Pat O'Toole (rugby union)
Pat O’Toole (born 1 February 1995 in County Mayo) is an Irish born American rugby union player. He played as a hooker for the Houston Sabercats in Major League Rugby 2019. He led the league in dominant tackles for that season. In August 2019 he signed for Glasgow Warriors on a short-term contract.[1] In 2021, O'Toole joined New Orleans Gold ahead of the 2021 Major League Rugby season.[2]
| Date of birth | February 1, 1995 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | County Mayo, Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 110 kg (240 lb; 17 st 5 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Sancta Maria College | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | National University of Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Rugby Union career
Amateur career
O'Toole began his rugby career as a youth with Westport RFC. He captained Westport to the double Connacht League and Cup titles at Under 17 level. While with Connacht, O'Toole played for Galway Corinthians.[3]
Professional career
O'Toole started with Connacht before moving to the United States to play rugby union in the Major League Rugby tournament. He signed first for San Diego Legion in 2017 before signing for Houston SaberCats in 2018.[4]
In September 2019, O'Toole signed a short-term deal with Glasgow Warriors to provide cover during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[5] O'Toole returned to Ireland after his stint with Glasgow Warriors and joined Garryowen Football Club in Limerick, in the All-Ireland League (rugby union).
O'Toole played with Ohio Aviators (rugby) in the World Tens Series, where they lost in the final of the series to SX10, 14–21.[6]
In January 2021 New Orleans Gold announced that O'Toole would be joining their team for the 2021 Major League Rugby season on a 2-year deal.[7]
International career
O'Toole has been capped for the United States 'A' side, United States Selects, which tied him to the US as per World Rugby regulations as the US's nominated next international XV. He was also capped for Ireland at Under 19 Level.[8]
References
- ”Pat O’Toole signs for Houston Sabercats” 29/10/18
- https://www.ultimaterugby.com/player/view/12011#
- https://djcoilrugby.com/2018/10/29/houston-sabercats-pat-otoole/
- “Hookers sign short term deals” 6/9/19
- https://www.glasgowwarriors.org/glasgow-warriors-team/pat-otoole