Dean Muir Returns for 50th MLR Match After Daughter’s Birth

‘Great experience’ ‘It’s good to have the leader back’

By Aaron Wilson

Dean Muir is a proud girl dad, a new father. When his daughter, Mylah, was born a month ago at the start of the SaberCats’ season, the veteran team leader took paternity leave to be with his wife Lisa and daughter back in their homeland of South Africa.

It was an unforgettable moment for the family.

Now, Muir, a returning second-team all-star hooker, is back with the 3-1 SaberCats for Saturday’s home match against Rugby ATL. As emotional as it is to leave his family, Muir is dedicated to his teammates and looking forward to getting back on the field.

“It’s been a great experience,” Muir said Friday morning. “It was great to spend a bit of time with her and my wife. It was very tough having to leave them behind, but it’s just a sacrifice we’re making as a family.

“It was a very emotional day having to leave my wife and daughter behind. As rugby players, we have to make sacrifices. I’m not the only player on the team making sacrifices to be here this year. Winning the shield will make it so worth it.”

A former San Diego Legion standout who joined the SaberCats’ roster last year and achieved team captain status, Muir has another significant personal milestone this week.

Saturday marks his 50th overall Major League Rugby Match, including his time with the SaberCats and Legion.

“It’s a great achievement,” Muir said. “I just take it as another game. I don’t want to hype it up too much and distract from what the goal is. At the end of the day, it’s another number. It’s an achievement I’m proud of.”

One of the most experienced and successful rugby players on the SaberCats roster, the native of Durban, South Africa was named a SaberCats team captain last season after playing three seasons for the Legion.

“It’s good to have the leader back,” SaberCats coach Pote Human said. “He had to go home for the birth of his daughter. We’re very happy and very glad for him, and now he’s back. The players are very excited to have him back. It’s a great achievement.”

It’s also the 50th match, all with the SaberCats for Zach Pangelinan.

“Biggest milestone, unbelievable person for the culture of this club,” Human said. “He’s a real Sabercat.”

As is Muir. This match caps a significant week for him and his family.

“I’m excited to be back playing here in front of the fans for myself and Zach’s 50th match,” Muir said. “It’s a much bigger occasion for him, because it’s 50 with the SaberCats and 50 for me across the league I’m excited for him.”

*Photos by Nicolas Romero