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Major League Rugby 2024 Collegiate Draft Results With Player Bios by Team

Grant Feeley By Grant Feeley calendar_today Aug 28, 2024 schedule 26 min read

This article includes the Major League Rugby three-round Collegiate draft selections (36 players) & then Team-by-Team Player Selections with Player Bios

DALLAS – Major League Rugby, the premier professional rugby league in North America, announced the 2024 MLR College Draft results on The Rugby Network on Wednesday, August 28.

The draft consisted of three rounds of 12 picks each, totaling 36 selections by MLR franchises. A complete breakdown of each pick by round is available below:

1 (1) Anthem RC – Erich Storti, Center, St. Mary’s College of California

2 (2) Anthem RC (via RFCLA) – Neil Trainor, Hooker, Queen’s University

4 (4) New England (via Utah) – Kaipono Kayoshi, Flanker, St. Mary’s College of California

5 (5) Anthem RC (via DC) – Jeron Pantor, Fullback, Life University

6 (6) NOLA – Aidan King, Flanker, Pennsylvania State University

7 (7) San Diego – Inoke Waqavesi, Flyhalf, St. Mary’s College of California

8 (8) Houston – Alex Aguero, Flanker, University of California, Berkeley

11 (11) Seattle – Calvin Liulamaga, Center, Central Washington University

12 (12) Old Glory DC (via ARC via NE) – Raymond Santiago, Lock, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

2 (14) New England (via RFCLA) – Matt Carrion, Flanker, Life University

3 (15) Old Glory (via MIA) – Aidan Ridgway, Scrumhalf, Arkansas State University

4 (16) Utah – Ammon Tielu Sagala, Wing, Brigham Young University

5 (17) Old Glory DC – Aaron Juma, Flanker, Wheeling University

6 (18) NOLA – Dalton Musselman, Flyhalf, Pennsylvania State University

7 (19) San Diego – Hunter Chuhlansteff, Loosehead Prop, St. Mary’s College of California

8 (20) Houston – Jake Negrete, Wing, St. Mary’s College of California

9 (21) Seattle (via DAL) – Joshua Schwartz, Hooker, Queen’s University of Charlotte

11 (23) Seattle – Connor Williams, Tighthead Prop, University de Ottawa

12 (24) Anthem RC (via NE) – LeDonn Mathis, Lock/Flanker, Lindenwood University

1 (25) Anthem RC – Ashawnty Staples, Wing, Notre Dame College

2 (26) Los Angeles – Patrick Beattie, Tighthead Prop, Cal State University – Long Beach

3 (27) Miami – Lautaro Soto Ansay, Center, Lindenwood University

5 (29) Old Glory DC – Sebastian Schefermann, Fullback/Center, Mary Washington University

6 (30) Utah (via NOLA) – Nicholas Andiarena, Flanker, Adrian College

7 (31) San Diego – Daniel Bray, Loosehead Prop, University of California, Santa Barbara

8 (32) Los Angeles (via HOU) – Caleb Tomasin, Scrumhalf, University of California, Berkeley

9 (33) Los Angeles (via DAL) – Lleyton Delzell, Flanker, St. Mary’s College of California

10 (34) Chicago – Alex Hernandez, Loosehead Prop, Marian University

11 (35) Seattle – Jamie Armstrong, Fly-Half/Fullback, Universite de Ottawa

12 (36) New England – Emanuel Lai, Scrumhalf, Santa Clara University

The 2024 MLR College Draft was the fifth in league history, featuring the deepest talent pool to date. St. Mary’s College of California saw six players drafted, the most in this year’s draft, while a total of 22 schools were represented with selections.

Anthem RC selected Erich Storti with the first pick. Storti joins Rick Rose (Miami, 2023), Sam Golla (Dallas, 2022), Eric Naposki (Dallas, 2021), and Conner Mooneyham (Dallas, 2020) as the first overall players to be taken in the draft.

MLR uses a “Draft and Follow” approach where rights to drafted players will be assigned following the MLR College Draft. Teams may activate those rights at any point until the mid-point of the next competitive MLR season after the player is eligible to play in the MLR. Drafting teams may sign those players or trade player rights with other MLR teams.

