Houston Strikers players Jack Riley and Craig Whitlock were among the attendees of the team's combine on Saturday, even though they were only spectating from the sidelines.

Since they are already signed on with the new Major League Rugby team, maybe Riley and Whitlock came to the combine to scout the competition for their spots or perhaps gloat about not having to do the fitness tests? Well, they can tell you themselves…



Riley said he liked the talent and "we're looking forward to some of [the players] becoming our teammates."

Both said they were happy not to have to do the Bronco Test, although Riley said he expected to experience it when training starts.

Whitlock made the team out of the Strikers' first combine, which he said was a tough one, partly because he hadn't been working particularly hard on his fitness. That topic continues to come up with coaches and players. Coaches are asking for better fitness scores than players might expect. It certainly seems like the wannabes are surprised at what they're expected to do when they hit the field.