Lindenwood rugby continued to strut their stuff at the national stage as two former Lions were selected in the 2025 Major League Rugby draft (MLR).
Connor Devos was selected with the #4 overall pick by Old Glory DC. Devos was a cornerstone of Lindenwood’s front row and was a dominant presence in the scrum throughout his career and now becomes one of the top picks in this year’s draft.
The other Lion selected was Chad Tinney who heard his name called with the first pick in the third round (#18 overall) to Anthem RC. Known for his work rate and physicality, Tinney has been a steady presence in Lindenwood’s pack and will look to continue that impact in the professional ranks.
The selections highlight Lindenwood’s growing influence on professional rugby in the United States. Devos and Tinney are the latest Lions to hear their names called in the draft since the inaugural MLR draft in 2020 when Nicholas Taylor and Stephen McLeish heard their names called.
“We’re incredibly proud of Connor and Chad. To see two of our props taken in the draft speaks volumes about the work they’ve put in, but it should also be a signal to every prop on our roster, get hungry and get after it. The standard is set, and the opportunity is real,” head coach Josh Macy said.
Devos and Tinney were both selected to the 2024–25 Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) D1A All-American Team. Devos was selected as a tighthead prop while Tinney was honored for his efforts as a loosehead prop.
Devos earned First Team All-American honors for the second consecutive year. His strength and technique have been pivotal in anchoring the Lions formidable scrum. While aggressive play and resilience earned Tinney Second Team All-American recognition. His contributions have been vital in both set pieces and open play.
Devos and Tinney will both leave their time at Lindenwood as two of the most decorated and successful athletes to put on a Lion rugby uniform.
Both also were recognized with All-Midwest Rugby Conference team selections with Tinney making the first and Devos finding himself selected to the second team all conference.
Devos also had the privilege of being selected to the USA U23 All-American team that went on tour in South Africa in the summer of 2025. The U23 All-American program serves as a critical link in the USA Rugby high-performance pipeline, exposing athletes to international competition and national team standards. The touring squad, organized by the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA), features 30 of the top collegiate and emerging players in the country.
“I also want to thank Coaches Aaron Browne and Corey Harmann, who have dedicated so much of their time as scrum coaches to these two. Their investment has been instrumental in this success.” Macy added when asked about the two players getting drafted.
16 former Lions competed in the MLR last year as Devos and Tinney now join the fold and are proof of the successful pipeline to the pros that Lindenwood has become.
Devos and Tinney led the 2024-2025 men’s rugby squad, one of their most successful in Lindenwood history as they were the Midwest Rugby Conference Champions with an undefeated record. They also advanced to the CRAA D1A Playoff Semifinals before falling to the #1 seeded Life University 31-7.
The team also went 6-0 at the Russ Ellis 10’s tournament while also having book wins over Kansas, Indiana, Missouri and Navy during the fall and spring seasons.
