The Washington Commanders are adding international flavor to their roster.
On Thursday, the franchise signed defensive end T.J. Maguranyanga, a former professional rugby player who was born in Zimbabwe.
Maguranyanga most recently played for the ASM Clermont Auvergne in the French Top 14 rugby league. He joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway program last winter.
Along with a handful of other international athletes, Maguranyanga has spent the past few months learning the NFL ropes in development camps at IMG Academy in Florida.
As an international player, Maguranyanga will not count against the Commanders’ 90-man offseason roster. NFL guidelines allow teams an additional spot in training camp and on the practice squad for designated players with international backgrounds.
The program is part of the NFL’s continued efforts to expand internationally. The league announced earlier this week that Greece and the United Arab Emirates would be the 20th and 21st countries included in a global markets initiative.
The Commanders became one of the designated teams for the UAE in their first involvement with the international program.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.