MLR Draft: Eight Canadians Selected; Cali Martinez Top Canadian Pick
There were four Canadians drafted in Round 1, Cali Martinez went as 3rd pick to DC, Seth Purdey went to Atlanta as 4th pick, Owain Ruttan was 5th pick by Toronto and Ethan Hager went 8th pick to Dallas.
In Round 2 Sam Wegert of TWU was selected by Seattle, and Jack Shaw of Bishop’s went to Atlanta.
In Round 3 Gabe Casey was selected by Toronto as was Denver Fatt.
In last year’s MLR Draft there was only one Canadian to go in the first round, that was Logan Martin-Feek who was selected 4th by Toronto. Unfortunately he picked up an injury and never saw time with the Arrows. He’s back healthy and expect to see him in action this fall with UVic. Bryce Worden was picked up by Toronto in the 2nd round but ended up back with Burnaby in the BC Premier. James O’Neill was picked up by LA in the 2nd round and ended up getting traded to Toronto, he just resigned for this season with the Arrows.
We had a chance to talk to Cali Martinez after getting selected by DC. He seems pumped to be part of the DC organization which had fellow Canadians Doug Fraser, Luke Campbell and Jake Ilnicki on the roster last season. He’ll be doing lots of fitness work in the fall, doubtful that he’ll be playing club rugby, and looks to hit 240+ by the time he hits MLR training in January. Although he’s proficient at all front row spots, he prefers loosehead. We also ran into Foster Dewitt and Ollie Nott at the Westshore 7s, contract negotiations ongoing.
Round One
Round Two
Round Three
*MLR Draft on Thursday: Some Canadian Players to Watch*
The MLR draft takes place Thursday and here are some Canadian players to watch. Most have played in the BC Premier league.
The list of draft prospects is here:
https://www.majorleague.rugby/draft/draft-prospects/
The MLR Draft overview with streaming links is here:
https://www.majorleague.rugby/draft/
Calixto Martinez University of British Columbia
Expect Cali to go first round. A dominant scrummager, he has played all three front row positions during his time at UBC and was an integral part of their BC Premier and Canadian University championship teams.
Owain Ruttan University of British Columbia
Another UBC product that has been with them for many years, building the championship dynasty. He started in the early years at UBC as a blindside flanker but more recently has been used at openside.
Gabriel Casey University of Victoria
A versatile back who can play #10 but has the size, pace and smarts to play across the backline.
Ethan Hager University of Victoria
Played both wing and fullback with UVic. He’s currently on the BC 7s team at RugbyTown 7s.
Denver Fatt University of Victoria
Mostly used as a tighthead at UVic but he has played #8 for them on occasion.
Benjamin Newhook University of Victoria
Played second row for the Vikes.
Connor Byron University of British Columbia
Has been used as an inside and outside centre at UBC.
Jack Morris University of Guelph
Played for the Pacific Pride on the wing.
Seth Purdey UC Berkeley
Has been at UCal at Berkeley but played Canada U20 in 2018, product of the Shawnigan Lake rugby program.
Anthony Pomroy Memorial University
Canada U20 in 2015, played scrum half for the Atlantic Selects this year.
Samuel Wegert Trinity Western University
Centre (inside/outside) for the Spartans, from Langley.