RWU HQ – While former NRL star Jarryd Haynes has been in the news in recent weeks for his change in athletic career path, two other
young men are switching their sports as well – Joel Yogerst and Quinten White.
The former University of Wisconsin-River Falls fullback Yogerst and the former Temple University linebacker White are giving it a shot on the rugby pitch. Both Yogerst and White have been given two-week trials by Bristol Rugby.
“There’s an enormous pool of talented athletes in the States and rugby union is rapidly developing in the country,” Bristol director of rugby Andy Robinson said, according to ESPNScrum.com. “I’d like to welcome Joel and Quinten to Bristol Rugby and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve here.”
The dual-sport athletes made intriguing cases for a possible conversion of sports after participating in an open trial day fr the National Rugby Football League Combine earlier this year.
“Joel and Quinten both provide unique skill sets that will translate favorably as they transition into their professional rugby careers,” NRFL Combine player recruitment specialist Shawn Zobel said. “I’m sure they’ll show really well at Bristol, their attitude and work ethic is of the highest caliber.”
The trial is a special opportunity for the two athletes. This will give the former college football players the chance to get their feet wet in professional rugby before the NRFL season begins next summer.
Not only does this opportunity benefit the two athletes, but it also benefits the NRFL unintentionally. If Yogerst and White do come back and play in the NRFL next summer, they can give insight from what they learned while playing with Bristol to their future teammates in the States and possibly help strengthen the game in America.
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