Shea Loughnane is our July Player of the Month. Loughnane, whose older brother Braden is a rising senior on the team, had a breakout season while playing scrumhalf in the spring 7s season. At the Collegiate Rugby Championship in May, Loughnane scored six tries in five games, putting himself in the conversation as one of the best freshmen in the country.
Position: Scrumhalf, Fullback
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 160 lbs
Year: Rising Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Westwood, MA
Why did you decide to play rugby?
My two older brothers convinced me to join our hometown club the summer before my freshman year. They both started playing when they got to college, so it was a natural progression for me.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
Everyone involved with the program. Most students at the university are talented and driven, especially those who choose to add 20 hours of intense sport to their schedule each week. It’s inspiring to be part of such a high-class group.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
I scored the game-tying try at the end of regulation against Nazareth at the 2022 CRC. Felt good. Then I scored the game-winner in overtime. Felt really good.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
Favorite: anything that leads to open play
Least favorite: Ultimate Lineout
What other sports have you played?
Everything under the sun. Football, baseball, basketball, and track most competitively
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
No clue. Circle back to me in four and a half years
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
When I was in preschool my older brother, Braden, taught me the phrases “by accident” and “on purpose”, but flipped their meanings. The next time I accidentally broke something I cried out that I did it “on purpose!” Got in loads of trouble and couldn’t explain myself without sounding like a sociopath. Thanks Braden.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
Wherever the lads are
What is your biggest fear?
That I’ll never achieve to the level of my lofty expectations, leading to a perpetual state of disappointment and a lingering sense of regret as I grow feeble in my old age. That or sharks.
What is your favorite food?
Greek yogurt, oats, banana, cinnamon. The macros go crazy bro.
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
Halloween theme (Michael Myers) on repeat a la Mamba
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Batman, I guess, but I’m more into the villains myself. Superheros don’t exist. Villains do.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Make more mistakes” – Coach Simkins after four painfully risk-free performances to start my freshman year
Again, congratulations to our July Player of the Month, Shea Loughnane!
