New York sign USA international Joe Eichner

James Messenger

New York Rugby League have announced the signing of USA international Joe Eichner on a 12-month deal. 

The utility forward has most recently been playing for Australian side Northern Pride in the Intrust Super Cup, having made his debut for the club in August 2019.

Eichner, 29, has made 14 appearances for the US national team, appearing as part of the Hawks’ 2017 World Cup squad. 

He becomes one of the first names announced by New York ahead of their inaugural season in the newly-announced North American Rugby League competition. 

READ: Toronto Wolfpack and Ottawa Aces to join new Northern American league

They will be part of the six-team East Coast Conference also consisting of Atlanta Rhinos, Boston Thirteens, Brooklyn Kings, Cleveland Rugby League and Washington Cavalry. 

Six other teams will compete in the West Coast Conference, while Ottawa Aces and Toronto Wolfpack will take part in a special Canada Cup due to COVID regulations, before their admission to the competition in 2022. 

All games will be broadcast on NARL’s exclusive online streaming partner Sportsflick.

A statement on New York Rugby League’s Twitter said: “New York Rugby League is excited to announce the signing of home-grown American talent Joe Eichner for the coming 2021 season.

“Eichner is exactly the type of player NYRL is all about; dedicated, skilful, passionate. A player’s player and fan’s [favourite].”

Subscribe to The Final Hooter on Apple Podcasts and get involved with the free-to-play Fantasy Rugby League 2021.

Rugby League Nostalgia is here! Get involved with Love Rugby League’s new group on Facebook to share all your rugby league nostalgia and celebrate the rich heritage of our sport.

More RL Joe Eichner