Major League Rugby to hold 2026 College Draft

The seventh edition of the Major League Rugby (MLR) College Draft is scheduled for Thursday, August 27. This year’s event is expected to be the shortest to date, featuring only 14 total selections across three rounds, with only five teams participating in the draft process.

Approximately 86 players have submitted their names for consideration. The draft pool includes significant international talent, with 30 candidates hailing from outside the United States and Canada. Notable international representation includes players from New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Zimbabwe.

Key prospects mentioned include triple All-American Solomon Williams and players such as River Hanson, Mario Storti, Nate Deegan, and Logan Ballinger. The draft follows changes to player eligibility; Canadian players are now classified as import-equivalent, while a revised MLR pathway affords domestic status to college players approaching U.S. eligibility.