The league hosted its first MLR College draft in 2020, which saw 24 players selected across two rounds, but commensurate with the growth of the league, the draft has grown into its current form today.

For more information on the 2024 MLR College Draft, visit major-league. rugby/draft/.

1 (1) Erich Storti, 2 (2) Neil Trainor, 5 (5) Jeron Pantor, 1 (13) EJ Freeman, 12 (24) LeDonn Matias, 1 (25) Ashawnty Staples

10 (10) Peyton Wall, 10 (22) Jake Kinneeveauk,10 (34) Alex Hernandez

2 (26) Patrick Beattie, 8 (32) Caleb Tomasin, 9 (33) Lleyton Delzell

4 (4) Kaipono Kayoshi, 2 (14) Matt Carrion,12 (36) Emanuel Lai

12 (12) Raymond Santiago, 3 (15) Aidan Ridgway, 5 (17) Aaron Juma, 5 (29) Sebastian Schefermann

7 (7). Inoke “Junior” Waqavesi, 7 (19) Hunter Chuhlansteff, 7 (31) Daniel Bray

11 (11) Calvin Liulamaga, 9 (21) Joshua Schwartz, 11 (23) Connor Williams, 11 (35) Jamie Armstrong

4 (16) Tielu Sagala, 4 (28) Cole Semu, 4 (30) Nicholas Andiarena

1 (1) Erich Storti, 2 (2) Neil Trainor, 5 (5) Jeron Pantor, 1 (13) EJ Freeman, 12 (24) LeDonn Matias, 1 (25) Ashawnty Staples

Center, St Mary’s College of California, B.S. Economics 2019-2023, MBA 2023-2024, De La Salle HS, Hometown: Concord, CA, Age: 24, Height: 6-0, Weight: 200

Photo: Rebecca Harper / Accuracy on the field: Erich Storti ’23, MBA ’24 dives over Cal defenders.

Hooker, Queen’s University (Canada), B.Eng. Civil Engineering 2019-2023, Stratford District Secondary School, Hometown: Columbia, MD, Age: 23, Height: 5-10, Weight: 235

Personal History – I was born outside of Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Canada at a young age. I grew up passionate about math and science and enjoyed playing several sports including rugby, hockey, wrestling, and soccer. I attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario majoring in Civil Engineering. I graduated after 4 and a half years in the program and have since moved to Victoria, BC to train with the Pacific Pride Development Academy and work part-time as a building science consultant.

Fullback, Life University (B.S. Kinesiology & Exercise Science), Naparima College, Hometown: Gasparillo, Trinidad & Tobago, Age: 25, Height: 5-10, Weight: 185lbs

Alumni in MLR: Cam Dolan, Alex Maughan, Zander Van Schalkwyk, Duncan Van Schalkwylk, Matt Harmon, Harley Davidson, Harley Wheeler, Paris Hollis, Alex MacDonald, Sean Coughlan, Julian Montes, Mitch Wilson, Austin White, Maciu Koroi, Marcus Walsh, Justin Johnson, Conner Mooneyham, Daemon Torres, Julian Roberts, Charlie Overton

Rugby History – “First Citizens Youth Awards – Rugby Youth Player of the Year, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Personal History – “I love the beach because I am from a Caribbean island. I also love animals, cooking, gardening, and learning about new ways of living and traveling.

My background includes a range of significant experiences and achievements. I participated in the Touraid Rugby tour to England in 2011. In soccer, I was part of the W Connection tour to Italy, where I played against AC Milan, Inter Milan, Udinese Calcio, and Hellas Verona FC. I helped secure a three-peat title in the Trinidad & Tobago Secondary Schools Football League in 2018 and was a member of the Trinidad All-Star Football team in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, I represented the West Indies Team in the Las Vegas Invitational Sevens.

Academically, I made the President’s List at Life University twice and the Dean’s List four times.

