Expansion Archives - Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby Officially Announces Rugby FC Los Angeles for 2024

annechandlery — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:58:01 +0000

Los Angeles, CA (December 21, 2023) – Major League Rugby (MLR), which represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America, is pleased to officially announce its newly relocated team, Rugby FC Los Angeles (RFCLA), will join the pitch in 2024. Along with the official team name announcement, RFCLA will call AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park (DHSP) home for the upcoming season.

Relocating from Atlanta, Ga., RFCLA’s new ownership group is composed of leaders in the sports and entertainment space with deep roots in Los Angeles who are looking to strengthen an already robust rugby community and fan base on the West Coast.

“We are excited to bring Major League Rugby back to Los Angeles,” said Pete Sickle, CEO of RFCLA. “Under the head coaching leadership of Steve Brett, RFCLA will serve as another incredible professional sports asset to the West Coast. We look forward to partnering with AEG and others to foster the growth of the game of rugby on a more elevated level in the Greater Los Angeles community.”

RFCLA, formerly known as Rugby ATL, was originally founded in 2019 by the Calloway family in Atlanta. The team’s relocation to Los Angeles comes following new ownership after the 2023 season.

“Although the team may look different in a new city, we are honored to build off the incredible legacy of the Calloways while creating something special in Los Angeles,” says Sickle.

The Greater Los Angeles area is a thriving and growing rugby community where the spirit of the game runs deep, particularly with several robust youth and junior programs. With an impressive lineup of more than 40 vibrant youth and high school clubs, as well as a dedicated community of more than 10,000 elementary and junior high flag rugby enthusiasts, the return of MLR to the City of Angels is poised to be met with a warm and enthusiastic reception.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Rugby FC Los Angeles to Major League Rugby. Los Angeles has a long and rich history in our sport and one of the most robust grassroots programs in the country, and a return to L.A. is a significant step for our league as we prepare to embark on the 2024 season,” said Nic Benson, CEO of MLR. “We’re grateful for the vision and leadership of Los Angeles’s new ownership group, as they seek to grow the game in one of our nation’s most iconic cities.”

The new team name of Rugby FC Los Angeles comes with a new team mark and color scheme. RFCLA’s new logo celebrates L.A.’s iconic art-deco style, while also giving a nod to the strong and mighty oak tree as the mark is outlined by an acorn. A stylized “L” is incorporated into the “A” for a sleek and clean look, while also paying tribute to the team’s original city of Atlanta. The new team colors include various hues of blue and yellow to embrace the energetic Los Angeles community and its vibrant culture rooted in sea and sun.

The 2024 season schedule was unveiled by MLR on Dec. 18, with RFCLA hosting the Utah Warriors on March 3 for its first match on the West Coast. RFCLA fans will be able to pre-purchase season tickets for home matches at DHSP online, as well as learn more about the 2024 roster, the full coaching staff, and more.

Additional details regarding the new team will continue to be released prior to the start of the upcoming season.

Media can access logos here.

Learn more about Rugby FC Los Angeles at www.rugbyfcla.com and on their social media handles @RugbyFCLA.

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About Rugby FC Los Angeles

Founded in 2023, Rugby FC Los Angeles (RFCLA) is Los Angeles’s professional rugby team and part of Major League Rugby (MLR). RFCLA aims to develop leaders and citizens in the community and champions on the pitch. The team is part of a strong rugby culture in LA and is designed to develop excellence in the sport throughout the wider local community. RFCLA is headquartered in Carson, Ca., and plays matches at AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park. For more information please visit, www.rugbyfcla.com and follow @RugbyFCLA on social media.

About Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. MLR prides itself in fostering intense, high-stakes competition while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms, and its OTT Platform, The Rugby Network offers fans the ability to stream select MLR matches live, along with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Allianz Women’s Premiership Rugby, and other international rugby content. For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Josh Le

VP of External Relations

Rugby FC Los Angeles

jle@rugbyfcla.com

Johnathan McGinty

On behalf of Major League Rugby

johnathan@trestlecollective.com

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Major League Rugby’s Miami Sharks Launch 2024 Season With Expansion Draft

annechandlery — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:47:29 +0000

(DALLAS) July 28, 2023 – Major League Rugby announced today the 2023 Expansion Draft to grow the roster of its newest club, the Miami Sharks. Expansion Drafts allow new clubs to acquire current MLR players as they prepare for their inaugural season.

Current league members made a minimum of five players available to Miami to build the team’s initial roster. The Sharks are obligated to match or better a selected player’s current contract terms during negotiations. No player is under obligation to accept an offer from Miami.

Expansion Draft Timeline:

The Miami Sharks, this week, selected 25 players in the Draft
Now – August 6: Miami negotiations with drafted players
August 6/Sunday: Terms finalized with selected players OR players are released back to their existing MLR club

“As we grow the number of teams in MLR, it is imperative that we help expansion teams build competitive rosters. The Expansion Draft will allow the Sharks to sign players with MLR experience while maintaining the integrity of our current teams,” said MLR CEO Nic Benson. “The Sharks have joined one of the hottest sports markets in the country, and the ownership team is committed to building an exciting MLR club in Miami. The players they recruit during the next few weeks will have an opportunity to be a part of something truly special.”

