DALLAS, TX (August 27, 2026) – Hayden McKay – national champion, D1A All-American and All-Rugby East competitor for Mount St. Mary's – was selected fourth overall in the Major League Rugby (MLR) Draft by the Chicago Hounds.
 
McKay was a frequent point scorer for the Mountaineers during his tenure in Emmitsburg, helping the team earn a CRC National 7's Championship while a member of the squad. Last season, he scored 11 tries over the course of 15's season. This included a pair of hat tricks against Penn State and St. Thomas. In 2024-25, he was instrumental as a defender and scored tries on the way to his D1A All-American and Second Team All-Rugby East nods.
 
"Hayden's character, drive, and work ethic set the tone for this program over the last four years." Mount St. Mary's Men's Rugby Head Coach Jay Myles said. "He captained this team with a level of leadership that's hard to replicate, and it's difficult to put into words how proud we are of him representing The Mount as he takes this next step in his journey."
 
In addition to his accolades at the Mount, McKay has represented country, competing on the USA U 20 and U 23 teams.
 
Mount St. Mary's earned a draft pick in MLR and the Chicago Hounds for the second consecutive season. Bastian Brunello was selected by the club in 2025.
 
Chicago is the defending champions of MLR – a six-team league that had its first season in 2018. The title was the Hounds' first in their four years of existence, and they compete at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The MLR falls under the confederation of Rugby Americas North.
 
The 2026-27 Mount St. Mary's rugby club is currently in their preseason. Regular season 15's begin September 5 against Davenport, with their home debut September 26 against Mary Washington.