The Midwest Rugby Conference (MRC) coaches have acknowledged the outstanding skills and performance of 15 men’s rugby players in the 2023-24 season. The coaches have honoured 10 Lions with a place on the First XV Team, while an additional five players have earned Second XV Team status.
At the forefront of the First Team are six exceptional players from the forward pack, including Conner Devos, Chad Tinney, Christopher Wallace, Alejandro Martinez Tapia, Calvin Ihrig, and Eduan van Heerden. The remaining four players on the First Team hailed from the backfield, including Jeremy Zwick, David Cathcart, Declan Ries, and Bautista Nasta.
Furthermore, Lindenwood’s Second Team members, namely Asher Webb, Duncan Krige, Byron Forword, Stephin Alberts, and Brendan Mason, have also displayed their prowess.
These talented athletes played a pivotal role in leading their team to a remarkable 6-0 conference record and securing the 2024 MRC Championship for Lindenwood University. A total of 30 MRC players received All-Conference recognition, with 15 on the First Team and 15 on the Second Team.
The complete list of the 2023-24 MRC All-Conference teams is as follows:
First XV
– Prop: Chad Tinney, Lindenwood
– Hooker: Christopher Wallace, Lindenwood
– Prop: Connor Devos, Lindenwood
– Second Row: Alejandro Martinez Tapia, Lindenwood
– Flanker: Calvin Ihrig, Lindenwood
– Flanker: Eduan van Heerden, Lindenwood
– Scrum Half: Jeremy Zwick, Lindenwood
– Fly Half: Christian Van Der Westhuizen, Davenport
– Wing: David Cathcart, Lindenwood
– Center: Declan Ries, Lindenwood
– Wing: Bautista Nasta, Lindenwood
– Full Back: Sam Evans, Davenport
Second XV
– Prop: Asher Webb, Lindenwood
– Hooker: Ethan Howard, Davenport
– Prop: Maris Kurti, Davenport
– Second Row: Nick Andiarena, Adrian
– Second Row: Ollie Aylmer, McKendree
– Flanker: Duncan Krige, Lindenwood
– Flanker: Jayden Ramsey, Adrian
– Eight Man: Apenisa Sailo, Adrian
– Scrum Half: Luther Deacon, Davenport
– Fly Half: Byron Forword, Lindenwood
– Wing: Loe Nowe, Davenport
– Center: Joshua Peacock, Davenport
– Center: Stephin Alberts, Lindenwood
– Wing: Mychal Andrews, Adrian
– Full Back: Brendan Mason, Lindenwood
The performances of Stephin Alberts, David Cathcart, Calvin Ihrig, Duncan Krige, Alejandro Martinez Tapia, Brendan Mason, Bautista Nasta, Chad Tinney, Eduan van Heerden, and Christopher Wallace were particularly noteworthy.
These players have proven themselves to be formidable assets to their teams, and we look forward to witnessing their continued success in the world of rugby.