“We, the Miami Sharks organization, are thrilled to be joining MLR and growing the game of rugby in Florida, starting with the Expansion Draft. These new players have an exciting opportunity and our full commitment of every resource to compete at the highest level and bring the MLR Shield to South Florida,” Mariano Filippini, Miami Sharks CEO, said, “Together, the Sharks and our community will showcase the spirit of teamwork, integrity, and sportsmanship to inspire a new generation of rugby enthusiasts.”

Major League Rugby fans can visit a full list of Expansion Draft selections on MLR socials and signings announced by the Miami Sharks as they are finalized.

About Major League Rugby:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League consists of 13 rugby teams, with the newest expansion team, the Miami Sharks, entering in 2024. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense, high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby

CONTACT | Tami Howard Carr, Tony Fay PR | tami@tonyfayrpr.com

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Expansion Teams Headline Off-Season of Growth for Major League Rugby

annechandlery — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:49:56 +0000

Chicago Hounds to Compete in the 2023 MLR Season; Miami Sharks to Join in 2024

DALLAS (Feb. 8, 2023) – Major League Rugby (MLR) – the highest level of rugby competition in North America – will kick off its sixth season of professional competition on February 17, 2023, with 12 league teams competing for the MLR Shield in the United States and Canada.

The league’s newest expansion team, the Chicago Hounds, will play its inaugural season in 2023, with home games at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside Chicago. Today MLR announced the addition of the Miami Sharks, which will officially begin competition during the 2024 season. The Miami group is led by Ronaldo “Kony” Strazzolini, Alejandro Macfarlane, and Marcos Galperin. More details about the Sharks franchise will be announced in the coming months.

“We are excited to create a rugby experience in South Florida that will wake the Latin passion in the community and generate a sense of belonging,” said Miami Sharks co-owner Marcos Galperin.

Select MLR matches will be televised on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2, with the opening weekend of MLR’s 18-week regular season featuring the San Diego Legion hosting the Utah Warriors at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7:00 p.m. EST on FS2. The Seattle Seawolves will host the New York Ironworkers at 9:30 PM EST on FS1.

“Nationally broadcast games on FOX Sports exposes us to new fans, while giving us more opportunity to expand our reach and engagement with current fans,” said MLR Deputy Commissioner Bill Goren. “North America is loving Major League Rugby – from the intensity and excitement of the games, to the iconic, core values of the sport. Just like the league, rugby fans in America and Canada are unique and passionate.”

All matches not televised nationally on FS1/FS2 are available for fans to stream live and for free on TheRugbyNetwork.com.

In 2023, MLR is continuing its commitment to growing the sport in the U.S. and Canada with grassroots initiatives in every team market. The league’s Grassroots Development Incentive (GDI) program allows teams to proactively promote rugby participation within their respective markets, while solidifying local player pathways and building further community engagement.

During the offseason MLR added new sponsors in RTIC, Thorne and OPRO while continuing to engage existing partners American Airlines, Olli Salumeria and more.

“MLR is continually working to innovate and grow alongside its partners and sponsors, understanding our fans and the power of their support helps us continue to deliver value for our partners and grow our commercial footprint year over year,” said MLR Chief Commercial Officer Harry Hardy. “MLR is uniquely positioned in key media markets to help grow the game of rugby, while helping our partners build their own fan base. In the next decade, you will see a period of significant rugby expansion, as MLR plays a key role in building the blueprint and infrastructure for back-to-back Rugby World Cups in America in 2031 and 2033.”

Last season, Rugby NY – now the Ironworkers – took home the Major League Rugby Championship Shield, defeating the Seattle Seawolves, 30-15 live on FOX. This year’s Conference Finals are scheduled for July 1 and July 2, 2023. The 2023 Major League Rugby Finals will be held on July 8. Locations TBD.

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About Major League Rugby:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its sixth season that represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 12 teams in 2023, featuring 11 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby

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MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION INTO CHICAGO

annechandlery — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:04:46 +0000

The Chicago Hounds will compete as 12th MLR team in the 2023 season

Chicago (Nov. 17, 2022) – Major League Rugby (MLR) today unveiled the team name, logo, and color scheme for its newest franchise, the Chicago Hounds. Holding a press conference to officially announce MLR’s latest expansion, Commissioner George Killebrew was joined by Chicago Hounds Head Coach Sam Harris and current players Mike Mattarazzo, Sydney Shoop, and Caleb Strum, all of whom were selected by Chicago in the MLR expansion draft on November 10.

The Hounds will compete in MLR’s Western Conference, donning team colors of green and sky blue. Chicago will play its inaugural match on the road at Old Glory DC on Saturday, February 18. The team’s home opener at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL will be on Sunday, March 4 vs the Utah Warriors.

“We are thrilled to add the Chicago Hounds to Major League Rugby for the 2023 season,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. “Chicago is one of the best sports towns in North America and we couldn’t be happier to be part of the competitive landscape. Rugby has a long-time tradition in the city and throughout Northern Illinois and we look forward to growing the game even further.”

