Eagles among multiple teams showing interest in Rugby stars

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The NFL and American football in general is starting to become a global game. With leagues popping up all over the world, the talent is starting to be cultivated and piquing the interest of many teams.

However, even though American football is becoming popular, in some countries, Rugby is still the sport of choice. Last season, we saw Jarryd Hayne given a chance to play in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, and in a few months we could see two more Rugby players get an opportunity.

According to Howard Balzer, there were 12 teams including the Philadelphia Eagles, who were in attendance at a tryout in Los Angeles, looking at Australian Rugby League players Valentine Holmes and Jason Taumalolo.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Holmes and Taumalolo ran NFL receiver routes, did speed and agility tests, and also ran the 40-yard dash.

The Morning Herald also got the chance to speak with an Eagles scout, who had some interesting things to say about the two Rugby players.

“They showed a lot of strength and balance,” the Eagles scout said.

The Eagles scout also added, “They are big, strong athletes. The balance, strength, body control, the change in direction, they have that. Their discipline today was outstanding.”

Those are encouraging words to hear as Taumalolo was told by scouts that he is projected to be a fullback, tight end, or linebacker, while Holmes could be a wide receiver or safety.

The Australian Associated Press also reported that at least four NFL teams have expressed in Holmes and Taumalolo and that the Eagles were one of the teams, who appeared to be the most interested.

It will be interesting to see if the Eagles or any other NFL team takes a chance on either Holmes or Taumalolo because both players are still under contract for their respective NRL teams in 2017.

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