I grew up in a rugby family and graduated from Life University with a degree in Exercise Science. At home, I played rugby for the Exiles Rugby Youth Club in Trinidad. I am currently completing my Master’s in Sports Health Science to give back to the sport that has given so much to me. Rugby provides so many opportunities beyond the sport itself. My main objective is to help young athletes grow and develop, especially those with dreams of coming to the USA to play rugby and pursue a university education.

I loved sports. I played field hockey, cricket, football, rugby, and track. But it is rugby that has given me some of my best memories and significant achievements.

Pivotal moments in my career to date include the Touraid Tour to Manchester, England, in 2011; the W Connection Tour to Italy, where I played against AC Milan, Inter Milan, Udinese, and Verona; being named MVP at the USA Rugby Club Nationals in 2017; competing in the USA Rugby Men’s Club Nationals in New York and finishing third in 2018 at the age of 19; representing the West Indies Team at the Las Vegas Invitational Sevens Tournament at age 17; and being part of the team that won the Sevens Series with the Exiles in 2018. I was also part of the D1A USA Collegiate Rugby Sevens Nationals Champions in 2022 and 2023.

I don’t come from the best background, and where I am from, there are a lot of challenges. So I consider myself lucky given my past, and I understand that my journey is a lot bigger than myself. I know that we only live once, and embracing both the good and bad times has deepened my appreciation for the opportunities I have been given and the support I have been blessed to receive.

Rugby has offered life-changing opportunities and can help turn dreams into reality. I want young athletes in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean to understand that many opportunities await those who have a plan and work diligently to achieve their goals.

With that, I give thanks to God for His countless mercies. I did not come from a background of abundance, but I am forever thankful for my mother, father, and siblings. There are many more people I could name, but the list is extensive. From family, friends, coaches, teammates, and loved ones. I thank you all for welcoming me and taking care of me as if I were your own. I am a strong believer in giving people their flowers while they are still here, not after they are gone, so I extend my gratitude to all who have helped me on my journey.”

Center, University of Arizona (Psychology), Sedbergh, School, Hometown: Marietta, GA, Age: 22, Height: 5-11, Weight: 216

Alumni in MLR: Ryan Matyas, Peter Tiberio, Kyle Rogers, Mason Pedersen, James Rivers

Personal History – I was born in Marietta Georgia. When I was 13 I moved to Germany which is where I found Rugby. After three years of playing well, I wanted to see if I was a good player so I went to boarding school in England. I then went to college in the US so that I can play for the national team someday

Lock/Flanker, Lindenwood University, Iowa Central Community College, Withrow University (HS), Hometown: Cincinnati, OH, Age: 23, Height: 6-4, Weight: 256

Alumni in MLR: Chance Wenglewski, Malon Al-Jiboori, Jonah Dietenberger, Michael Baska, Emmanuel Albert, Collusion Warner, Reece Botha, Connor Burns, Nick Taylor, Michael de Waal, Tinashe Muchena, Evan Conlon, JP Aguirre, Nick Feakes, Bill Whiteside, Christian Rodriguez, Cian Darling, Tyren Al-JIboori, Setu Vole,

Rugby History – High School. 2 years, Iowa Central Community College 3 years with top 100 Ranking, 2 years Lindenwood A side player Man of Match 3x

Personal History – I collect shoes, I can solve a Rubix cube in 2 minutes, I have grown my hair for 6 years

Wing, Notre Dame College, Hometown: Toledo, OH, Age: 23, Height: 5-10, Weight: 170

Personal History – Is a licensed barber in his free time.

10 (10) Peyton Wall, 10 (22) Jake Kinneeveauk,10 (34) Alex Hernandez

Center, Indiana University (Bachelor’s Degree Sports Marketing and Management 2020-2024, Leo Senior HS, Hometown: Leo-Cedarville, IN, Age: 23, Height: 6-1, Weight: 210

Alumni in MLR: Dakota Worth, Bryce Campbell, Jake Hidalgo, Will Chevalier, Noah Brown

Rugby History – highschool all american, U18 usa 7s player , 2x Rudy Scholz nominee, 2x Big ten MVP, 2x Big ten champ, 4x first big ten team, 2024 USA U23 7s

Personal History – Started his youth Rugby club with his dad and built their pitch with land from a nearby church.

