Iowa’s Ren Heimer Named to 2026 NCR All-Tournament Team

ATLANTA, GA – The Iowa Rugby Foundation and the University of Iowa Men’s Rugby Club are proud to announce that senior fullback Ren Heimer has been named to the 2026 National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) All-Tournament Team.

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Heimer’s selection follows a standout performance at the Men’s All-Star Shield Challenge held this past weekend in Atlanta, where he represented the Midwest Barbarians. The tournament features the premier collegiate talent from across the country, organized into regional select sides to compete for the national shield.

Leading the Barbarians

Competing against the nation's elite, Heimer proved to be a vital spark for the Midwest Barbarians' offense. In a high-scoring 50-22 victory over the New England Independents White team, Heimer’s versatility was on full display. He accounted for a significant portion of the Barbarians' points, crossing the try line himself and showing clinical precision off the tee by slotting four conversions.

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As a senior at the University of Iowa, Heimer has long been a leader for the Hawkeyes. His selection to the All-Tournament team—a roster composed of only 23 players from the hundreds competing in Atlanta—solidifies his status as one of the top collegiate players in the United States.

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A Weekend of Elite Competition

The 2026 Shield Challenge saw a repeat championship for New England Red, but the Midwest Barbarians remained a focal point of the weekend’s action. While the Barbarians fell just short in a tightly contested 31-26 battle against the Tri-State Foundry on Sunday, Heimer’s consistent play at the back helped ignite a desperate late-game comeback attempt that kept the Atlanta crowd on the edge of their seats.

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Heimer was joined on the All-Tournament team by fellow Midwest teammate Etuate Lolohea (Iowa Central), highlighting the incredible depth of rugby talent currently residing in the Iowa collegiate system.

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Celebrating Excellence

The Iowa Rugby Foundation extends its heartiest congratulations to Ren on this prestigious honor. His dedication to the sport and his performance on the national stage bring immense pride to the Iowa Rugby community and serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Hawkeye ruggers.

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To see the full All-Tournament list and match replays, fans can visit NCR TV.

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About the Iowa Rugby Foundation:The Iowa Rugby Foundation is dedicated to the growth and development of rugby in the state of Iowa, supporting clubs, players, and the enduring values of the game. For more information, visit www.iowarugbyfoundation.org.

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