Men's Rugby Head Coach Josh Macy has been selected to coach the Major League Rugby (MLR) Rising Match July 7-12 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The match will feature the top 50 college prospects in the United States ahead of the 2024 MLR draft and will be played prior to a USA Eagles versus Scotland match at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
 
These players selected by the MLR will have the opportunity to display their talents in front of MLR teams and national team staff, potentially increasing their chances of being picked in the upcoming MLR College Draft and moving on to international duty.

Participants in MLR Rising will be immersed in a professional rugby environment, engaged in training sessions, workshops, and matches that simulate life in professional rugby. Additionally, they will attend the USA versus Scotland match on July 12, offering a unique exposure to high-level rugby competition.

The program aims to strengthen the pathway between college rugby and professional opportunities, enhancing the evaluation process for MLR teams and providing clear routes to professional playing and coaching careers. Historically, the Collegiate Rugby Shield has been a successful springboard for players entering the MLR Draft, and MLR Rising intends to build on this legacy.

Macy has amassed a career win percentage of 80.6 percent and brought multiple conference and national championships to Lindenwood in his eight seasons at the helm. His teams have been known for their community-oriented culture and engagement on campus. Furthermore, his Lions have a proven track record of preparing players for the next level with a multi-year history of having more Lindenwood players drafted than any other institution. He will now loan that experience to the MLR Rising Program.