AG Rugby Signs Former All Blacks Lock Isaac Ross

AUSTIN, TX (April 9, 2021) AG Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand All Black No. 1088, Isaac Ross. Ross wants to help the AGs win the MLR shield, while also giving back and nurturing the local game from the grassroots level.

Isaac Ross will officially join the team on the pitch ahead of a week five home clash with Rugby ATL, but Ross has integrated himself in the team virtually over the last few months. “Half the battle in joining a new team is getting to know the guys; fortunately, I know a lot of the guys in this squad personally, especially in the management group: Sam Harris, Mark Gerrard, and Simon Thomas,” says Ross. “The bulk of the team that I met last year is still in this team so I’m looking to just come in and build on the legacy.”

AG Head Coach Sam Harris feels the 6’7″ 256lbs lock will make be massive addition to the club. “As a player Isaac is multi-dimensional, for a large man he has a high skill level, extremely athletic, dominates lineouts (attack & defense), he has an extraordinary rugby mind and can articulate himself really well and can play the enforcer when needed.”

Isaac Ross won the Mitre 10 Championship with Tasman Mako in November of 2020 after playing a decade in Japan’s Top League with the NTT Shining Arcs. Ross earned 8 caps for the New Zealand All Blacks before he was 27 years old and his father and mother both represented the All Blacks in their playing days.

Isaac Ross is the third All Black in the AG squad and is very familiar with his New Zealand counterparts and this AG coaching staff. Head Coach Sam Harris speaks on the importance of having All Blacks in the team. “Having All Blacks within of our squad, means a lot to me; All Blacks know that they have an obligation to the game, and to develop the game worldwide. They bring a standard to the group whilst at the same time they have this uncanny ability to simplify the intricacies of a complicated game. All 3 of them (Isaac Ross, Jamie Mackintosh, Frank Halai) are great for team harmony.”

Ross’ joining this AG lock unit certainly ramps up an already hotly contested position group headlined by vice-captain Sebastian De Chaves, Christian Ostberg, Reegan O’Gorman, Cam Dodson, and Michael De Waal.

The AGs sit at 1-2 in the table coming off a huge win over state-rival Houston Sabercats last week. Ross is excited to help the AGs continue that momentum toward a playoff push, “This team is deadset on playing an exciting brand of footy, and they’ve done that already and narrowly lost those first two matches by a combined five-point margin,” says Ross. “I’m just excited to find my gaps in the game and see where I can lift us.”

Welcome to the AGs, Isaac Ross!