Lock, University of Utah (B.S. Entrepreneurship, Hometown: Anchorage, AK, Age: 22, Height: 6-4, Weight: 245

Loosehead Prop, Marian University, Warren Central HS, Hometown: Indianapolis, Age: 22, Height: 6-3, Weight: 235

Rugby History – Played for one month in my senior year of high school for Royal Irish (covid.) Ended up finding my way to Marian’s program and becoming a 4-year starter at prop. Additionally, I recently was awarded the “Most Improved Player” award this past season. Furthermore, I have also been a member of NCR Thunderbirds Rising All-Stars ’21-’22 where we went undefeated. I was then called up to the All-Star team’s last game for third place. I returned once more as an All-star ’23-’24 where we went undefeated. As my senior year came to a close I was invited to try out for Mexico’s National Team for 15’s and ended up being selected, however, due to MLR rules and regulations I had to turn this opportunity down.

Personal History – “Although I started playing rugby pretty late, I am no stranger to contact sports. I attended Powerhouse Warren Central in the Far East side of Indianapolis, IN. A program rich in tradition inspired me to work as hard as I could to honor those who have worn the jersey before me. I played football, wrestled, and threw shot put and discus during my time. In my four years, I’ve earned Sectional, Regional, and Semi-state titles, and the ultimate goal- a State Championship.

I originally committed to Marian University to play offensive line and wrestle. I soon befriended the rugby guys, and before I knew it, one lift led to one practice. One practice led to one game and so on. I ended up making one of the hardest decisions by myself. As you can imagine, my mother wasn’t a fan of me leaving the pads. She soon realized my love for rugby and drive to be the best I could be for my team and came to accept my decision. I then went to wrestle until my junior year. I decided to commit to rugby 100%.”

Center, Life University, David W. Butler HS, Hometown: Charlotte, NC, Age: 22, Height: 5-11, Weight 200

Alumni in MLR: Cam Dolan, Alex Maughan, Zander Van Schalkwyk, Duncan Van Schalkwylk, Matt Harmon, Harley Davidson, Harley Wheeler, Paris Hollis, Alex MacDonald, Sean Coughlan, Julian Montes, Mitch Wilson, Austin White, Maciu Koroi, Marcus Walsh, Justin Johnson, Conner Mooneyham, Daemon Torres, Julian Roberts

Personal History – I was born in California and moved to Charlotte when I was 5, I have an identical twin brother who plays at Life as well. I have 2 siblings.

Flanker, University: University of California, Berkeley, Redwood High School, Hometown: Corte Madera, CA, Age: 23, Height: 6-0, Weight: 210

Alumni in MLR: Max Schumacher, Sam Golla, Jack Iscaro Seth Purdey, Kevin Sullivan

Rugby History – I started playing as a freshman in high school for the Marin Highlanders Rugby Club. I received Collegiate All-American Honors during my 2023 and 2024 seasons and was a Co-Captain during my 2024 season. 2023 D1 Runners Up

Personal History – In high school, I was recruited to play Division 1 football at the University of San Diego but chose to play rugby at Cal instead because of my passion for rugby and academics.

Wing, St Mary’s College (BA & MA Kinesiology. & Exercise Science), San Joaquin Memorial High School, Hometown: Fresno, California, Age: 23, Height: 5-10, Weight: 195

Alumni in MLR: Aaron Matthews, Vili Helu, Tom Brusati, Chase Jones, Holden Yungert, Dino Waldren, Sean Yacoubian, Ronnie McElligott

Rugby History – Played for 13 years. I started playing in the first years that youth rugby existed in Fresno, CA, playing alongside great players such as the Kruse brothers (Utah Warriors). I captained all four years of high school, my freshman year the program’s first year. I played for EIRA SoCal from 2016-19, making several international squads, 7s squads, and winter camps. Played for Saint Mary’s for the past 5 years. I worked my way up from the C-side to starting most of the year on the A-side.

