USD Alumnus Drafted by San Diego Legion
After earning his master’s degree this past May, Oliver Kane didn’t take a break. The School of Leadership and Education Sciences alumnus went straight back to work, prepping for the Major League Rugby (MLR) draft. He worked on his speed, endurance and strength with the hope that a team would pick him up.
On Thursday, August 18, Kane’s efforts paid off. He was drafted by the San Diego Legion in the second round.
“I was definitely a bit nervous,” says Kane. “But once it started, I started to feel nervous in a good way. I was surrounded by my coaches and teammates, which was very cool.”
Kane is the first player drafted from a San Diego university into MLR and is also the first player drafted from the Gold Coast League, the conference USD Rugby competes in. He served as captain of USD Rugby, leading the team this past season to a league title and a national title at the Rugby 7s Collegiate Championship in May.
"Ollie's selection brings recognition to USD and demonstrates that San Diego as a whole is the place to go if you want the best quality individual player development opportunities,” says head coach of USD Rugby Charlie Purdon. “Additionally, it provides a positive perception of the program for future high school and college transfer rugby recruits. It also shows that a player can make it to the MLR out of a smaller, less established rugby college.”
Kane attributes a large portion of his success to his former coaches and teammates. Originally from Tennessee, Kane moved cross-country to play rugby at USD.
“I’m very grateful and happy I made the decision to come here,” says Kane. “There are tons of people who have put a lot of time into me and my growth as a player and as a man.”
Before Kane joins the San Diego Legion, he will be participating in a six-week training camp, hosted by World Rugby. He received an invitation to the camp after shining during the World Rugby Combine at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista last month.
San Diego Legion will play its upcoming season at Snapdragon Stadium, just down the road from USD.
— Kelsey Grey ’15 (BA)