AG’s RE-SIGN ZINZAN ELAN-PUTTICK & MASON PEDERSEN

AUSTIN, TX (June 29, 2020) The Austin Gilgronis is excited to announce the re-signing of tighthead prop Mason Pedersen and fullback Zinzan Elan-Puttick. Both men have been with Austin previous to the start of Major League Rugby and look forward to the club’s future under the AG’s new coaching staff.

“I’ve been with Austin since the beginning and I’m really excited to see where it’s going,” says Pedersen. “We’ve got great ownership, a great team, and great fans.”

In 2016, the duo came to Austin to join the Huns Division 1 men’s club. Both men were immensely proud to be a part of the club’s first-ever Division 1 National Championship winning team. Following the club season, Pedersen and Elan-Puttick joined Austin Elite Rugby and were key starters in the first two seasons of Major League Rugby.

Both men overcame injury in the 2018 offseason and made significant impacts with the AG’s through the five-match shortened season.

Man With A Plan: Zinzan Elan-Puttick

Elan-Puttick was named team captain and led the team’s attack from a new position at flyhalf.

“We’re really working hard on and off the field to create a product you fans will be amped to cheer for next year,” says Elan-Puttick. “There’s a lot of fun things happening in the capital of Texas.”

Elan-Puttick served the club as youth-outreach coordinator throughout his four years tenure in Austin. He’s proudly taught the rookie rugby curriculum in numerous middle and high schools in Austin and Round Rock with more virtual and in-person discovery days on the horizon.

“We’ve got this amazing game to teach the American youth and I’m fortunate to have a team that I can lead on the field and represent in the community,” says Elan-Puttick

The Hitman: Mason Pedersen

Pedersen became the first of six Austin Gilgronis to earn First XV Player of the Week Honors in season three of Major League Rugby. His 76-minute performance in Las Vegas was highlighted by his second-half try and viral hit on RUNY’s headline signing, Matthieu Bastareaud.

Pedersen held a leadership position with the AG’s, albeit only 23 years of age, and was a lead voice in assembling the club’s high-performance precinct.

“I’m not shy about trying to make this club strong,” says Pedersen. “I’m trying to leave my stamp on this turnaround and there’s really no time to look back now.

Please help in welcoming back the young nucleus of the Austin Gilgronis!