There were a few eyebrows raised when the Boston Irish Wolfhounds joined with Boston, Old Blue, NYAC, and Life in the ARP last Fall. At first that skepticism was justified as the Wolfhounds struggled early. However, as the season went along the Wolfhounds got much better as they took a step up in level of play and by the end of the season earned a 22-22 draw with rivals Boston. The Wolfhounds likely won't be transformed into a top team in the competition overnight but they probably won't be pushovers either. After all, at this points it's all about stepping up and improving ahead of next year.
The Wolfhounds have brought in a few reinforcements ahead of the Spring. One of the players with the most experience is Lulama Mabeta from South Africa. He played with the Blue Bulls at the U-16 through the U-21 level. He's a lock that can also play anywhere on the back-row. He's also a U.S. citizen which should make some people sit up and take notice. Mabeta is the younger brother of Fudge Mabeta, who had been on the fringes of the Bulls Super Rugby side before getting hurt in a car accident.
Take the jump to read more.
Other new names into the team this Spring include former Falcons representative and two time College All-American Ryan Hargreaves, current member of the Navy Urban Iyo, and Brian Amaral. The Wolfhounds were in matches early in the Fall but didn't have the depth to stay in for 80 minutes. They will be hoping that these addition add depth the program and help them fight until the end.
The team also returns it's core from the Fall. Having a half a season under their belts will give them a leg up from where they were. Once again the team will naturally have a large contingent of players from Ireland with many having experience in the All-Irleand League.
The Wolfhounds have a bye the first week of the season before taking on Life. It's a tough start to the season but it should put them in a good position for the final stretch of the season. The goal for the Wolfhounds will be to pick up their first win in the competition and to improve for next season.
Key Players In: Urban Iyo, Brian Amaral, Lulama Mabeta
Key Players Out: Craig O'Hanlon (Young Munster), Matt Hanson
Players To Watch For: Danny Collins, Gareth Austen, Paddy Owens
Schedule
April 18th: vs. Life
April 25th: @ Old Blue
May 2nd: @NYAC
May 9th: @Boston