Mukuru-Tumusiime invited to MCAA Selection Camp

Michael Mukuru-Tumusiime will compete among 83 of the nation's top student athletes who have been chosen participate in the Men's Collegiate All-American Selection Camp at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colo., home of the Glendale Raptors of Major League Rugby. Cal Maritime's Rugby alumni stepped up with $900 in contributions to help offset Mukuru-Tumusiime's travel costs and registration fees.

The Uganda native funded his own trip to the tryouts knowing the doors it can open if he's successfull and was very humbled and grateful for the support from the Keelhaulers alumni, while Rugby Head Coach Hiatt was extremely proud his alumni and their continued support of the program.

The first four days of the MCAA Selection Camp will include a mixture of training and trial games; after which 30 athletes will stay on to work directly with the Men's Collegiate All-American staff.

Mukuru-Tumusiime is one of six players from the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) represented at the camp. Of the 83 players invited, D1A programs hold the strongest representation with 60 candidates that include the Mid South (24), Rugby East (8), PAC (8) and five independent institutions. Eight athletes come from D1AA programs with D2 (7) and NSCRO (6) rounding out the bunch. All athletes will be considered for All-American honors.

The camp will conclude with a match against the Glendale Raptors on August 17; after which USA Rugby will name the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Team All-Americans. The 1st Team All-Americans will be announced LIVE on facebook.com/usarugby.

"Our coaching staff is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the top collegiate players in the country," said James Willocks, Head Coach of the Men's Collegiate All-Americans. "It is always a challenge to identify the top players with the college game being so expansive. We believe that we have selected a wide squad of players available, with representation across most conferences, divisions and programs throughout the country."

The selection camp will be covered across USA Rugby's digital and social media platforms with admission to see the Men's Collegiate All-Americans face the Glendale Raptors at Infinity Park free to the public.

As a whole, the All-American program -- and receiving All-American honors -- continues to be a highly sought after achievement for student-athletes across the nation. With the competitive nature of college athletics, the All-American program honors those student-athletes who are routinely recognized as the best players in their conference throughout the season.

Further, the All-American program has served as an important talent identification vehicle for aspiring national team players. To support the All-American athletes and help future Eagles pursue their national team dreams, visit usarugby.org/trust or click here.