MLR Draft Class of 2021 – One-year progress report

The second edition of the Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft saw a significant expansion on 2020. With the Toronto Arrows opting in this time there were 13 players selected per round, with an extra round making it 39 picks all in 2021 up from 24 the previous year.

Dallas had five picks in the draft and remarkably ended up with 7 of the 39 players after acquiring Cael Hodgson and Asa Carter in trade. All told 23 players made their MLR debuts in 2022, with several others appearing for academy sides.

Tavite Lopeti earned Eagles selection before he made his first appearance with the Seawolves. Four players were included in the USA Selects squad for the Americas Pacific Challenge last fall. Others look like to be challenging for senior international honors in the future.

Below we take a look back at how the Class of 2021 faired in their first season as professionals. Our two-year progress report on the Class of 2020 can be seen here, with their one-year report here.

 

 

ROUND 1

 

#1

Eric Naposki
Team: Dallas Jackals
Selected by: Dallas Jackals
Position: Wing / Fullback
MLR Debut: 2022-02-05 vs Austin
Games Played: 10
Games Started: 10

The consensus runner-up to Rookie of the Year after an impressive start to his MLR account. Naposki was a constant running threat, playing either on the right wing or fullback. He scored three tries, which doesn’t sound like much but was good enough for second on a team that didn’t score a lot this season. Played for the USA Selects in Uruguay and looks a future Eagles contender.

 

#2

Emmanuel Albert
Team: Houston SaberCats
Selected by: Houston SaberCats
Position: Lock / Blindside Flanker
MLR Debut: 2022-03-05 vs ATL
Games Played: 13
Games Started: 1

Injured to start the season but once he was fit he appeared in every game for Houston. Proved a good lineout option and mobile around the pitch. He spent more time at lock than flanker this season but it’s in the latter position where he should settle in with more experience.

 

#3

Tavite Lopeti
Team: Seattle Seawolves
Selected by: Seattle Seawolves
Position: Center
MLR Debut: 2022-02-06 vs Toronto
Games Played: 17
Games Started: 15

The Seawolves were all smiles when their prized pick was quickly called up to make his Eagles debut before he had ever stepped foot on the field in MLR. A unanimous pick as Rookie of the Year after securing the starting No12 shirt, though he wears No13 for the Eagles. Got off to an explosive start before injuries unfortunately slowed him at the tail end of the season.

 

#4

Logan Martin-Feek
Team: unattached
Selected by: Toronto Arrows
Position: Flyhalf
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Injured while playing in the Coastal Cup competition, Martin-Feek did not end up joining the Arrows as a result. The injury also ruled him out of the BC Premier League season.

 

#5

Jonah Dietenberger
Team: San Diego Legion
Selected by: San Diego Legion
Position: Lock
MLR Debut: 2022-02-12 vs Dallas
Games Played: 2
Games Started: 0

The tallest man in the draft trained with the side all year and was named in the match day 23 on five occasions, but appeared just twice. San Diego Head Coach Danny Lee seemed reluctant to use any of his young players in 2022.

 

#6

Chase Schor-Haskin
Team: NOLA Gold
Selected by: Rugby New York
Position: Flanker
MLR Debut: 2022-02-12 vs ATL
Games Played: 1
Games Started: 0

Traded to New Orleans, Schor-Haskin appeared just once for the Gold but not for lack of ability. He instead spent most of the season training with the Eagles Sevens squad and played in the two Spain tournaments in January.

 

#7

Caleb Strum
Team: Austin Gilgronis
Selected by: Austin Gilgronis
Position: Wing
MLR Debut: 2022-04-16 vs Dallas
Games Played: 2
Games Started: 0

A regular in the AG Outlaws academy side during the fall, Strum appeared just twice in the regular season as Austin were pushing for a playoff spot. Tall and wiry, he showed good pace in his brief appearances.

 

#8

Cael Hodgson
Team: Dallas Jackals
Selected by: New England Free Jacks
Position: Center / Wing
MLR Debut: 2022-03-12 vs Dallas
Games Played: 9
Games Started: 9

Traveled to Uruguay with the USA Selects but with playing time at New England unlikely, Hodgson was dealt to the Jackals. He was immediately drafted into the starting lineup and played mostly on the left wing with two starts at outside center. A big and physical ball runner, he could also get a look at the No12 shirt in the future.

 

#9

Joey Backe
Team: Utah Warriors
Selected by: Utah Warriors
Position: Hooker
MLR Debut: 2022-03-26 vs Houston
Games Played: 4
Games Started: 0

Another who traveled with the USA Selects to Uruguay. Backe was primarily a No8 in college but has made the transition to hooker. Still has work to do on the technical side but he is a good athlete and will have learned much training with now-retired Eagles cap Chad Gough.

 

#10

DeCor Davis
Team: Dallas Jackals
Selected by: Dallas Jackals
Position: Number Eight
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

There was some discussion as to what his position would be with front row the initial thought, though the team eventually left him in his collegiate spot at No8. In the end Davis didn’t see the field and there might be more conversation about a switch to prop given his size.

