Juma in US Major League Rugby Move

FORMER Zimbabwe rugby junior international ace, Aaron Juma was picked by Old Glory DC during the 2024 Major League Rugby (MLR) Collegiate Draft in the United States of America (USA).

The former Falcon College flanker who has represented Zimbabwe at various junior age groups, has over the last couple of years established himself as one of the top players on the US collegiate rugby circuit with a string of consistent performances for Wheeling University.

He was 17th overall in the draft list. He was selected by Old Glory DC during the second round of the draft and became the first Wheeling Rugby player to be drafted into the MLR and will be the fourth Cardinal ever to suit up for an MLR game.

For him, being drafted into the MLR is a dream come true.

“First of all, I would love to give all the glory to God. I wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for Him and obviously my family. They have been with me from the beginning of this journey and I want to appreciate them as much as possible because they are the reason why I push every day and obviously to all my friends and people that are along with me in this journey.

“I don’t usually stutter when I talk but it’s just that I am still in disbelief. Not because I wasn’t confident but imagine achieving the biggest goal you had your whole life and, it comes to pass. It’s one of those situations that you can’t really explain in words, but I am over the moon. I am happy,” said Juma after the draft.

The talented flank added that he watched the draft with his teammates and is grateful to them as they have been with him all the way. He believes that more opportunities will be available for his talented group of teammates.

“I was so nervous and wanted to watch it by myself but I ended up watching with my teammates and it all worked out so I am grateful. There is no better place than watching with your teammates. I would have never been able to be in a better place because they are the reason I was in that position. Rugby is a team sport, it’s not an individual sport and you need the people that are next to you.

“The boys have backed me and have always had my back, so I was grateful to be with them and the opportunities are going to get better for everyone because we all work together and glory to God. I was the one that started the trend and I am sure there are going to be a lot more drafts from this programme because there are extremely talented players here,” he said.

Over the last two seasons, Juma has helped the Cardinal (Wheeling University Rugby) programme rise to a National Championship level. During those two seasons, Juma recorded 40 tries totalling 200 points between his 15s’ and Sevens seasons with the Cardinals. He is one of just four Cardinals all-time to reach the 200-career point mark.

The Zimbabwean ace played a major role in his team’s first-ever National Championship, tying for the side 10 times across five games at the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) National Sevens.

In his debut season with the Cardinals, Juma appeared in both 15s and Sevens seasons and finished with 23 tries for a total of 115 points. He scored at least one try in seven straight matches during 15s season.

In the 2023/24 season, he also appeared in both 15s and Sevens campaigns for the Cardinals and finished the year with 17 tries for a total of 85 points. He was tied for the team’s leading scorer at CRC National Sevens. He also scored the match-winning try at 15s BRRC Championship. He is also an NCR DI All-American winner.

“I would say it’s probably the best year of my life. I have experienced a lot regarding rugby just like miracles and being able to witness a lot that this life has given me. I am super proud of my team, they have raised me to the occasion,” said Juma.

— @brandon_malvin