ago there was a lot of handwringing in the United States over the lack of front-row players playing professionally in Europe. Now Dino Waldren joins a growing list of front-row players testing themselves in Europe. Mike MacDonald was the standard bearer for a long time (arguably one of the best American pro careers of all time) but there weren't a lot more but now you have Joe Taufete'e (Worcester), Chris Baumann (Leicester), Titi Lamositele (Saracens), Eric Fry (Vannes), and James Hilterbrand (Manly/Sydney) all getting time in good training atmospheres.
For a young player like Waldren if they want a chance to break into the Eagles they need to get a chance at as high of a level as possible. Waldren has a good track record for success. He's been an All-American and a standout at St. Mary's. He also spent the last year playing in Ireland. With London Scottish in the RFU Championship Waldren should get plenty of chances to get time.
The scrum just might (might) finally be a stable platform come RWC2019.
ReplyDeleteWow! We're getting much closer to having some real depth in the front row!
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