In the third annual Major League Rugby (MLR) draft held Thursday night in Austin, Texas, men's rugby continued its success with five players selected, the most of any school in the country. Gabe Kettering, Neal Moylett, William Whiteside, Samuel Buckley, and Evan Conlon all heard their names called during the three rounds of the event.
Prop Gabe Kettering was the highest Lions selection as the 11th pick in the first round by the Utah Warriors. Kettering was a three-year starter for Lindenwood and is currently finishing a master's degree at Trinity in Ireland. He will look to make an immediate impact with his new team in the upcoming season.
Current senior and team captain Neal Moylett was selected in the second round as the 25th overall pick by the Seattle Seawolves. Although he still has one year of eligibility remaining as a Lion, the Seawolves will still own his rights for the upcoming season. Moylett is trending to have a very successful professional rugby career after his time at Lindenwood is completed.
Second Row player William Whiteside heard his name called in the third round with the 29th overall pick by Rugby New York. Standing at six feet, five inches, Whiteside hopes to use his large frame and his lineout ability to carve out a role in Big Apple.
Samuel Buckley, another prop, was selected next by the Utah Warriors in the third round with the 30th overall pick. Buckley will translate his vast experience in the scrum and maul into playing time with the Salt Lake City club.
Evan Conlon was the last Lion to be drafted when he was picked by Rugby ATL in the third round with the 35th overall pick. The scrumhalf brings a high motor and strong defensive skills to the team where he will look to push for minutes in Atlanta's rotation.
After another year leading the MLR in draft selections, the Lions continue to prove that the Lindenwood system is capable of producing major league talent year after year as Head Coach Josh Macy highlighted.
"Not only do we have the highest number of players selected in the draft again, but we have more players earning meaningful minutes with their respective teams than any other school in the country," Macy said. "Five out of the six players drafted in 2021 received significant playing time and contributed greatly during their rookie season. I expect no difference from the players drafted this year and look forward to watching this group's future success."
With a total of 13 players drafted over the past three years, Lindenwood has become a powerhouse in identifying and developing players for the MLR and other professional ranks.
2022 Lindenwood MLR Draft Selections
Gabe Kettering: Round 1, Pick 11 to the Utah Warriors
Neal Moylett: Round 2, Pick 25 to the Seattle Seawolves
William Whiteside: Round 3, Pick 29 to Rugby New York
Samuel Buckley: Round 3, Pick 30 to the Utah Warriors
Evan Conlon: Round 3, Pick 35 to Rugby Atlanta
