Playing select side rugby has always been an opportunity for players to expand their skills, play in new territory, and be highlighted to scouts across the country. At just fifteen years old, Malcolm May was selected for the USA Rugby U19 program. May, signed last October with NOLA Gold after serving as team captain at Penn State. He has been a collegiate All- American for Nittany Lions. While playing in High School, as part of Rugby Illinois, he received All-America honors at St. Ignatius in Chicago, where he also played running back and defensive end in football.
Malcolm May has also had the opportunity to represent his country on one of the most prestigious levels. Selected to 2014 U.S. youth Olympic team to compete in 7s.
Tornados coach, Nolan Day, says May is one of many players that belong in the Tornado Hall of Fame. “The Rugby IL Tornados have offered a low to no cost representative level rugby option for most players aspiring to succeed at the upper levels for their age group in the recent past. Malcolm May, as current MLR player and former standout Tornado shows where the program can take you. There is also the three time college All American at Arkansas State, Pat Sullivan.”
Malcolm May, also feels that being able to play for the Tornados was one of the most fortunate times of his life.
“It changed the entire trajectory of my rugby career. I found rugby my freshmen year at St. Ignatius . I immediately knew I loved the sport , what I did not know is the scope and scale of the game. The Tornados introduced me to a higher level of play and competition. It also put me in the spotlight of national team coaches and in the eye of college coaches. It eventually led to me making the Junior Olympic sevens team and the High School All Americans 15s team.”
May also credits his time with the Tornados with what helped him get recruited to Penn State. May continues saying, “Playing rugby and especially with the Tornados was truly a blessing to my life. Although these opportunities were all great results in my rugby career, that stemmed from the Tornadoes, its not the most important thing I gained from the program. While the Tornados is a breeding ground for good rugby players it is most importantly a breeding ground for good young men. Playing for the Tornados taught me the importance of hard work, brotherhood and MOST IMPORTANTLY: Doing the simple things right. These ideals are deeply ingrained in the Tornados culture and I’m confident that the current Tornados will carry those ideals forward.”
Select Sides, and being named an All-State Player has been a priority to the entire Rugby Illinois Boys and Girls Tornados programs. Tornadoes travel and playing is kept at an affordable price, so every player can have the opportunity to play, develop, and grow into higher level athletes.