Sebastiano Villani, ’22, a key member of St. Bonaventure’s 2021 national championship rugby team, was the second overall selection Thursday night in the Major League Rugby player draft.

The Parma, Italy, native was selected in the first round by the NOLA Gold, the Major League Rugby team based in New Orleans.

“Sebastiano is definitely a player with a high rugby IQ and his experience added so much value to our team,” said Tui Osborne, Bonnies head coach. “We’re so excited for him and proud of his achievement!”

Villani played scrum and fly half for the Bonnies, who defeated Penn State, 19-18, in December to win the National Collegiate Rugby Division I title in Houston.