In Part Two of our review of Americans overseas (check out Part One here), we take a look at players in the RaboDirect Pro12 and other leagues from around the world.

Japan

Todd Clever (Suntory)

It was an up and down season for Clever in Japan this year. After being stalwart on last year’s Suntory team, Clever had to settle for less time on the field this year as Suntory brought in a number of foreign players, including former Wallaby George Smith. Foreign player restrictions meant that Clever was often consigned to the bench or forced to play a different position (he played a little lock this year). Playing with good players like that week in and week out was a good thing, but Clever definitely wanted more time on the field.

Clever and Suntory parted ways at the end of the season, but he already signed on with NTT Shining Arcs. Shining Arcs don’t have the same track record of success as Suntory, but at least he will get more of a starring role.

RaboDirect Pro12

Hanno Dirksen (Ospreys)

For the time being, at least, Dirksen is still eligible to play for the Eagles. That probably won’t last, however, as Dirksen gains Welsh eligibility in a year and a half and has previously stated his intention to play for the Principality. After showing some of his potential last season, Dirksen had a breakout season this year scoring BLANK tries and playing 1384 minutes for the RaboDirect Pro12 winners. Dirksen signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Ospreys.

Tommy Seymour (Glasgow)

The U.S. eligible winger battled injury for most of the season after moving to Glasgow from Ulster. When he did play, he was fairly decent starting 10 out of 15 RaboDirect Pro12 contests and all four Heineken Cup matches. His try output was a little low, only scoring three all season, and he will definitely need to improve next season. All indications are that he will be back for Glasgow, who surprised many by making the RaboDirect Pr12 playoffs this last season.

Callum Black (Ulster)

The last of the U.S. eligible players in the RaboDirect Pro12, Black only saw spot duty off the bench for Ulster. Most of his action came either late in matches or in the British and Irish Cup where he started all of the Ulster Ravens matches he was healthy for. Black is getting to the age where Ulster need to decide if he is worth keeping on the roster or moving to make way for younger players. He could stay, but finding another home, possibly in England, is another option.

Super 10

Dave Ryan (Lazio)

Ryan, who recently came to the attention of American fans when he was named to the Eagles Summer Test camp roster, had a strong season in Italy for mid-table Lazio. Staring 16 of his 18 appearances, Ryan was strong in the scrum and was good on defense. The move to Lazio cam a year ago when Ryan left his original club, Munster. A good season in Italy may be enough to impress RaboDirect Pro12 teams once again. More likely, however, Ryan stays in Italy for another season.

Vodacom Cup

JJ Gagiano (Golden Lions)

The Eagles flanker was brought into the Golden Lions (the Vodacom Cup side) early on in the season to help cover for some injured players. By all accounts Gagiano did well and started in every single on of the matches he was available for (he missed the last part of the season to get married). It’s doubtful that Gagiano is going to get signed to a Super Rugby club in the near future, but he may have shown well enough to earn a contract in the Currie Cup Premier or First Division.