Why MLR’s first-ever number one draft pick won’t face Spain in Nations Cup

Conner Mooneyham was the first-ever number one pick in Major League Rugby Draft history, and the Life University product has continued to rise through rugby’s ranks since. The outside back played Scotland in July 2024 and suited up for the USA Eagles just last week.

Mooneyham touched down for a try as the USA built up an early lead in a World Rugby Nations Cup clash with Zimbabwe, who are also among the 24 teams that have qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

Seattle Seawolves flyer Rufus McLean had started the week before in the No. 14 jersey, as the Eagles claimed a thrilling 30-29 win over Portugal. But McLean was ruled out of the Zimbabwe match, and Mooneyham has now suffered the same fate after picking up an injury.

Both Mooneyham and McLean will miss the USA’s final Nations Cup fixture, which is against Spain in Cary, North Carolina, this weekend. Four-Test winger Mark O’Keeffe has been brought into the run-on side, while Perry Mayo holds down the starting job on the other edge.

Mayo debuted at international level against Os Lobos a fortnight ago, following a strong season in Europe with France Pro D2 outfit Nevers. The left winger has put in back-to-back 80-minute shifts and crossed for his maiden Test try against Spain.

“Rufus went off in the Spain game with an injury,” USA coach Scott Lawrence told reporters this week.

“We brought Conner in last week and Conner has got an injury; he’ll get a scan here on Monday next week and we’ll find out what’s going on there.

“It just happens to be one of those unfortunate coincidences that happen in a contact sport.”

Coach Lawrence has named a backline that includes four players with less than 10 USA Test appearances to their names. Chris Hilsenbeck is one of them, having played in eight matches so far for the Eagles, but the fly-half does have previous international experience with Germany.

Julian Roberts debuted against Portugal, providing impact off the bench in the USA’s first two Tests in the all-new Nations Cup. The midfielder has been called into the starting side this week, while 28-Test centre Tavite Lopeti provides impact off the bench.

Former New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans linebacker Cassh Maluia remains an uncapped prospect with the USA squad, following a strong MLR season with the California Legion, who made it to the championship game.

“One of the objectives for the year is to build a depth chart to go to the World Cup. We need to build depth in our backline, and in particular our centres,” Lawrence explained.

“Tavite Lopeti has been a great player for us and he’ll continue to be a great player and he’ll continue to start games and be a part of the team going forward.

“This was an opportunity to introduce Julian into the mix. We’re gradually starting him with a few minutes in the Portugal game and then we grew his minutes [against Zimbabwe]. This is just part of his journey as a player – he gets an opportunity to start the game and with some confidence that Lopeti is on the bench if needed.

“That’s important for us to bring young players through in a thoughtful way.

“We could put Mark O’Keefe outside [Roberts], who’s a very good communicator and can connect. And Dom, who’s become a defensive leader and he’s got a couple around him that will talk to him during the game, which is important.”