
Echo News 03.06.18
Rugby star Justin swaps south-east Essex for the States
On the charge – Justin Allen powers forward for the Houston Saber Cats
JUSTIN Allen has swapped south-east Essex for the United States to continue his blossoming rugby career.
The 22-year-old lock started the season with Southend, before making a switch to Basildon.
But the Irishman is now playing for the Houston Saber Cats in Major League Rugby.
And Allen is thoroughly enjoying the experience.
“Living out here is great,” said Allen, who was working at Woodlands School in Basildon before making the move.
“It’s a huge city, but credit to the boys because they’ve gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and I feel I’m settling in quite well both on and off the field.”
Major League Rugby is currently enjoying its first ever season and sees seven teams battling for glory with an end of season play-off eventually deciding the champions.
But Allen has already been impressed by the standard of the matches.
“I think it would be the equivalent of the King Power Championship in England,” said Allen.
“The matches have gone well so far too.
“We are still finding our rhythm a little bit but over the past few weeks we have really began to come together and our shapes and understanding has improved massively, as have our performances and consistency.”
Moving forward, the Saber Cats will soon be boosted by a new $3.2million stadium.
And Allen remains grateful for the opportunity given to him by Houston coach Justin Fitzpatrick, who played for Ireland and Ulster during his own career.
“Justin had heard of me and got in contact,” explained Allen.
“He put a deal on the table and a solid plan.
“What he put out aligned with what I am looking for.
“The opportunity to play under someone such as Justin, a European Cup winner, who has a reputation for blooding youth, was also too big of a lure for me.”
And Allen – who has previously played in New Zealand and Argentina – is keen to make the most of the chance.
“My personal goal is to work on the weakest aspects of my game and focus on them,” said Allen.
“As a team goal we are looking to win the league, get through to the play-offs and win that too. We feel we are in good standing. We have already played a league rival and produced a good performance against them.”
Recent Posts
On the Road to Toronto – Saturday, June 3
Join our watch party at Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. and watch the
MLR Championship Game & Block Party
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | MAY 10, 2023 CONTACT | Tami
SaberCats Defeat Hounds, Snap Losing Streak on van Wyk’s game-winner
Gideon van Wyk's late try seals the game over Chicago By Aaron
Final Score – May 27 vs. Chicago Hounds
The SaberCats rallied and defeated the Hounds 40-33 Saturday night at SaberCats
Game Program – May 27
Get all the details for today's game vs. the Chicago Hounds including
News Tags
Archives
- May 2023 (21)
- April 2023 (26)
- March 2023 (16)
- February 2023 (19)
- January 2023 (9)
- December 2022 (1)
- November 2022 (1)
- August 2022 (1)
- July 2022 (3)
- June 2022 (3)
- May 2022 (15)
- April 2022 (17)
- March 2022 (13)
- February 2022 (16)
- January 2022 (3)
- December 2021 (3)
- November 2021 (2)
- October 2021 (2)
- September 2021 (2)
- August 2021 (4)
- July 2021 (7)
- June 2021 (9)
- May 2021 (11)
- April 2021 (11)
- March 2021 (10)
- February 2021 (3)
- November 2020 (3)
- October 2020 (1)
- September 2020 (2)
- August 2020 (2)
- July 2020 (2)
- May 2020 (1)
- March 2020 (8)
- February 2020 (14)
- January 2020 (4)
- December 2019 (4)
- November 2019 (1)
- October 2019 (1)
- September 2019 (1)
- August 2019 (3)
- July 2019 (1)
- June 2019 (3)
- May 2019 (12)
- April 2019 (9)
- March 2019 (10)
- February 2019 (7)
- January 2019 (9)
- December 2018 (1)
- November 2018 (2)
- August 2018 (2)
- July 2018 (5)
- June 2018 (4)
- May 2018 (5)
- April 2018 (19)
- March 2018 (9)
- February 2018 (14)
- January 2018 (16)
- December 2017 (9)
- November 2017 (3)
- October 2017 (1)