Oregon Native Ishmail Shabazz played in Major League Rugby between 2022-2024. He represented the Rugby New York Ironworkers (2022-2023), and Old Glory DC (2024).

Shabazz played rugby through his time at the University of Oregon between 2015-2019, and was named as the team’s MVP twice. Following his graduation he travelled to New Zealand to play with Te Awamutu Sports Rugby Club between 2020-2021, before playing with Pathway 404, Rugby ATL’s academy side, in the fall of 2021. Shabazz signed with the Rugby New York Ironworkers head of the 2022 season, and earned 3 appearances (2 starts) as the Ironworkers advanced to the Championship Final (following a controversial playoffs), defeating the Seattle Seawolves 30-15 in New York to lift the 2022 Shield. Shabazz returned for the Ironworkers in 2023, appearing in Round 18 of the regular season, scoring a try and gaining 101m with ball in hand, earning his first MLR Team of the Week selection.

Shabazz was under contract with the Ironworkers for the 2024 season, however in early December 2023, MLR and the club announced that they would not compete in the 2024 season, a week after the Toronto Arrows had announced the same thing. In the subsequent Dispersal Draft, Shabazz was selected 23rd overall by the Miami Sharks before being traded to Old Glory DC in exchange for 2024 Salary Cap Considerations (unknown). On 2nd January 2024, Old Glory DC confirmed the signing of Ishmail Shabazz for the 2024 season.

achievements

• MLR Team of the Week: 2023 – Round 18
• MLR Champion: 2022 (Rugby New York)