Alessandro Heaney to leave the Cornish Pirates in February
It's to join Major League Rugby team Anthem Rugby Charlotte in the United States
Irish prop Alessandro Heaney will leave the Cornish Pirates in mid-February to join Major League Rugby team Anthem Rugby Charlotte in the United States.
Heaney joined the Championship side earlier this year after moving from RFC Los Angeles, another MLR team.
According to the club, the 13-time Pirates player plans to return to the USA to pursue his aim of making the national rugby test side for the 2027 World Cup.
Joint Head Coach Alan Paver said Heaney will be missed but backed his ambitions of international rugby success: “Heaney’s introduction to the squad was of huge value to us. Again we utilised that relationship that we’ve got over in Ireland.
"Ale has ambitions to make a push with getting into the international side in America, so for us we wish him all the best when the time comes but we can look forward to having him for a little while longer yet.
“He’s one we’ve got an eye on for the future to hopefully return after his spell away.”
Heaney is set to remain with the Cornish Pirates until mid-February.