Conor McNabnay is our June Player of the Month. Dubbed “McNasty” by his teammates, McNabnay’s rugby career is on an upward trajectory. He played meaningful minutes in the 2022 Collegiate Rugby Championship after starting the season on the second side.
Position: Center, Wing
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 160 lbs
Year: Rising Junior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Westlake, TX
Why did you decide to play rugby?
I got into watching rugby before I was in college and when I came to Michigan I saw that there was a rugby team, for me it was a perfect opportunity to get involved in a community and play a sport in college.
What have you liked about Michigan Rugby so far?
I like that it has given me the opportunity to compete and represent the University of Michigan in a sport at the highest level. That is something very special that not a lot of people can say they do.
Describe your most memorable moment on the field.
Coming back and winning in overtime against Nazareth at the Collegiate Rugby Championship was my most memorable moment as a part of this team. It wasn’t about any individual player or any one moment; it was just seven guys leaving everything on the field and giving Supreme Effort to win the game for Michigan. It felt great to get that win because we went 0-2 to start the tournament and it made the previous four weeks of intense training, conditioning and lifting worth it. It was a fun moment that lifted everyone’s mood and gave us confidence that we could compete with some of the best teams in the nation. This moment was also special because my family made the trip to New Orleans and were in attendance to watch.
What’s your most favorite rugby drill in practice? Least favorite?
My favorite drill is first phase from lineout/scrum. Least favorite would be the bronco.
What other sports have you played?
I played football at the youth level as well as in middle school and high school. I did cross country in eighth grade. I played baseball up until ninth grade. I also played basketball when I was younger.
What do you see yourself doing in five years?
Playing in the Olde Boys (alumni) game
What is an embarrassing childhood memory that you can share with us?
I fell into a fountain in front of a restaurant.
What is your favorite place in Ann Arbor?
7-Eleven on Huron St
What is your biggest fear?
Getting stitches
What is your favorite food?
Wings
Do you have any game-day superstitions? Explain.
I like to listen to “The Nights” by Avicii because it’s about enjoying and making the most of the present. I think it’s applicable to rugby because I won’t be a part of this team forever and I should make the most of my time playing rugby. I don’t want to look back on this time with regret.
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Ant man because he is a superhero for ants.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Nothing ever grows in your comfort zone.
Again, congratulations to our June Player of the Month, Conor McNabnay!
