2021 Major League Rugby Dream Team

It was a remarkable Major League Rugby season given the context of the pandemic with all 99 games completed successfully. The standard of rugby took another step forward and relative parity which made predictions exceedingly difficult on any given weekend.

A full slate of games meant for greater opportunity for individual achievement as well. Whereas in 2020 only five weeks were played, allowing a short run of form to secure a place in the team, 2021 demanded players maintain their influence over several months.

Some players started slowly and raised their game over the course of the season, others were more successful at the front end. Injuries also played their part in ruling some contenders out while a qualifying minimum of eight games played pushed a couple others out of the picture.

This was the first time we asked for fan input and while that did not dictate our final decision, it did have an influence where decisions were exceptionally close. As with previous seasons, sustained form was the primary determinant of selection with influence on their team’s success also a contributing factor.

Four players entered an exclusive club of being two-time selections. Without further adieu, the 2021 ARN Major League Rugby Dream Team is as follows:

1 – Chance Wenglewski (Rugby ATL) At just 24 years old Wenglewski is already a top grade front rower in MLR, with his defensive qualities unmatched by his peers. Though not a dominant scrummager yet he more than holds his own while his work rate in general is exceptional. LA’s JP Smith was the better ball carrier of the two and wasn’t far off as runner up. FAN VOTE: Chance Wenglewski (Rugby ATL)

2 – Dylan Fawsitt (Rugby United New York) Another season of absolute fury from the Irishman who was again the fulcrum of New York’s pack. Seemed to be more active in the wider spaces this season with several line breaks, but Fawsitt’s set piece work remains his bread and butter. Hooker was arguably MLR’s deepest position this season with numerous candidates. Of those Old Glory’s Mike Sosene-Feagai and Utah’s Sama Malolo were closest to selection. FAN VOTE: Dylan Fawsitt (Rugby United New York)

3 – Dino Waldren (NOLA Gold) Our first disagreement with the fan vote, but any of three candidates would have been acceptable answers. Steven Longwell turned Old Glory’s scrum around this season while LA’s Charlie Abel was a fearsome ball carrier. We opted for Waldren, whose scrum work was among the best in MLR while also proving a handful on the charge. Firmly back in the Eagles mix after missing out on the World Cup. FAN VOTE: Steven Longwell (Old Glory DC)

4 – Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL) Another disagreement. While we could hardly argue against the inclusion of LA skipper Dave Dennis, we simply couldn’t leave out Momsen after his enormous contributions to ATL’s Eastern Conference title run. Tackling, ball carrying, support play, lineout ability, work rate, leadership – Momsen is a complete package. Only a perceived lack of height keeps him from higher honors in his native South Africa. FAN VOTE: Dave Dennis (LA Giltinis)

5 – Nate Brakeley (Rugby United New York) It’s a full repeat in the second row from last season. Brakeley was again a colossal figure for New York, with his breakdown work particularly notable this season. He packs down on the right side of our scrum though he often played on the left side when paired with Nick Civetta. Honorable mention to Free Jacks captain Josh Larsen and Utah’s Aston Fortuin. FAN VOTE: Nate Brakeley (Rugby United New York)

6 – Angus Cottrell (LA Giltinis) We were somewhat surprised by the fan choice though Tomás de la Vega, last year’s choice, was again outstanding for the Arrows. In our view it was Cottrell who had the best season for blindside flankers. His support play on attack, ability to disrupt in the contact area, and overall presence played a big part in LA’s success. FAN VOTE: Tomás de la Vega (Toronto Arrows)

7 – Lucas Rumball (Toronto Arrows) This one came down to two players. New England’s Joe Johnston was very close and would not look out of place here. Rumball put on a masterclass at the breakdown this year and certainly could not be blamed for Toronto’s frustrating season. A battle-hardened veteran at the ripe old age of 26. FAN VOTE: Lucas Rumball (Toronto Arrows)

8 – Cam Dolan (NOLA Gold) The fans have spoken! It was virtually impossible to separate the claims of ATL’s Jason Damm, New England’s Wian Conradie, and the eventual winner. Dolan didn’t have the quickest start to the season but by the end he was back at the top of this game. Among the elite of MLR’s lineout operators, his leadership and all-around contributions for the Gold down the stretch were exemplary. FAN VOTE: Cam Dolan (NOLA Gold)

9 – Harrison Goddard (LA Giltinis) Amazingly this was the tightest race in the fan voting with New York’s Andy Ellis nudging just ahead. While Ellis would be a prime contender for league MVP this season, in terms of pure class it was Goddard who stood above the rest at scrumhalf. Lightning quick, sharp service, and an effective box kick. Don’t be surprised if Super Rugby comes calling in the off-season. FAN VOTE: Andy Ellis (Rugby United New York)

