Iowa native Isaac Bales played in Major League Rugby between 2022-2025. He represented Rugby ATL (2022-2023) and the Miami Sharks (2024-2025).

Bales attended Glenwood Community School and captained the Full Armor Glenwood Rams. He attended the University of Louisville, playing rugby throughout and graduating in 2021. He declared for the 2021 MLR Collegiate Draft and was selected 12th Overall by Rugby ATL. Following his successful draft, he captained the USA Rugby South team in 2022.

Bales has had awful luck with injuries. a knee injury sidelined him for his rookie MLR season in 2022, but he returned to play for the Rugby ATL academy team, Pathway 404, during their Fall season that year. He earned his MLR debut the following season in 2023, earning 3 appearances for the RATLers off the bench. Later in 2023 Bales was selected to tour South America with the USA Hawks, and play for the USA Academy. Injury struck again while playing for the academy, however. This second injury ruled him out of the entire 2024 season, for which he had signed with the Miami Sharks.

Bales has been working his way back from injury again in preparation for the 2025 season, and on December 11th, 2024, the Miami Sharks confirmed the signing of Isaac Bales for the 2025 Season.

achievements

• 2021 MLR Draftee: 12th Overall (Rugby ATL)