Highlanders Add Karl Hunger and Relmu Wilson-Valdes to Roster; Asfand Saeed to Reserves and Name Roman Ruediger-Fancy as 5th High School Player of the Week
The Vancouver Highlanders have added Karl Hunger to their roster. Hunger had been signed by Dallas Jackals of the MLR but didn’t get any playing time this season, subsequently he’s returned to Canada and signed with the Highlanders. The Highlanders also announced the signing of Relmu Wilson-Valdes of UBC.
The Highlanders also announced the addition of Asfand Saeed to the Reserves. The High School Player of the Week was Roman Ruediger-Fancy of Earl Marriott.
We listed the Highlanders by position to look at possible roster scenarios and where some gaps might indicate new signings. Currently we have counted 5 front row, 3 second row, 6 loose forwards, 1 scrum half, 2 flyhalves, and 8 backline players. The backline players can be further broken down to 3 centres and 5 back three but some players are versatile such as Takoda McMullin who excels as a centre or fullback. A couple of areas that would need attention, a backup to Reid Watkins at scrum half, and another front row player, likely a prop. Sam Mace can play hooker or prop.
1st XV
Join us in welcoming Vancouver Highlander 26, Karl Hunger!
From Montreal, Hunger’s determination, grit and strength brings an exciting addition to the squad. Catch him, and his teammates, this summer during the RPC Summer Series. ️#VancouverHighlanders #RugbyAtItsBest pic.twitter.com/3vIi6QTsxb
— Vancouver Highlanders (@vanhighlanders) May 16, 2024
Join us in welcoming Vancouver Highlander 25, Relmu Wilson-Valdes!
From Nelson, Wilson-Valdes brings a breadth of line out knowledge and attacking capabilities to our roster. ⚔️ #VancouverHighlanders #RugbyAtItsBest pic.twitter.com/dJwU7rht9O
— Vancouver Highlanders (@vanhighlanders) May 9, 2024
Reserves
Join us in welcoming our next Vancouver Highlander Reserve Player, Asfand Saeed!
From Victoria, Canada, Asfi plays for @JamesBayRugby as a forward in the @bcrugbyunion Premier league. ️#VancouverHighlanders #RugbyAtItsBest pic.twitter.com/5GPEiEb8HC
— Vancouver Highlanders (@vanhighlanders) May 11, 2024
High School Player of the Week
Presenting our fifth High School Rugby Player of the Week, from Earl Marriott Secondary School, Roman Ruediger-Fancy for demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, fortitude, and athletic performance.
Be sure to nominate who you think should be our next Player of the Week. pic.twitter.com/Upwv6ZG1ay
— Vancouver Highlanders (@vanhighlanders) May 13, 2024
Vancouver Highlanders (25)
James Biss, Jacob Bossi, D’Shawn Bowen, Thomas Davidson, Matthew Klimchuk, Sam Mace, Takoda McMullin, Talon McMullin, Melani Nanai, Ollie Nott, Conor O’Flaherty, Jake Thiel, Josh Thiel, Alastair Marshall, Payton Teneycke, Caden Wilson, Reid Watkins, Lenny Bonduau, Griffin Phillipson, Hayden Mulgrew, Nico Leonard, Joe Locke, Saba Shubitidze, Relmu Wilson-Valdes, Karl Hunger
Potential Roster Combinations
1 Griffin Phillipson
2 Jacob Bossi / Sam Mace
3 Conor O’Flaherty / Payton Teneycke
4 Thomas Davidson
5 Caden Wilson / Karl Hunger
6 Jake Thiel / Saba Shubitidze
7 Ollie Nott / Matthew Klimchuk
8 Joe Locke / Relmu Wilson-Valdes
9 Reid Watkins
10 Josh Thiel / James Biss
11 D’Shawn Bowen / Hayden Mulgrew
12 Talon McMullin
13 Melani Nanai / Nico Leonard
14 Alastair Marshall / Lenny Bonduau
15 Takoda McMullin
Reserves (14)
Ben Beauchamp, Taine Clague, Simeon John, Keegan Neary, Theo Espagnol, Jacob Bourne, Callum Brown, Nathan Holm, Josh Olver, Siôn Griffiths, Ed Wallin, Liam Kinghorn, George Wallin, Asfand Saeed
High School Players of the Week (5)
Liam Turnbull, Markus Djurickovic, Liam James, Aiden Jones, Roman Ruediger-Fancy