Old Glory DC draft USA Eagles hopeful Logan Ballinger first overall in 2026 MLR College Draft

Old Glory DC opened the 2026 Major League Rugby College Draft by selecting Life University loose forward Logan Ballinger with the first overall pick on Thursday, with the flanker surrounded by his collegiate teammates as his name was called.

Ballinger is the latest in a line of MLR draftees to emerge from Life University’s prestigious rugby programme, following players such as Conner Mooneyham — the competition’s first-ever draft choice. MLR had flagged Ballinger as one of five players to watch ahead of the draft, highlighting his breakdown skills and his ambition to represent the USA Eagles at senior level. Speaking immediately after being selected, Ballinger said he brings “physicality” to the field.

Old Glory qualified for the playoffs last season but were eliminated in a heavy 59-22 defeat to eventual champions the Chicago Hounds on June 15. Ballinger’s arrival is seen as a significant addition to a DC roster looking to push deeper into the postseason.

The second pick went to the Seattle Seawolves, who selected University of California scrum-half Solomon Williams. A three-time First Team All-American and winner of the Rugy Scholz Award — the top honour in American collegiate rugby — Williams helped Cal claim the national championship and has represented the USA at age-grade level, most recently at Under-23.

“Lost for words right now. It’s an unreal experience, and to be picked by Seattle, what a great team with great history,” Williams said after being drafted. “I’d like to think I’m a team player and I want to do everything I can to win. Anything I can do to help the team and bring whatever aspects of my game to help win a championship, that’s my goal.”

California Legion, who reached last season’s championship game before falling to the Hounds, used the third pick on centre Coby Baker from California Polytechnic State University. Defending champions Chicago then added hooker Hayden McKay from Mount St. Mary’s with the fourth selection. McKay, who hails from Auckland, New Zealand, was among at least 30 draft prospects with hometowns outside the USA and Canada — a group that included four New Zealanders and six players each from South Africa and the UK.

In the second round, New England Free Jacks selected Owen Clarke, while Old Glory added Mario Storti and Seattle took David Cathcart.