Led by longtime Chicago rugby players and fans Matt Satchwell and Phil Groves, the Chicago MLR Founders Group is deeply committed to rallying Chicago’s community spirit to establish rugby as America’s next great sporting pastime. Satchwell, an attorney who also serves as Board Chair, has been playing rugby his entire life and for the past 20 years in Chicago. Groves is president of DAC Management and a part team owner who has been playing with and sponsoring rugby teams in Chicago and around the world for years. Chicago MLR CEO James English led Rugby United New York to the semi-final in 2019 as their first GM, and Irish rugby legends Rob and Dave Kearney round out the Founders with their collective decades of world-class rugby on the pitch and civic leadership off the pitch.

“This is a special day for all of us,” said English. “We are very excited to formally introduce the Chicago Hounds name, as well as our logo and team colors. This organization plans to continue growing the game of rugby at the grassroots level here in Chicago and build a fanbase that can be proud of the way our team operates and competes.”

Chicago’s inaugural season schedule can be viewed here.

About Major League Rugby

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Dallas Jackals Move Inaugural Season to 2022

arichardson — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 20:16:50 +0000

Press Release Statement from the Dallas Jackals:

MLR Expansion team positioning itself for proper debut and long-term success

DALLAS (January 19, 2021) — The Dallas Jackals today announced the club will not compete in the 2021 Major League Rugby (MLR) season. The decision, which was made in coordination with Major League Rugby, is based on a number of factors that will provide the expansion team the best opportunity to succeed in its inaugural season and into the future.

A dispersal draft will be held in the near future for potential redistribution of Jackals players throughout the league for the 2021 season.

“This has been a challenging process, but we firmly believe this is the best decision for the long-term success of our team,” said Jackals President Scott Sonju. “The pandemic has obviously had a far-reaching impact on many businesses. For an expansion sports team it presents very specific challenges, from properly cultivating community and business relationships, to securing visas for international players – there are many challenges in a normal climate, let alone in the unusual climate of this past year. We know this organization is going to be highly successful. We know DFW is an important market for the league. But we also know that you only get one chance to make a first impression. After consulting with our partners and MLR Commissioner George Killebrew, we agreed introducing professional rugby to North Texas in 2022 is the right decision.”

The pandemic has forced businesses in many different industries – in particular entertainment, film and sports – to move launch dates due the pandemic-affected business climate. Recently, Major League Soccer announced a similar delay in start for three of its expansion clubs. Major League Rugby, with teams in 12 North American cities, will kick-off its fourth season on March 20, 2021.

The Jackals are bolstered by a base of enthusiastic rugby fans, affectionately known as The Pack, who have long advocated to bring the sport to DFW. Sonju has a message to Jackal fans:

“To all our supporters, let me say, we share your disappointment in this delay. Your belief in the Jackals inspires us, and trust me, we are determined to ensure the Jackals will enjoy lasting success. This is going to happen, and you’ll be a big reason why. Stay tuned – great things are ahead.”

MLR Commissioner George Killebrew said he’s worked closely with the Jackals on this decision and supports their plan.

“We are in a great place as a league, both financially and with the product we are set to deliver, when the 2021 season kicks off in March,” said Killebrew. “DFW is a top-five television market and a region that is important to MLR’s long-term growth strategy. Scott Sonju has earned enormous respect, with a proven track record running professional sports organizations. He believes in doing things right and setting up the Jackals for lasting success. This is a difficult decision, but one that’s being done for prudent reasons and to serve the fan base, the team and the league well in the long run.”

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About Dallas Jackals —

The Dallas Jackals are a professional rugby team of Major League Rugby (MLR), the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The Jackals were named as an expansion team in 2020 and will play their inaugural season in 2022. The team’s central mission is to develop domestic talent to a world-class level of play and professionalism while strengthening the high performance pathway in DFW by supporting the local clubs. Through proactive Community Outreach, the Jackals will exemplify and spread the passion of rugby by inspiring tradition, respect, family, and character on and off the pitch.

About MLR —

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season and represents the highest level of competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 12 teams in 2021, featuring 11 from the United States and one from Canada. The competition follows an 18-week regular schedule for a chance to advance to the playoffs. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, ESPN+, Facebook Live (for international viewers) and on different platforms in each local market. MLR prides itself on its incredible athletes, the passionate community behind them, and its strong values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition.

Press Contact:

Kelsey Armand, Community and Media Relations

karmand@dallasjackals.com

(972) 835-2434

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Kickoff Podcast: Chris Robshaw Talks Move to San Diego, Hawai’i Makes a Bid for MLR

arichardson — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 16:08:36 +0000

Chris Robshaw joins the show to chat with Dan and Pete about the ongoing preparations to resume his final season with Harlequins. He then discusses why he’s chosen to join the San Diego Legion.

Pete breaks down the expansion process after it was announced the Kanaloa Hawaii Group have attain exclusive negotiating rights to the Hawai’i market.

Then we go around the grounds recapping MLR signings and extensions. Stacy Paetz joins the show to share her rugby journey as a broadcaster over the past three seasons.

Listen Here

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