RUNY Signs Hanco Germishuys and Charlie Hewitt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (February 21, 2020) – Rugby United New York announced today that they have signed flanker Hanco Germishuys and second row Charlie Hewitt. The pair arrived in New York City this past week and are expected to compete in this weekend’s contest against Rugby ATL.

Hanco Germishuys

Germishuys, 23, is a veteran of two MLR seasons. He spent the 2018 season with the Austin Elite, starting six matches and scoring six tries. Prior to the 2019 season, he signed on with the Glendale Raptors, but only managed to appear in three matches. Although he was born in South Africa, he moved to Nebraska with his father at a young age. He has represented the United States on every level, earning High School All American honors, under-20 honors, and has 15 caps with the senior national team. This past fall, Germishuys represented the United States in the Rugby World Cup alongside fellow Roosters Dylan Fawsitt and Nate Brakeley.

“We’re so happy to have a player of Hanco’s quality joining RUNY,” shared Head Coach Greg McWilliams. “His attitude, on and off the field, is exactly what we’re looking for in our clubhouse. I am looking forward to seeing the impact he can make. He’s a player that you could build your squad around.”

Charlie Hewitt

Hewitt, 25, is a veteran of two MLR seasons, both with the Houston Sabercats. The 6’7, 275 Englishman appeared in eight matches during the 2018 season. Injuries prevented him from appearing throughout his 2019 campaign. Before signing with Houston, Hewitt was with the Worcester Warriors in the England Premiership. He made his Premiership debut against the Saracens in the spring of 2016. Additionally, the second row represented England on the Under-18 level.

Charlie is a player who has been on our radar for quite some time” McWilliams continued. “He’s a player with Premiership experience, competing with the Worcester Warriors. He adds depth to a position group that is already very strong- with the likes Matt Wirken, Trevor Cassidy, and Nate Brakeley already competing for the second-row position. We’re looking forward to see how he develops in the RUNY jersey.”

Rugby United New York (1-1) compete against Rugby ATL (2-0) this Sunday, February 23^rd, at 3:00 PM EST. Fans based in the United States can tune into ESPN+, while fans based internationally can watch the broadcast on Major League Rugby’s facebook page. Single game tickets for Rugby United New York’s 2020 season are now on sale.

Buy your ticket for the home opener, against the Seattle Seawolves, here.