Two Time All-American Joins RUNY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 TIME COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICAN JOINS RUNY

NEW YORK (November 20, 2018)- Rugby United New York is excited to announce the signing of 2-time Collegiate All-American Alex MacDonald. The Lock, from Hilton Head, South Carolina, recently wrapped up his career at Trinity College, Ireland, before returning to the States.

MacDonald began playing as a freshman at The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina. The team went winless his first year, but by the Lock’s senior year on campus, they won their conference title and clinched a berth in the Division 2 Collegiate National Championships.

After graduating from the Citadel, MacDonald went to Life University for a year. It was a successful year for both MacDonald and the team, as he was a contributing factor in a very successful collegiate program. They ended up losing the National Championship to St. Mary’s College, California, by less than a converted try.

MacDonald then moved to Ireland, and has been playing with Trinity College in the All Ireland League since. His versatility, playing as a Lock and in the Back Row, will be invaluable for RUNY over the course of the long season.

“I loved the immediate immersion and acceptance of Major League Rugby into our American culture of ‘sport mania’,” MacDonald said. “I simply knew I wanted to be involved. A lot of big names have come together for RUNY, it’s hard not to have high expectations for this season.”

“Alex is a great addition to our squad,” Head Coach Mike Tolkin told us. “He brings a great work ethic, and has been part of winning tradition and cultures with each of his clubs. He really excelled his growth as a player during his recent stint at Trinity in Dublin.”

MacDonald is the latest signing for New York City’s first professional rugby franchise. In the midst of all the news, don’t forget to check out our online store for EXCLUSIVE BLACK FRIDAY DEALS. Use promo code “blackfriday” at checkout for 20% off.

About Rugby United New York

Rugby United New York is a professional rugby team who joined Major League Rugby as an associate member in 2018, playing a brief, but successful exhibition season. Their first full MLR schedule will take place in 2019. When they officially join the league, RUNY’s vision is to bring the excitement of professional rugby to the New York sports landscape. The use of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, and discipline will help to educate, inspire and connect with the New York Community. Rugby United New York, the city’s first professional rugby franchise, strives to unite the entire rugby community and enrich it at every level throughout the region. The team was founded by James Kennedy of the Murphy Kennedy Group, who is an active supporter of grassroots rugby.

About MLR

MLR is a professional rugby league that launched in April of 2018. It’s an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes. For more information, visit usmlr.com.