Newcastle Red Bulls sign Canadian forward Mason Flesch

Newcastle Red Bulls have signed Canadian international Mason Flesch through the end of the 2026-27 season, adding a 26-Test forward to the English club’s squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. The club announced the signing on October 21. Flesch, 26, is the first Canadian men’s international to join a club in England’s top division since Evan Olmstead last played for Newcastle in 2019. Flesch joins from the Chicago Hounds, where he played from 2024 and helped the team complete an undefeated Major League Rugby season. Chicago beat California Legion 35-17 in the championship final, with Flesch scoring a try. He was named the league’s Forward of the Season for 2026 after scoring 10 tries in 11 appearances, according to the club’s announcement. The back-row player also made three tries in two matches for Canada at the Pacific Nations Cup, including two against Fiji in the semifinals. He can play at lock or in the back row. Flesch said the move gives him the chance to train and compete full time as Canada prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Canada will play Argentina, Fiji and Spain in Pool C. He said a full-time training environment would benefit his...