NEWS

Bill Meakes Named MLR Back of the Year

BACK OF THE YEAR: BILL MEAKES, LA GILTINIS

Bill Meakes came to Major League Rugby and LA just a few months following his time in the English Premiership with London Irish. He quickly set about establishing himself as one of the vital cogs in Darren Coleman’s machine, and across the season proved himself to be a big factor in LA’s Championship win. 

Making 12 appearances, Meakes proved himself as an intensely physical player. It was in defense that the Australian’s worth was proven, making 76 tackles on the way to the MLR Shield and forcing turnovers eight times at the breakdown. 

Photo by Brian Jackson

This skillset became essential for LA when they found themselves in need of an openside flanker due to injuries. Meakes not only stepped up to fill the role in LA’s match against San Diego, but he also even earned himself the Player of the Week award.

Just prior to the MLR Conference Finals, Meakes described the 2021 season as a ‘whirlwind’. Now, just several weeks on, the team have celebrated a title victory in their inaugural season, Meakes amongst the most influential of players on that journey to success.

Photo by Brian Jackson

Carrying for 870 meters in attack and scoring two tries, the 30-year-old spent the season taking on everything asked of him, and raising the bar for success in MLR. 

Earlier this week Major League Rugby released the All-MLR team selections and the overall Player of the Year. Stay tuned for additional end of season awards to be released by MLR across the week. 

Written by Joe Harvey | Photos by Brian Jacksson