D1A Rugby is rightfully touting its success in the Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft, noting that of the 24 players chosen, 20 were D1A players.
Only Levi Van Lanen (DII, UW-Whitewater), Danny Giannascoli (DII or NSCRO, Loyola Maryland), Mason Koch (DIAA, Dartmouth), and Eliah Hayes (DIAA, Iowa Central CC) were not D1A players.
Including #1 pick Conner Mooneyham of Life University, all 12 of the first-round picks were DIA players.
As Shocked As Anyone: Mooneyham Ponders Being #1 “It’s easier to evaluate top talent when they are competing against top opposition,” one league official was quoted as saying. “A college to pro-environment is an exponential step for student athletes and this group of 20 were classified as those who can take the next step.”
“This an exciting time to be a young aspirational rugby player,” added DIA Collegiate Commissioner Kevin Battle. “The D1A to MLR pipeline is strong and will only grow in both quality and numbers as we work together to build a dominant rugby culture in America. I want to congratulate all of the players selected today, along with their families, coaches, staff, teammates and friends.”
Of the DIA programs represented in the draft, Iona and AIC have moved with the Liberty to NCR, Mary Washington has moved to the Chesapeake Conference in DIAA, and Notre Dame won't return to DIA.
