Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
As the excitement continues to build for the third edition of Major League Rugby’s Collegiate Draft, we cast our eyes back towards the first two years and rank the top picks from the 63 players selected. The criteria was somewhat loose but in general we looked at 1) performance and 2) value.
Two of the players below have already played test rugby, and all have the potential to in the future. Note that those selected in 2020’s Supplementary Draft were not considered – that includes Houston vice-captain Christian Dyer and ATL scrumhalf Ryan Rees.
HONORABLE MENTION – EMERSON PRIOR
It’s almost unbelievable that Prior wasn’t taken until 37th overall – the third last pick – in 2021. The Canada u20 international was bizarrely overlooked by the Arrows despite being part of their academy system. Their loss was Utah’s gain, and Prior made four starts at loosehead prop in his first season as a pro. He’s easily among the top value picks to date.
#10 – ZACH BASTRES
Only marginally ahead of Prior on our list, Bastres is another who didn’t go until late in the 2021 decision at 34th overall. He was part of the USA’s u23 High Performance program so perhaps should have got closer consideration from others. New England have unearthed a gem. He only played four games in 2022 before falling with injury, but Bastres showed tremendous pace and commitment that should see him contending for a starting role on the wing in 2023.
#9 – EMMANUEL ALBERT
A Rudy Scholz winner and the 2nd overall pick in 2021, it was always expected that Albert would make his mark. After missing the first couple weeks of the season this year he played 13 in a row for the SaberCats. Has all the physical attributes to be an Eagles contender and is soaking up knowledge from Heyneke Meyer and Pote Human. Spent much of his time at lock but is best suited for the blindside flank, where he should feature in the near future.
#8 – JAMES O’NEILL
We were left scratching our heads when the UVic and national u20 captain was still available at #26 in 2021. He was already a proven performer at senior level and many thought he would immediately challenge for a test spot with Canada. While it was disappointing to lose Ben LeSage to LA, the Arrows at least got quality in return and now look set to hand O’Neill the starting No7 shirt next season.
#7 – CONNOR BURNS
Another who in retrospect should have gone higher, he went just ahead of O’Neill at #24 in 2021. His import status perhaps scared some teams off, but Utah backed his talent and they were rewarded in spades. By the second half of the season Burns was a starter and next year he will be US-qualified. That’s a huge boost to club and country, with the Eagles scouts surely casting their eyes towards the English-born outside back.
#6 – MIKE MATARAZZO
An interesting choice in that he, like O’Neill, did not really make his mark with the team that drafted him. Matarazzo was effectively a ‘redshirt freshman’ after being the 8th overall pick in 2020 by ATL. He made just one appearance before being snapped up by Dallas. It now looks a brilliant bit of business after he started 13 games and by the end of the season was vice-captain. Having previously switched between lock and eightman, Matarazzo did very well as a blindside flanker with the Jackals.
#5 – ERIC NAPOSKI
This guy was always going to be good, as indicated by his 1st overall selection in 2021. With speed to burn and great vision, Naposki was a threat every time he touched the ball and was equally impressive at wing and fullback. Only injury kept him from building on his 10 starts and 3 tries. Top picks have flopped before in other sports but the Jackals have themselves a keeper.
#4 – CONNER MOONEYHAM
The 1st overall pick in 2020 holds the unique distinction of being drafted twice. When Dallas postponed their entry, Austin grabbed Mooneyham in the supplementary draft and reaped the rewards. He was one of the form wingers in his rookie season and concussion denied him a spot on the Eagles tour. Not quite as sharp in 2021 but 21 starts in two seasons in a very good team is a great return so far.
#3 – BRIAN NAULT
Selected just behind Mooneyham at #2 in 2020, Nault has 20 appearances thus far with a modest 8 starts. That said 7 starts came in 2022 and quality American-born tighthead props are – if you’ll pardon the pun – like gold. The converted loose forward still has plenty of room for growth as a player and is already pushing Eagles veteran Dino Waldren for the starting No3 shirt for NOLA.
#2 – TAVITE LOPETI
Highly rated entering the draft, and even more so after it. Lopeti was the #3 pick in 2021 and before he had even strapped up his boots for the Seawolves the midfielder was already a capped US Eagle. The 2022 MLR Rookie of the Year looks set to be an international fixture for years to come. Perhaps the only question is how long will be stay in MLR before overseas clubs come calling?
#1 – ANDREW GUERRA
An inspired choice by the Gold at #10 overall in 2020, Guerra wouldn’t have been on too many radars heading into the draft. Given his size there was some discussion about switching him to hooker, but it didn’t take long before he was proving his worth as a dynamite openside flanker. MLR’s Rookie of the Year in 2021 and the first Collegiate Draft pick to earn full international honors. Missed all of the 2022 season with a broken leg and NOLA fans are counting the days until he’s back on the pitch.
