DALLAS (May 1, 2025) — Major League Rugby is now available to more than 100 countries via linear TV availability, further expanding off of a multiyear agreement with ESPN, bringing the highest level of professional rugby in the United States to a worldwide audience. 

Increasing MLR’s visibility and reach by expanding into a broader international market is one of the league’s many strategic growth plans for 2025. New partners across the globe will showcase opportunities for live featured matches, along with replays to reach a broader audience.

Coverage areas include:

• United States  – ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+
• Sub-Saharan Africa – ESPN Africa 1 & 2
• New Zealand – Sky Sports New Zealand
• United Kingdom & Ireland – Premier Sports
• Australia – Stan Sports
• France, French speaking Europe, Africa and Territories – Sport En France
• Latin America (Miami Sharks) – Disney+
• beIN Sport – MENA

“We are hyperfocused on increasing our audience in both the U.S. and around the world. During our 2024 campaign we grew our viewership by more than 25 percent year over year, and these partnerships will be critical to our growth goals,” said MLR Commissioner Nic Benson. “Given the depth of talent across the league, we are in the midst of our most exciting season yet. These strategic agreements with our broadcast partners will enable more of our fans world-wide to tune in for some best-in-class rugby action.” 

The road to the 2025 MLR Championship features 18 weeks of intense regular season action, followed by two weeks of playoffs, all leading to the MLR Championship on June 28, where the league’s best will battle for the coveted MLR Shield. This season, 11 teams from across the United States are competing for the title, including Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby LA, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves, and Utah Warriors.

For more information, visit MajorLeague.Rugby.

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 the ESPN family of networks and streamed via ESPN+. MLR’s 11 teams span across the country in Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby LA, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves and the Utah Warriors. For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.

The Rugby Network, MLR’s OTT platform, offers fans the ability to stream select MLR matches, along with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, collegiate rugby and other international rugby content. 

About Octagon Global Media Rights Consulting:

Octagon’s global media rights consulting division advises more than $26 Billion in media rights for a comprehensive collection of the world’s largest organizations in sports and media, including the NFL, MLR, MLB, NWSL, WWE, NCAA Conferences and Universities, major broadcast and streaming networks, and a variety of other properties across five continents.

As part of its expansive media rights practice, Octagon leverages the strength and size of its proprietary data, research, analytics, and technology, to provide strategic consultation to major domestic and international rights holders, as well as teams, broadcasters, emerging distribution platforms, and the sports investment community

The post Major League Rugby Broadcast Expands to Over 100 Countries Worldwide appeared first on Major League Rugby.

DALLAS – Major League Rugby, the premier professional rugby league in North America, is proud to announce that it has named Pawtucket, R.I. as the host site for the 2025 MLR Championship. The Quest for the Shield will culminate at Centreville Bank Stadium on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2 p.m. (EST) featuring the champions from the Eastern and Western conferences.

After a grueling 16-match regular season, each conference will seed its top four teams in a single elimination tournament beginning on June 14 with the winners squaring off for the revered MLR Shield. All 2025 playoff matches, including the 2025 MLR Championship, will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

During last season’s action-packed MLR Championship match, the New England Free Jacks captured a second-straight MLR Shield, beating the Seattle Seawolves, 20-11, in front of a record-setting crowd of 12,085 in San Diego.

“It’s another season of growth and opportunity for Major League Rugby, and we’re thrilled to bring that energy and excitement to one of the best new sports venues in the U.S.,” said Nic Benson, Commissioner of MLR. “The team in Rhode Island has built a remarkable stadium that is going to host some incredible events in the coming years, and we’re excited that the MLR Championship will be the first major sporting event to take the field at Centreville Bank Stadium. We can’t wait to host die-hard rugby fans and welcome in sports fans from across New England to what promises to be another thrilling MLR Championship.”

Pawtucket recently finished construction on the state-of-the-art, 100 percent electric, 10,500-seat stadium, serving as the home of the United Soccer League’s (USL) Rhode Island FC. Nestled along the scenic Seekonk River, the stadium is the flagship destination for sports and entertainment in the Ocean State, hosting other sporting and community events and concerts year-round.

