Young South African Hooker, Tiaan Struass Erasmus signs with Austin Elite Rugby

ROUND ROCK (TX) – Austin Elite Rugby is excited to announce the signing of Tiaan Struass Erasmus from Pretoria, South Africa. Erasmus had recently been with the Cheetahs for the 2018 Supersport Challenge Cup before deciding to transition into Major League Rugby.

At just 14 years old, Erasmus began playing rugby for his school in Waterkloof. In 2014 he got the call up to represent his Bull’s 15s and 7s team, during Craven Week. He’s a stand out hooker, as his speed and agility on the pitch set him apart from most front rowers. In 2015 he got the call up the the Cheetahs u19 side and in 2017 he was rostered for their u21 side. He also represented the Shimlas in the Young Guns Varsity Cup in both 2015 and 2016.

In 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 he represented the University of Free-State in the Varsity Cup. In 2018 during the Varsity Cup tournament with Central University of Technology, he was named 3x Man of Match. In 2018 he suited up to represent the Free-State Cheetahs men’s side in the Supersport Challenge Cup.

“It was the best early morning call yet. The overwhelming amount of feelings first had to settle in for me to have realized I’d be coming to play footy in America” quoted Erasmus “ It was the proudest I have ever been.”

“His speed and technicality on the pitch is what made him a standout to AER, as a hooker and No.8, he’s got the skills as a back liner which will be integral in our game plan,” said Forwards Coach, Pedrie Wannenburg.

Welcome, Tiaan to the Lone Star State!

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About Austin Elite Rugby

Austin Elite Rugby is a Professional Rugby team based in Austin and Round Rock, Texas, and we are excited to bring Professional Rugby to Central Texas. As a founding member of Major League Rugby, Austin Elite Rugby’s vision is to bring the excitement of professional rugby to the US. With the embodiment of rugby’s core values of integrity, respect, discipline, and passion; AER will help educate, inspire and connect with the community of Austin, Texas. Creating a world-class experience for players and fans to enjoy the game.

The 2019 Major League Rugby season kicks off the weekend of January 26th and will span 19 weeks with home matches being played at the iconic Dell Diamond, a 13,000-seat stadium in Round Rock / North Austin.

About Major League Rugby

MLR is a professional rugby league that launched in April of 2018. It’s an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes. For more information, visit usmlr.com