Nov 22- Arizona Rugby is proud to congratulate one of their own for receiving some special recognition this past month, as Freshman Bronson Teles has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 Mark Loane Medal. Teles, a Business major from Richmond, Texas, was honored last month in New York where he received the award at the University of Queensland Rugby Benefit Dinner amongst some of Australia's biggest names in Rugby. Teles will receive a full scholarship to travel to Australia this summer and train at the University of Queensland in the UQ Rugby Academy, a very exciting development for this bright young star.

 

"I am very grateful and honored to accept this exemplary award. I could not be more thankful to have the opportunity to play international rugby in Australia,

it is truly a dream come true." said Teles "I would like

to thank all my teammates, coaches, and family for

their continuous support and guidance that has

opened this wonderful door for me." Teles landed

in Arizona after a highly successful career for the

Katy Barbarians RFC (TX) where he also excelled in

Football for Foster HS and as an Eagle Scout. A

two-time High School All American, Teles was

selected this past year as a USA Under-20, traveling

to Zimbabwe as a high school senior following a

successful stint as captain of the Texas All-State

team. 

 

This is the second Wildcat in a row to receive

the honor, as Teles follows in the footsteps of

current Arizona Sophomore Hooker Steven

Branham. Head Coach Sean Duffy was thrilled to

see such a prestgious award extended to such a

great young man. "This is going to appear as if we

got some Wildcats in Queensland here with two

straight from Arizona receiving this award, but

we had zero to do with his selection and we were just as excited as Bronson when contacted. We view this as a 'high school Heisman' of sorts so to see our recruitment efforts validated by an award like this is really special. The selectors could not have chosen a better fit for this award based on his character, motivation, commitment, and ability. Given that we just got Bronson, I also want to thank the Katy RFC coaching staff, the Texas All-State Coaches, and the HSAA and U20 coaches who have all helped mold Bronson in to the great player he is today" said Duffy. 

 

The Mark Loane Medal was formed in 2016 to honor Dr. Mark Loane, a former Australia team captain and one of the finest players to emerge from Queensland.

 

The 6'3" 215 pound Teles recently concluded his first preseason with his new team, training in the Arizona Sevens pool before starting at Lock in Friday's Red-Blue Game. The Wildcats now turn to the all-important regular season starting in January.

 

 

Bronson Teles Bio

 

Official University of Queensland Press Release