Five Arrows Named to 2019 MLR All-Star Teams

Congratulations to the five Arrows selected to the 2019 MLR All-Star teams.

Prop Rob Brouwer and lock Mike Sheppard have been named to the All-MLR First XV, while prop Morgan Mitchell, fly-half Sam Malcolm and wing Dan Moor have earned spots on the All-MLR Second XV.

View this post on Instagram

Five Arrows have been named to 2019 MLR All-Star teams ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ All-MLR 1st XV:⁣⁣ @robbie.cb⁣⁣ @dustysheppy ⁣⁣ ⁣ All-MLR 2nd XV:⁣⁣ @morgy_mitchell ⁣ @sammy_malcs ⁣ @dan.ag.moor ⁣⁣ ⁣ @usmlr | #ArrowsUp

A post shared by Toronto Arrows (@torontoarrows) on Jun 25, 2019 at 2:00pm PDT

Well done, lads!

Major League Rugby Release

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (June 25, 2019) – Major League Rugby (MLR) officially announced its award winners and All-MLR team selections for the 2019 season on Tuesday.

Fresh off his team’s successful title defense, Brad Tucker of the Seattle Seawolves has been named the 2019 Player of the Year. Tucker was a force at lock for the Seawolves all season long, making his presence felt on both sides of the ball. His consistent performance throughout the regular season carried into the playoffs and was instrumental to the Seawolves during their post-season run to defending the MLR Championship Shield. 

MLR also announced the top 30 players throughout the season, making up the first and second All-MLR teams. The selections were voted on by members of the MLR media: 

“Congratulations to all the players being recognized for their exceptional achievements on the field this season,” said Dean Howes, Commissioner of Major League Rugby. “The depth of talent in the league is truly impressive and each selected player had a truly remarkable season.” 

The First and Second All-MLR Teams represent the best players from each positional group who consistently demonstrated top play on the pitch throughout the regular season.

Number of selections by team:

• Seattle – 6
• San Diego – 6
• New York – 5
• Toronto – 5
• NOLA – 4
• Utah – 2
• Glendale – 1
• Austin – 1

Finally, the MLR also announced its major accolades for the 2019 season. The following recipients exemplified excellence in performance throughout the year and have been recognized by members of the MLR media:

PLAYER OF THE YEAR – BRAD TUCKER (Seattle Seawolves) 

Seattle Seawolves lock Brad Tucker logged seven tries and 1072.9 metres on 188 ball carries in 2019. His impact didn’t end there – defensively Tucker posted an incredible 96% tackle percentage. 

FORWARD OF THE YEAR – PADDY RYAN (San Diego Legion)

Paddy Ryan was a key component of San Diego’s success this season. The tight-head prop had 711 metres on 123 carries on his way to two tries this season. Defensively, Ryan was extremely effective with a 94% tackle percentage.

BACK OF THE YEAR – JP DU PLESSIS (San Diego Legion)

When it came to consistent production, San Diego had to look no further than JP Du Plessis. This season, Du Plessis recorded seven tries while netting 1118 metres on 159 carries, earning him Back of the Year honours.

COACH OF THE YEAR – ROB HOADLEY (San Diego Legion)

The San Diego Legion were the story of the 2019 season, and it all started with coach Rob Hoadley, recipient of Coach of the Year honors. Hoadley was able to coach his squad to a 12-3-1 record throughout the regular season, leading them on a run that saw them narrowly edged out in the final seconds of the championship game.