2 (26) Patrick Beattie, 8 (32) Caleb Tomasin, 9 (33) Lleyton Delzell

Tighthead Prop, Cal State University – Long Beach. Hometown: Santa Monica, CA, Age: 23, Height: 6-3, Weight: 290

Personal History – I’m from Santa Monica, California born to an English Mum and a Kiwi Dad. When I was little my Mum took us all around the world and we got to live in England, New Zealand, and Australia. My parents divorced and we moved to LA. I was in LA from then on up to HS. After HS I went and played a season of rugby in Tauranga before University. I came back and played my freshman year at Cal State until COVID happened. I then went back to NZ for COVID-19 and got another two seasons in New Zealand while studying on Zoom. I got home sick and returned for a month but realized I wanted to travel so I took a gap year and traveled through France. I then went to England for a few months played some rugby and then with my savings solo traveled all over Europe. I’ve since come back to Cali finished my degree and now we are here. I like music, surfing, and skating and I’m working in the family plumbing business at the moment. I’ve been able to travel to over 15 countries. I consider myself an adventurer.

Scrum-Half, University of California, Berkeley, Arroyo Grande High School, Hometown: Pismo Beach, CA, Age: 22, Height: 5-6, Weight: 175

Alumni in MLR: Max Schumacher, Sam Golla, Jack Iscaro Seth Purdey, Kevin Sullivan

Personal History – Brother of US 7s and Olympian Stephen Tomasin

Flanker, St Mary’s College of California (BS Kinesiology & Exercise Science 2023, MS Business Management and Technology), Hometown: Rohnert Park, CA, Age: 23, Height: 6-2, Weight: 215

Alumni in MLR: Aaron Matthews, Vili Helu, Tom Brusati, Chase Jones, Holden Yungert, Dino Waldren, Sean Yacoubian, Ronnie McElligott

Rugby History – Started Playing Rugby in 2018, my junior year of high school. I played for the Santa Rosa Rugby Club during my Junior and Senior Years of High school. I then decided to play rugby in college, and I chose Saint Mary’s. From there I played 5 years. And ultimately winning the d1a National Championship in 2024. I was a winner of the Most Improved Award my junior season, I also was named to the California Grizzlies team where I played against the U23 Chilean National team in Chile.

Personal History – My undergrad was in Kinesiology so I have a fascination with the Human body and how it works, I am very interested in body hacking and neuroscience. I like to work on cars, currently rebuilding a 1981 Corvette with my dad. I can Juggle pretty well.

Flanker, Lindenwood University, Lindenwood University-Belleville, International School Thailand, Hometown: Oakland, CA, Age: 24, Height: 6-5, Weight: 210

Alumni in MLR: Chance Wenglewski, Malon Al-Jiboori, Jonah Dietenberger, Michael Baska, Emmanuel Albert, Collusion Warner, Reece Botha, Connor Burns, Nick Taylor, Michael de Waal, Tinashe Muchena, Evan Conlon, JP Aguirre, Nick Feakes, Bill Whiteside, Christian Rodriguez, Cian Darling, Tyren Al-JIboori, Setu Vole,

Personal History: Half American, half German. Born in Chicago, moved to Montreal Canada for 9 months, moved back to Germany for 3 years, moved to Vietnam for 4 years, then moved to Bangkok, Thailand for 10 years before coming back to the U.S. for University.

The first athlete in high school history to achieve sportsmanship of the year and athlete of the year award in the same year.

Center, Lindenwood University, Chaltel College, Hometown: Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina vis Philadelphia, PA, Age: 22, Height: 5-11, Weight: 190

Alumni in MLR: Chance Wenglewski, Malon Al-Jiboori, Jonah Dietenberger, Michael Baska, Emmanuel Albert, Collusion Warner, Reece Botha, Connor Burns, Nick Taylor, Michael de Waal, Tinashe Muchena, Evan Conlon, JP Aguirre, Nick Feakes, Bill Whiteside, Christian Rodriguez, Cian Darling, Tyren Al-JIboori, Setu Vole,

