RFCLA make three key signings in Adams, Mitchell and Yun
RFCLA has confirmed the signing of three players to bolster their squad for the remainder of the 2024 season in Derek Adams, Ben Mitchell, and Bruce Yun.
RFCLA has confirmed the signing of three players to bolster the squad for the remainder of the 2024 season: Bruce Yun, Derek Adams, and Ben Mitchell.
The signings are a timely addition, with the club’s last three matches having resulted in numerous injuries to key players. Many players are set to return following the bye next weekend.
The versatile Bruce Yun joins the club as a hooker and backrow option who masters his craft on the field for Belmont Shore Rugby Club. Bruce graduated from Wilson High School as a defensive tackle, and provides lots of punch in the pack.
Yun was a High School All-American in rugby and went on U17 tours to England in 2012 and 2013. He played rugby at California State University, Long Beach, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Engineering Management.
Derek Adams joins the Club hailing from Lamont, a small town outside of Bakersfield, CA.
The 5'11, 204 lb dynamic winger has most recently played with the Rhinos Academy, Metropolis, Belmont Shore, and the Loggerheads in the PR7s competition. Derek was included as part of the USA 7s development trials in 2023 and aspires to earn his Eagles cap in the near future.
Now focusing on the 15s game, Derek has showcased his talents with RFCLA in their inaugural season as a trainee player and has earned his opportunity with the squad for the remainder of the season.
Also joining the squad for the remainder of the 2024 season is Ben Mitchell.
Mitchell returns after spending time away from sport to focus on professional life outside of Rugby.
The recently turned 30-year-old lock is 6’7″ 255 lbs, and captained Austin Elite Rugby from 2018 through 2019 before signing with the San Diego Legion for 2020, 2021 and 2022, finishing in Seattle last season.
Mitchell played for the Munster A/Development team against the Ireland 20s in May 2016 at Thomond Park in Limerick, and also played on the Irish Universities team in 2016 and 2017.
Ben played for the USA Select XV in the Americas Pacific Challenge in October 2021 in Montevideo, Uruguay, and qualifies for the USA Men's team despite having been born overseas.
General Manager of Rugby, Mark Carney had the following to say on RFCLA's newest additions: “We are excited to welcome Ben to RFCLA for 2024. Ben has a wealth of experience in the MLR and will be a vital member of the squad as continue to develop our team identity.
“Derek Adams will bring enormous value to the club for the remainder of the 2024 season.
"He has been a part of RFCLA since pre-season as a trainee player and has impressed. We are excited to see his continued development.
“Bruce has also been on a trainee agreement with RFCLA since pre-season, until he was signed earlier in the season. A product of Belmont Shore, Bruce has demonstrated his abilities and professionalism and we are fortunate to have him in our squad this season.”
RFCLA take on the 2023 MLR Champions, the New England Free Jacks this Sunday April 28th at 3:30pm, as part of a 'Festival of Rugby' at Dignity Health Sports Park, which includes an international blockbuster between USA Women's Rugby and Canada Women's Rugby at 1:30pm. Gates open at 12:30pm.
Tickets available at www.rugbyfcla.com/tickets
