The finalists for the 2021 Rudy Scholz Award given to the best men's collegiate rugby player in the country have been confirmed.

With coaches, team representatives, and fans helping with the vote, and with a panel of experts also voting, the list of five finalists is as follows:

Wendling is a two-way center who got his start with the Chuckanut Youth program before joining CWU. A physical midfielder who has pace, intelligence, and power, Wendling is in the middle of Central Washington's best moments.

Phelan can play center or fullback, but has emerged as a fullback with superb counterattacking skills. A collegiate All American as early as 2018, Phelan was Squad Captain for the Life team this season, and combines a silky way of running with intense physicality.

Telea Ilalio won the Scholz Award in 2020 and has picked up where he left off last year. One of the leaders of the Saint Mary's Gaels, Telea Ilalio, who got his start with the Archbishop Riordan team in Northern California, is a game-changer at prop whether playing in the open field or in tight.

Albert got his start with the Eagan program in Minnesota. A quiet leader on the field he lets his thundering hits and massive work rate at lock speak for himself. The signal-caller of the Lindenwood lineout he helped Lindenwood to a #1 ranking.

ASU scrumhalf van Rensburg is a dynamic #9 who keeps the attack moving and is a pest on defense. 

The panel of expert coaches and media will now work together to select this year's winner. The Rudy Scholz Award is sponsored by the Washington Athletic Club of Seattle, Wash., and has been given out since 2016.

The past winners are:

2016: Dyland Audsley, Saint Mary's
2017: Bryce Campbell, Indiana
2018: Connor McNerney, Navy
2019: Harley Wheeler, Life University
2020: Payton Telea Ilalio, Saint Mary's