Rugby at Lindenwood University: Player from August 2021 to April 2024

Personal History – My name is Lautaro Soto Ansay. I was born in the United States, but I grew up and lived in Argentina all my life. My parents and two siblings are from there. I have been playing rugby for as long as I can remember. I have a very close-knit and present family. I love spending time with friends, and family, training, and having fun. When I was a kid I lived in Cordoba, a province in Argentina, and when I was 5 years old, we moved to Buenos Aires, where I still live today. In 2021 I moved alone to the US to start my undergraduate studies at Lindenwood University, and in May 2024 I finished my studies, so I came back to Argentina to stay close to my family. To this day, I still play rugby for my lifelong club, Club San Andres. I am a person willing to learn new experiences, competitive, respectful and I like to take the initiative in different aspects.

4 (4) Kaipono Kayoshi, 2 (14) Matt Carrion,12 (36) Emanuel Lai

Flanker, St Mary’s College of California (B.S. Kinesiology & Exercise Science, Hometown: San Francisco, CA, Age: 24, Height: 6-2, Weight: 225

Alumni in MLR: Aaron Matthews, Vili Helu, Tom Brusati, Chase Jones, Holden Yungert, Dino Waldren, Sean Yacoubian, Ronnie McElligott

Flanker, Life University, Hometown: Carlisle, PA, Age: 23, Height: 6-1, Weight: 225

Alumni in MLR: Cam Dolan, Alex Maughan, Zander Van Schalkwyk, Duncan Van Schalkwylk, Matt Harmon, Harley Davidson, Harley Wheeler, Paris Hollis, Alex MacDonald, Sean Coughlan, Julian Montes, Mitch Wilson, Austin White, Maciu Koroi, Marcus Walsh, Justin Johnson, Conner Mooneyham, Daemon Torres, Julian Roberts

Scrum-Half, Santa Clara University (BA Psychology), Hometown: Old Greenwich, CT, Age: 22, Height: 5-9, Weight: 170

Rugby History – I started playing rugby when I was Seven at OGRCC back home in Greenwich. I’ve played for 15 years. Third-team all-American. I’ve played for California Grizzlies and been on both tours to Argentina in 2022 and Chile in 2023.

Personal History – I am half Cantonese and Spanish. I can play 3 instruments. Tenor Saxophone, Guitar, Clarinet. Filmmaker on the side.

Flanker, Penn State University, Anglican Church Grammar School, Hometown: Anchorage, AK, Age: 22, Height: 6-0, Weight: 220

Alumni in MLR: Malcolm May, Michael Dabulas, Rob Irimescu, Mike Petrie, Brian McKellar, Joe Kelly, Jack McLean, Christian Alvarez, LJ Koi Larbi, Charlie Overton

Rugby History – “I played all my high school rugby in Brisbane Australia, which is where I grew up. Whilst, there I played club rugby which was high school rugby for Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie_ which became more important in my later years.

For college, I decided to move back to America and play for coach Hundley at Penn State, where I have played openside flanker for the last three years, with my first year being lost to COVID.

Personal History – I was originally born in Houston, Texas. Then, I moved to Anchorage, Alaska. At the age of 10, I moved to Australia and lived there until college started in 2020. I have American and British citizenship, as well as permanent residency in Australia. I have always been very passionate about engineering, more specifically engineering design, robotics, and 3D modeling. While at college, I conducted research centered around the design and operation of a Virtuality Haptic Glove that allows you to grip, feel, and hold objects while in a VR environment

Fly-Half, Penn State, Hometown: Coatesville, PA, Age: 23, Height: 5-10, Weight: 195

Film: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13291026/665ba4ac323a80af81312606

Alumni in MLR: Malcolm May, Michael Dabulas, Rob Irimescu, Mike Petrie, Brian McKellar, Joe Kelly, Jack McLean, Christian Alvarez, LJ Koi Larbi, Charlie Overton

Rugby History I have been playing for 10 years now. USA rugby 7s 2022-2024, USA Club 7s National Champion 2024

12 (12) Raymond Santiago, 3 (15) Aidan Ridgway, 5 (17) Aaron Juma, 5 (29) Sebastian Schefermann

Lock, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hometown: Freehold, NJ, Age: 21, Height: 6-6, Weight: 250

Rugby History – I have played Rugby for 3 years. This year I was named the captain and all-tournament team for the Collegiate Rugby All-Star tournament and All-American. Along with these achievements, I had the honor of going on tour with the Atlantic Coast All-Stars to France last September to compete in the WURIT tournament. The Atlantic Coast All-Stars placed 4th in the tournament.

