AG Rugby End of Season Awards

What a season 2021 has been for this AG team, staff, and all of our amazing supporters that make up AG Nation. After a spectacular season, we want to honor our players with some end-of-season awards.

Most Valuable Player: Maclean Jones

Maclean Jones was voted Most Valuable Player on the team by his teammates following a spectacular first season in Austin. Jones held down the AG flank in the #7 jersey for all but the final three matches this season. Jones was atop the MLR in tackles made on the season. Unfortunately, Maclean Jones suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 16 of the regular season. He’ll recover and rehabilitate his knee this offseason with the hopes of repeating the performance he put on in 2021.

Back of the Season: Mack Mason

Mack Mason led the AG attack all season long. He played the most minutes in the backline and served as a flyhalf, inside center and fullback for the AGs. Mason’s signature moment from the 2021 season was a match-winning kick to beat RugbyATL. Mason finished the season in the top six in the league in points scored (96), conversions made (20), and penalty goals (17).

Forward of the Season: Hugh Roach

Hugh Roach was a try-scoring machine for the AGs all season long. On defense, Roach was constantly in causing havoc in the contact area and the breakdown.

Rookie of the Year: Conner Mooneyham

The #1 overall draft pick had a breakout season in his first year as a professional. Mooneyham will more than likely be Major League Rugby’s Rookie of the Year. Mooneyham was selected to Gary Gold’s USA National Team squad but wasn’t able to earn his first cap due to a poorly timed concussion. In 2021, Mooneyham proved he’ll be a star in this league.

Most Improved Player: Cam Dodson

Cam Dodson went undrafted in the first-ever MLR draft but was quickly snatched up by Sam Harris and the AGs. Dodson earned valuable experience under the tutelage of two of the best locks in Major League Rugby, Sebastian De Chaves and Isaac Ross. When Dodson’s number was called, the rookie delivered. Dodson put up a man-of-the-match performance against Houston Sabercats in Week 11.

Austin Rugby Supporters’ Player of the Year: LaRome White

In a poll put together by our own Austin Rugby Supporters, LaRome White earned the fan vote for player of the year. LaRome White has been a fan favorite in Austin for years now and 2021 was no different. Lending to White’s popularity was his social media viral ability. Two of LaRome White’s biggest plays on the season went viral; including an 80-meter intercept try the Austin home crowd won’t soon forget. LaRome is a club man and a lovable character in the local community and we are fortunate to have him in Austin.

AG Man of the Year: Jeff Hassler

Jeff Hassler’s pre-season injury ruled him out for the season before he ever had a chance to wear the orange jersey. But never did Hassler feel any less a part of this year’s playing group. He found ways to help the team on and off the field, and played a lead role in uniting the squad. Hassler’s commitment to the team rubbed off on the rest of his teammates. AG Head Coach Sam Harris credits Jeff Hassler with establishing this mantra of, “If you’re not contributing on the field, find another way to contribute.” Week in and week out Hassler led the AG second team in training, committing himself to film study and implementing original ways to help the second team mirror the AG’s opposition in preparation for the coming weekend’s matchup.