 

#11

George Sharpe
Team: NOLA Gold
Selected by: NOLA Gold
Position: Hooker
MLR Debut: 2022-02-05 vs New England
Games Played: 5
Games Started: 1

Called up to the USA Selects for the Americas Pacific Challenge where he started both games alongside Gold teammate Brian Nault. Sharpe was called into action early for the Gold and got his first start towards the end of the season. Recently traveled with the USA South Panthers to Colombia for more game time.

 

#12

Isaac Bales
Team: Rugby ATL
Selected by: Rugby ATL
Position: Hooker
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

An unfortunate knee injury ruled Bales out for the entirety of the season. ATL will be hoping he is fully fit in time for the 2023 campaign.

 

#13

Sam Klimkowski
Team: NOLA Gold
Selected by: LA Giltinis
Position: Loosehead Prop
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

An imposing physical presence, Klimkowski showed up for preseason with LA and promptly lost 20 pounds but then opted to step away temporarily for personal reasons. He was then dealt to NOLA later in the season and has yet to make his pro debut.

 

ROUND 2

 

#14

Aaron Gray
Team: Dallas Jackals
Selected by: Dallas Jackals
Position: Wing
MLR Debut: 2022-02-05 vs Austin
Games Played: 9
Games Started: 5

On the smaller side but Gray has plenty of pace. First choice on the left wing until Cael Hodgson arrived. Gray was then used sparingly for the rest of the season.

 

#15

Tinashe Muchena
Team: Houston SaberCats
Selected by: Houston SaberCats
Position: Number Eight
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

The SaberCats took a chance on Muchena knowing he would not be US-eligible for another year. With numerous imports already on their roster he instead spent the entire season playing with the Rugby HTX academy side. The powerful Zimbabwean will hope to make an impact in 2023.

 

#16

Darell Williams
Team: Seattle Seawolves
Selected by: Seattle Seawolves
Position: Wing
MLR Debut: 2022-02-26 vs Austin
Games Played: 1
Games Started: 0

A relative unknown coming out of Life University, Williams only played a few minutes as a replacement against Austin. It’s unknown if he will return in 2023.

 

#17

Bryce Worden
Team: unattached
Selected by: Toronto Arrows
Position: Tighthead Prop
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

The former Canada u20 international didn’t end up sticking with the Arrows and instead return to play for Burnaby Lake in the BC Premier League. He was their starting tighthead prop, with former SaberCat Nik Hildebrand scrumming down on the loosehead side.

 

#18

Thomas Capriotti
Team: unattached
Selected by: San Diego Legion
Position: Hooker
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Drafted but unsigned by the Legion, Capriotti was training with Old Glory in the preseason but suffered a season-ending injury.

 

#19

Palema Roberts
Team: Old Glory DC
Selected by: Old Glory DC
Position: Center
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Played in the first preseason game against Toronto but unfortunately suffered a season-ending knee injury. ‘Nikey’ will be looking to make his debut in 2023.

 

#20

Asa Carter
Team: Dallas Jackals
Selected by: Austin Gilgronis
Position: Flanker
MLR Debut: 2022-02-12 vs DC
Games Played: 8
Games Started: 5

Played two games early in the season with Austin before being dealt to Dallas. There he established himself as a key member of the pack with starts in all three back row positions. At 6’4″ (1.93m) he has the size to play anywhere but could be an abrasive option at openside flanker.

 

#21

Anthony Adamcheck
Team: unattached
Selected by: New England Free Jacks
Position: Prop
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Played with the academy side in the fall and looked to be trending towards a senior spot, but then opted out of a professional deal and left the team for personal reasons.

 

#22

Christian Alvarez
Team: NOLA Gold
Selected by: NOLA Gold
Position: Scrumhalf
MLR Debut: 2022-04-16 vs Toronto
Games Played: 2
Games Started: 0

Stuck it out as third-choice No9 for the Gold behind Damian Stevens and Devereaux Ferris. He is a unique prospect with unusual size for a scrumhalf.

 

#23

Alejandro Torres
Team: Dallas Jackals
Selected by: Dallas Jackals
Position: Flyhalf
MLR Debut: 2022-02-26 vs New York
Games Played: 7
Games Started: 6

His appearances were limited due in part to injury and also import restrictions. Torres is on the lighter side but has tremendous footballing skills and good speed. Primarily a flyhalf, he also had starts at outside center, wing, and fullback. Should be a key man for the team in 2023.

 

#24

Connor Burns
Team: Utah Warriors
Selected by: Utah Warriors
Position: Wing / Fullback
MLR Debut: 2022-02-10 vs Seattle
Games Played: 10
Games Started: 7

The tall, rangy runner had an exceptional first season with the Warriors. He was eased into the side but in the second half of the season pushed Eagles flyer Mike Te’o to the bench. Burns will soon be US-eligible and is certain to be a contender for Eagles selection with his size, speed, and kicking ability.

 

#25

Coleson Warner
Team: Utah Warriors
Selected by: Rugby ATL
Position: Flyhalf
MLR Debut: 2022-03-05 vs Dallas
Games Played: 3
Games Started: 0

Spent little time with ATL before being dealt to Utah. Warner also spent some time training with the Eagles Sevens side but managed to make three appearances with the Warriors. A bit lightweight but has good skills and speed.

