With the spring season for the current men's rugby team well under way, the number of former Lions making an impact at the professional level continues to impress. Lindenwood currently has 19 former student-athletes competing as pros, spanning the entire globe in four different countries and seven different leagues.   
 
Of those 19 players, 14 of them are currently playing in the United States with either MLR or the PR7's. The five remaining Lions compete worldwide in the Pro14 (Ireland), Pro D2 (France), RFU (London), and the National League 1 (England). 
 
With the number of previous players competing, head coach Josh Macy can always find a team to root for.   
 
"Whether it is Ayden Hurst competing with Plymouth Albion in England or Nick Feakes finding success here in the U.S. with NOLA Gold, I always seem to find a team to follow on any given weekend," Coach Macy said. 
 
With the rise of the MLR league in the United States, the Lindenwood rugby program has established itself as a regular when it comes to producing MLR talent, leading the country with eight draft picks over the past two MLR drafts. 
 
Current MLR player Christian Rodriguez (LA Giltinis) reflected on his time as a Lion and how it has helped him as a professional.   
 
"Outside of the great memories and friendships I've made there, Lindenwood prepared me for the next level as best as I could've been prepared," he said. "The skills and knowledge I've gained from Lindenwood have put me in the right position to keep learning and performing. My time in the MLR has been great and I feel Lindenwood has been the key to any success I have on the field." 
 
Former Lions captain Wesley White was asked how his preparation at Lindenwood helped him carve out a playing career England.
 
"The jump was definitely made easier thanks to the system that I was in at Lindenwood from the players to staff," he recounted. "I've learned just how lucky I am to be fully invested into my rugby career as I have a degree behind my name. Lindenwood has really made a massive impact in my life, and I am truly thankful for it." 
 
The transition from college to the professional level is not an easy adjustment. Recent 2021 Houston Sabercats draft pick Tinashe Muchena talked about the learning curve at the pro level.
 
"The adjustment to the MLR has been the speed of the game and the emphasis on technique and details," he explained. "Dealing with much bigger, stronger, and faster athletes has evened the playing field in that aspect compared to college. The emphasis on technique and detail, being mentally engaged, and apply the technique aspect consistently during the games and practice is key." 
 
The Lions have continued their success this spring with nine victories in nine chances and former Lions have also enjoyed success in the pro ranks.