Senior captain Eamonn Matthews, a scrum half from Jersey City, New Jersey, is a nominee for the Rudy Scholz Award, given annually to the nation’s best Division 1A men’s rugby player.

Fans of the 11 nominees are allowed to vote.

A recipient of the Robert David Peraza Memorial Scholarship, Matthews was captain of the Bonnies, who finished the fall season ranked 12^th in the country.

In December, Matthews was named Most Valuable Player of Rugby East.

A finance major, Matthews was named to the Rugby East All-Conference first team. Prior to this award, Matthews had also made the 2015 High School All-American and U-20 All-American teams.

“Eamonn is not only a strong athlete but he’s consistently proven to be an exceptional leader and student,” said Tui Osborne, head coach of the Bonnies. “Our program is incredibly proud of him and he truly has earned this honor.”

Given since 2016, the award is named after former Santa Clara rugby star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Rudy Scholz. Sponsored by the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle, the Scholz Award is selected each spring and officially presented during a gala event in June.

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