 

#26

James O’Neill
Team: Toronto Arrows
Selected by: LA Giltinis
Position: Openside Flanker
MLR Debut: 2022-02-06 vs Seattle
Games Played: 10
Games Started: 6

Traded to Toronto as part of the deal that sent Ben LeSage to LA. It was a surprise to see O’Neill go so low in the draft and he showed why with some outstanding breakdown work. Worked his way into a starting role towards the second half of the season before suspension ended his campaign early.

 

ROUND 3

 

#27

Calvin Gentry
Team: Dallas Jackals
Selected by: Dallas Jackals
Position: Openside Flanker
MLR Debut: 2022-02-19 vs Houston
Games Played: 2
Games Started: 0

Another at Dallas whose position was undecided heading into the season. A midfielder with the All-Americans, he played openside flanker for the Jackals but was limited to just two appearances during the season due to injury.

 

#28

Dillon Shotwell
Team: San Diego Legion
Selected by: Houston SaberCats
Position: Hooker
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Not retained by Houston, who instead had three imports at hooker, Shotwell was dealt to San Diego. The USA u20 representative played in the preseason and showed some potential. He would make one match day squad in the regular season but didn’t see the field.

 

#29

Ethan Scott
Team: unattached
Selected by: Seattle Seawolves
Position: Scrumhalf
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Unsigned by Seattle, Scott instead spent the season playing with Houston’s academy side Rugby HTX.

 

#30

Carmen Consolino
Team: unattached
Selected by: NOLA Gold
Position: Scrumhalf / Flyhalf
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

NOLA dealt his rights to Dallas but he didn’t stick with the Jackals either and is currently unattached.

 

#31

Dom Iacovino
Team: San Diego Legion
Selected by: San Diego Legion
Position: Center
MLR Debut: 2022-02-12 vs Dallas
Games Played: 2
Games Started: 0

Played as a fullback with GCU but the lumpy ball-runner switched to the midfield with San Diego in the preseason. He would make two appearances early in the campaign as a replacement but was injured against Seattle and played no further part in the campaign.

 

#32

LJ Koi-Larbi
Team: Old Glory DC
Selected by: Old Glory DC
Position: Center
MLR Debut: 2022-02-05 vs ATL
Games Played: 3
Games Started: 0

Switched between center and wing in the preseason, all three of his regular season appearances were on the left wing. Along with ‘Nikey’ Roberts will be hoping to make more of an impression in 2023.

 

#33

Brandon Asbel
Team: unattached
Selected by: Austin Gilgronis
Position: Hooker
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

A loose forward  in college, Asbel made the full-time switch to hooker. He spent the season playing with the AG Outlaws academy side.

 

#34

Zach Bastres
Team: New England Free Jacks
Selected by: New England Free Jacks
Position: Wing
MLR Debut: 2022-02-18 vs DC
Games Played: 4
Games Started: 2

Among the very best picks in the draft in terms of value. Bastres was initially brought in as a development player but impressed so much in training he forced his way into the starting lineup. Showed some real potential on the right wing before a broken collarbone ended his season early. The fastest player on the Free Jacks roster, one to watch.

 

#35

Sam Mace
Team: Toronto Arrows
Selected by: Toronto Arrows
Position: Hooker
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Both Andrew Quattrin and Jack McRogers played every game this season for Toronto, leaving Mace to stick it out with the academy side. He captained that side on four occasions in the spring. EDIT: Mace has now departed the team, signing for Leeds Tykes.

 

#36

Peter Reyes
Team: Rugby New York
Selected by: Rugby New York
Position: Loosehead Prop
MLR Debut: 2022-05-08 vs Toronto
Games Played: 1
Games Started: 0

Played lock and loose forward in college and with White Plains, but New York have been attempting to convert him to prop. Recently traveled with the USA South Panthers to Colombia but didn’t play prop for them so it’s unclear where his future lies.

 

#37

Emerson Prior
Team: Utah Warriors
Selected by: Utah Warriors
Position: Loosehead Prop
MLR Debut: 2022-02-19 vs Austin
Games Played: 7
Games Started: 4

Another high on the great value scale. The Canada u20 international and former Arrows academy member was surprisingly still available for Utah late in the third round. Prior waited patiently for his opportunity and he was rewarded with four starts towards the end of the season. Recently spent time playing club rugby in New Zealand to sharpen his skills.

 

#38

Sean Akins
Team: unattached
Selected by: Rugby ATL
Position: Openside Flanker
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Akins did not end up sticking with ATL and it’s not clear if he is still in their academy system.

 

#39

Gerald Lowe
Team: unattached
Selected by: LA Giltinis
Position: Flanker
MLR Debut: n/a
Games Played: 0
Games Started: 0

Originally from South Africa, Lowe’s import status meant it was unlikely he would make the Giltinis this season. He instead played for the academy side. Will hit the five-year residency mark this fall which will classify him as a domestic player in 2023.