Austin Gilgronis Sign Jamie ‘Whoppa’ Mackintosh

Feb. 20 2020, (AUSTIN, TX) The Austin Gilgronis are pleased to announce the signing of former All Black, Jamie ‘Whoppa’ Mackintosh. The 6’4” 287lb prop makes his return to the United States to provide instant impact in the AG’s scrum. Mackintosh will be available for selection this Saturday as the AG’s take on the Warriors at home.

“Whoppa was at the top of the list of players I wanted to bring in,” says AG’s coach Andrew Suniula. “Not only leadership on the field, but off the field. He’s been here [USA professional rugby] before, and he understands the landscape and what’s needed.”

Mackintosh is new to Major League Rugby, but he is familiar with the professional rugby scene in the United States. In 2016, Mackintosh led the Ohio Aviators to the Championship in the now defunct PRO rugby league; alongside recently reunited AG’s teammates, Roland Suniula and Chris Schade.

“When I came to the United States to play for the Aviators I was suddenly dropped in this new environment with players that were so hungry to make it,” says Mackintosh. “It reignited that fire in me, and I’ve already felt that this first week in Austin with the AG boys.”

After PRO folded, Mackintosh shipped off to France where he made 36 appearances with Pau in the French Top 14 since 2017.

From 2004 to 2015, Mackintosh played 123 matches with the Southland Stags of the Mitre 10 Championship and 89 matches in Super Rugby with the Highlanders and Chiefs. His performance in the New Zealand professional scene twice earned him caps as an All Black.

Jamie Mackintosh’s experience in a variety of premier leagues across the world will undoubtedly prove valuable to the leadership of the AG’s.

Welcome to the Austin Gilgronis, Whoppa!