The MLR Rising camp is in its second full day and third day overall; here's a look at what's been going on.
On Monday the players arrived and got acquainted, with the key activity of the day being some meetings. The central focus of the main meeting was to establish expectations for both players on one side and the coaches, scouts, and observers on the other.
Becoming a professional player requires a professional mindset, the players were told, and if that hasn't started yet, it starts now. Players were urged by Coach Josh Macy to "be a player we want to root for."
But on the other hand, players have to look at the reality of Major League Rugby and professional rugby. Not all drafted players see the field. Some need time, still, to break into the lineup. Others perhaps deserve more time but teams are content with a sure thing rather than taking a risk on a rookie or a two-year player. Some just don't work out, or the situation isn't right for them.
Regardless, playing time for American players and for drafted players has increased from 2023 to 2024 (as per not only the league but third-party observers), and that's not just because the Anthem team is USA-focused. Four players drafted last year player more than 800 minutes (10 games' worth) this season in Major League Rugby. In 2023 that number was probably one, although might have been as many as three (we have numbers but are working to find independent confirmation on them so that's why we're being so general). Of the 78 players drafted over the last two years, about half have not played in MLR at all.
So all that is to say that the players were given a message that focused on how difficult it is to break into the league, and how hard work has to be part of the equation.