Personal History – Before rugby, I wrestled for 8 years.

Scrum-Half, Arkansas State University (BS Economics), Hometown: Johannesburg, RSA, Age: 23, Height: 5-11, Weight: 185

Rugby History: I started playing rugby at 10 years old in primary school where I was originally a fly-half. Followed my father’s footsteps and moved to scrumhalf in high school where I fell in love with rugby. Had the privilege to be coached by an IRB Hall of Fame inductee in my final 2 years, Kennedy Tsimba, who shaped my game, playing style, and how I approach and see rugby as a whole. In 2020 I decided to move to America to pursue rugby and a degree at Arkansas State University. I was the 2024 MLR Rising – Red Team Vice Captain.

Personal History – I grew up in South Africa in a fairly big family with 3 siblings. My parents have always believed in me and gave me all the opportunities to pursue my dreams. I’ve always loved sports and played everything growing up, cricket and athletics were the two other sports I excelled at in high school but my love for rugby was always bigger. The two sports I am now focused on are rugby and golf, with golf as more of a hobby.

Flanker, Wheeling University, Falcon College (HS) Hometown: Bulawayo, ZWE, Age: 23, Height: 6-1, Weight: 225

Rugby History Falcon College 1st XV 2017/2018/2019, Provincial Team 2017/2018/2019, Matland Warriors 2022, Zambezi Steelers 2020, False Bay Club South Africa 2022, Old Georgians 2020/2021/2022/2023, Zimbabwe U17 Craven Week 2017, Zimbabwe U18 Craven Week 2018, Zimbabwe U19 Craven Week 2019, Zimbabwe U20 Barthes Trophy 2020/2021, Zimbabwe Sables Mens WorldCup Qualifiers 2022, Zimbabwe Goshawks Currie Cup 2022/2023, Zimbabwe Cheetahs Squad 2022, NCR All-Star, NCR All American, U23Forge Rugby Club 2022 Academy, Wheeling University MVP 2022/2023, Rockie Of The Year, Athlete Of The Year. NCR ALL-AMERICAN TOUR FRANCE, NCR ALL AMERICAN, NCR 7s NATIONAL CHAMPION, NCR RUNNER-UP TOP TRY SCORER

Personal History – If I didn’t play rugby I would be a musician

Fullback/Center, Mary Washington University, Dubai English Speaking College (HS), Hometown: Durban, RSA, Age: 21, Height: 6-4, Weight: 215

7 (7). Inoke “Junior” Waqavesi, 7 (19) Hunter Chuhlansteff, 7 (31) Daniel Bray

Fly-Half, St Mary’s College of California (BA Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 2023, MA expected Dec 2024, Sport and Fitness Administration/Management), Hometown: Sacramento, CA, Age: 24, Height: 5-8, Weight: 187

Alumni in MLR: Aaron Matthews, Vili Helu, Tom Brusati, Chase Jones, Holden Yungert, Dino Waldren, Sean Yacoubian, Ronnie McElligott

Loosehead Prop, St Mary’s College, Hometown: Fresno, CA, Age: 23, Height: 5-9, Weight: 230

Alumni in MLR: Aaron Matthews, Vili Helu, Tom Brusati, Chase Jones, Holden Yungert, Dino Waldren, Sean Yacoubian, Ronnie McElligott

Personal History – Originally from Fresno, CA. Started playing rugby in 7th grade the same year I started playing football. I have my bachelor’s degree in chemistry and my graduate degree in management and technology. My hidden talent is I know how to juggle.

