Conner Mooneyham will stay in Texas for his first Major League Rugby campaign. The 24-year-old Life University star and first overall pick in the Collegiate Draft has signed with the Austin Gilgronis following the withdrawal of the Dallas Jackals from the 2021 season.
Austin acquired Mooneyham in the supplementary draft, selecting him with the third pick. It’s a unique bit of trivia that will see the Collegiate All-American go down as the first player to be drafted twice in one year. He adds depth to Austin’s backline being able to play outside center and wing.
The Gilgronis are now nearing a complete roster for the new season. Mooneyham joins the versatile Ned Hodson as recent additions in the backline, while the front row has added loosehead prop Jake Turnbull and hooker Hugh Roach. Former All Blacks lock Isaac Ross is still to be confirmed after reportedly being signed as a player-coach.