10 – Matt Giteau (LA Giltinis) The biggest signing heading into the year lived up to all expectations and then some. At 38 years old Giteau remains in superb physical condition and he put his body on the line repeatedly for his new club. Controlled the game with his kicking from hand and off the tee equally reliable. FAN VOTE: Matt Giteau (LA Giltinis)

11 – DTH van der Merwe (LA Giltinis) Last year’s choice Julián Domínguez was the best pure finisher in MLR and was not far off selection for a second straight year. It was the defensive qualities of van der Merwe that ultimately tipped the scales. Always seemed to be in the right place to field kicks and his cover tackling was faultless. FAN VOTE: DTH van der Merwe (LA Giltinis)

12 – Bill Meakes (LA Giltinis) ATL’s Bautista Ezcurra would make our match day 23 without question but the starting role had to go to the classy Australian. His upper body strength created line breaks and offloads, while his ability to win turnovers in the tackle area was the best among backs in MLR. It shouldn’t be a surprise that he played so well as a makeshift flanker! FAN VOTE: Bautista Ezcurra (Rugby ATL)

13 – Adam Ashley-Cooper (LA Giltinis) What a way to bow out. One had to wonder what Ashley-Cooper had left in the tank at the end of a glittering career but he looked very much up for the job from day one. Rock solid defensively and a creator on attack. His combination with Giteau was a joy to behold. Enjoy retirement good sir. FAN VOTE: Adam Ashley-Cooper (LA Giltinis)

14 – Mika Kruse (Utah Warriors) In general there were stronger candidates on the left than the right wing this season. Kruse also spent time at outside center for the Warriors but it was on the wing where he was given license to roam that proved most effective. His combination with another selection played a huge role in putting Utah back in the post-season. FAN VOTE: Mika Kruse (Utah Warriors)

15 – Mike Te’o (Utah Warriors) Similar to hooker with almost every team able to field a player of real quality at fullback. Toronto’s Joaquín Tuculet earned the fan vote and would be a strong choice in an MLR XV but the performance of Te’o over the course of the season and his overall impact on Utah’s success was undeniable. His ability to make something out of nothing, often by appearing in unexpected places, makes Te’o a nightmare to defend. FAN VOTE: Joaquín Tuculet (Toronto Arrows)

 

2020 DREAM TEAM
1 James Rochford (Rugby United New York), 2 Diego Fortuny (Houston SaberCats), 3 Cole Keith (Toronto Arrows), 4 Johan Momsen (Rugby ATL), 5 Nate Brakeley (Rugby United New York), 6 Tomás de la Vega (Toronto Arrows), 7 Mungo Mason (Old Glory DC), 8 Cam Dolan (NOLA Gold), 9 Danny Tusitala (Old Glory DC), 10 Jason Robertson (Old Glory DC), 11 Julián Domínguez (NOLA Gold), 12 Ma’a Nonu (San Diego Legion), 13 Carl Meyer (NOLA Gold), 14 Save Totovosau (San Diego Legion), 15 Sam Malcolm (Toronto Arrows)

 

2019 DREAM TEAM
1 Rob Brouwer (Toronto Arrows), 2 Dylan Fawsitt (Rugby United New York), 3 Paddy Ryan (San Diego Legion), 4 Mike Sheppard (Toronto Arrows), 5 Brad Tucker (Seattle Seawolves), 6 Lance Williams (Utah Warriors), 7 Nakai Penny (Seattle Seawolves), 8 Ross Deacon (Rugby United New York), 9 Nate Augspurger (San Diego Legion), 10 Joe Pietersen (San Diego Legion), 11 John Ryberg (Glendale Raptors), 12 JP du Plessis (San Diego Legion), 13 Tristan Blewett (NOLA Gold), 14 Brock Staller (Seattle Seawolves), 15 Mat Turner (Seattle Seawolves)

 

2018 DREAM TEAM
1 Olive Kilifi (Seattle Seawolves), 2 Zach Fenoglio (Glendale Raptors), 3 Tim Metcher (Seattle Seawolves), 4 Ben Mitchell (Austin Elite), 5 Matt Jensen (Utah Warriors), 6 Hanco Germishuys (Austin Elite), 7 Vili Toluta’u (Seattle Seawolves), 8 Sam Figg (Glendale Raptors), 9 Phil Mack (Seattle Seawolves), 10 Will Magie (Glendale Raptors), 11 Tonata Lauti (Utah Warriors), 12 Paul Lasike (Utah Warriors), 13 William Rasileka (Seattle Seawolves), 14 Harley Davidson (Glendale Raptors), 15 Maximo de Achaval (Glendale Raptors)