Loosehead Prop, University of California, Santa Barbara (Physics Major, expected graduation 2025), San Ramon Valley HS, Hometown: Danville, CA, Age: 21, Height: 6-1, Weight: 250

Rugby History – Started playing in seventh grade with the Danville Oaks, won the California club championship my senior year; played with Eagle Impact Rugby Academy starting in 10th grade, traveling to Ireland and Spain with them; played for Rhinos rugby academy and was invited to Portugal with them; I played with the California grizzlies in Argentina; I played with the USA U20s in the Netherlands; and I’m currently on the RFCLA academy team.

Personal History – I was in the marching and concert band in high school, along with being the mechanical lead of my robotics team. I’m an Eagle Scout. I’m really into wargaming, specifically Warhammer 40,000. I’m a Godzilla fan. My mullet was grown during Covid lockdowns with inspiration from Jack Goodhue. When I was in Argentina, a group of local people from one of the towns nicknamed me el mulleto, and I only trusted 1 barber with my mullet.

11 (11) Calvin Liulamaga, 9 (21) Joshua Schwartz, 11 (23) Connor Williams, 11 (35) Jamie Armstrong

Center.Central Washington University (Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance). Auburn HS, Hometown: Auburn, WA. Age: 24, Height: 6-1, Weight: 215

Alumni in MLR: Vili Toluta’u, John Hayden, John DuPree, Brian Nault, Ivan Pula, Marquess Fuala’au, Noah Wright, Jonah Auva’a, Albert O’Shannessey

Personal History – I’m the youngest of 6, I love playing and watching all sports, very competitive, video game fanatic

Hooker, Queen’s University of Charlotte (Bachelor’s in Sports Management, pursuing MBA), Wellington HS, Hometown: Wellington, FL, Age: 22, Height: 5-9, Weight: 230

Personal History – Fun Fact: I was a paintball referee for 2 years in high school, I can juggle, & I caught my PB Bass fish during COVID lockdowns which I assumed was around 6 pounds.

Tighthead Prop, Universite de Ottawa, Hometown: Ottawa, ON, Age: 25, Height: 5-11, Weight: 270

Personal History – Outside of Rugby I am an avid Gym goer and work with young Athletes to help develop their S&C to become better players. I currently Coach Juniors rugby with the Ottawa Irish and look to give back to the grassroots of rugby. I do swim regularly and am looking to compete in a swimming competition shortly. Before Rugby, I was a part of the Uottawa Men’s Football team and played for two years before joining rugby.

Fly-Half/Fullback, Universite de Ottawa (Economics), Sacred Heart C.H.S., Hometown: Ottawa, ON, Age: 23, 6’3″, 190 lbs

Rugby History – I began playing junior rugby for the Ottawa Irish and Sacred Heart High School, where my team won 4 city championships and I was named team MVP in grades 11 and 12. I then played at the University of Ottawa from 2019-2023. During this time I was named RSEQ first-team all-star three times, league MVP in 2021, and leading point scorer. I also captained the team to the program first first-ever provincial championship in 2023. After the 2023 season, I moved to British Columbia to play for the Pacific Pride Canadian National Development Academy.

4 (16) Tielu Sagala, 4 (28) Cole Semu, 4 (30) Nicholas Andiarena

Wing, Brigham Young University, Utah State University (BBA Business Administration &. Management), Herriman High School, Hometown: Lawndale, California (Current: Herriman, UT), Age: 23, Height: 6-1, Weight: 213

Alumni in MLR: Shaun Davies, Matt Jensen, James Mocke, Kyle Sumsion, Oli Kilifi, Connor Olvera

Center, Brigham Young University (BS Kinesiology. & Exercise Science), Ferndale High School (Washington), Hometown: Auckland, NZ (Moved to Washington age 8), Age: 24, Height: 5-9, Weight: 212

Alumni in MLR: Shaun Davies, Matt Jensen, James Mocke, Kyle Sumsion, Oli Kilifi, Connor Olvera

Flanker, Adrian College (BBA Business Administration), Northridge HS, Hometown: Layton, UT, Age: 23, Height: 6-3, Weight: 235

Personal History – Started playing men’s league at 17. Won some chess tournaments highest ranked chess player on Adrian College.

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