“One of the founding visions behind building Centreville Bank Stadium was to bring world-class events to Rhode Island—sports and entertainment  that unite communities, energize fans, and showcase our state on a national stage,” said Brett M. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of Rhode Island FC, and Centreville Bank Stadium.  “Hosting the Major League Rugby Championship is a powerful validation of our vision, of the world-class quality of our stadium and of our commitment to Rhode Island.”

Having opened in May, the MLR Championship will be the first major championship sporting event to be held at Centreville Bank Stadium.

Ticket information and additional news about the 2025 MLR Championship will be shared in the coming days. Fans can be the first to get all the league news and ticket notifications for the MLR Championship by subscribing at MajorLeague.Rugby today or following @USMLR 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 the ESPN family of networks and streamed via ESPN+. MLR’s 11 teams span across the country in Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby LA, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves and the Utah Warriors. For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.

The Rugby Network, MLR’s OTT platform, offers fans the ability to stream select MLR matches, along with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, collegiate rugby and other international rugby content.

About Centreville Bank Stadium:

Located in downtown Pawtucket on the banks of the Seekonk River, Centreville Bank Stadium is a state-of-the-art, 100 percent electric, soccer-specific stadium with a 10,500+ capacity. Centreville Bank Stadium is a gamechanger for the state of Rhode Island and will support hundreds of jobs. Centreville Bank Stadium will be the official home of the Rhode Island FC and the multi-use venue is the flagship destination for sports and entertainment in the Ocean State, hosting other sporting and community events and concerts year-round. For more information visit rhodeislandfc.com/centreville-bank-stadium.

Centreville Bank Stadium Brand Guidelines

For use of the Centreville Bank Stadium logo, brand guidelines must be followed. The Centreville Bank Stadium logo and brand guidelines are available for download here.

The post Major League Rugby names new stadium in Rhode Island as location for 2025 MLR Championship appeared first on Major League Rugby.

Concussion prevention has been one of the league’s major areas of focus in recent years. The concussion protocol is reviewed by the MLR Medical Committee each year to ensure players are receiving care that reflects the most up-to-date medical consensus on the identification, diagnosis and treatment of concussions.

In 2022, MLR moved from Recognize and Remove to the Head Impact Assessment (HIA). This progressed the game from permanently removing the player from the match anytime a suspected concussion occurred to providing the match and team medical staff the opportunity to perform a sideline assessment with the potential to return to play.

In 2024, Instrumented Mouth Guards (IMGs) were introduced in MLR. These smart mouthguards contain a sensor that provides an in-match alert if a player has experienced a high level of acceleration which could lead to a potential injury. This alert is received by the match day doctor so that the player can be removed for an HIA off-field.

For 2025, MLR and World Rugby have partnered to trial LED light technology for speed of recognition of an impact. The LED light will blink red which will add a visual cue for the team medical staff, referee and players to assist with early recognition that a high acceleration event has occurred.

Research has shown that continued participation in sport following a concussion potentially exposes the already injured brain to compounded neuropathophysiologic processes and can prolong the athlete’s recovery.  These equipment upgrades will allow for early recognition, and action on behalf of the medical staff, increasing player safety and shortening recovery times for athletes.

For more information, visit MajorLeague.Rugby.

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 the ESPN family of networks and streamed via ESPN+. MLR’s 11 teams span across the country in Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby LA, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves and the Utah Warriors. For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.

The Rugby Network, MLR’s OTT platform, offers fans the ability to stream select MLR matches, along with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, collegiate rugby and other international rugby content. 

Media Contact:
Johnathan McGinty
706.338.2732
johnathan@trestlecollective.com

The post Continuing advances in injury prevention, MLR first to trial LED sensors for concussion monitoring appeared first on Major League Rugby.

• Two Tries Scored
• 11 Ruck Arrivals
• Five Ball Carries Made

Hooker, KoiKoi nelligan – Old Glory DC

• 46 Meters Made
• Nine Ruck Arrivals
• Eight Tackles Made

Tighthead Prop, Tonga Kofe – Utah Warriors

• One Try Scored
• 12 Tackles Made
• 15 Ruck Arrivals

Left Lock,  Nathan den Hoedt – Houston SaberCats 

• One Try Scored
• 12 Ruck Arrivals
• 31 Meters Made

Right Lock, Vili Helu – sAN Diego Legion

• 17 Ruck Arrivals
• Eight Tackles Made
• Seven Lineout Takes

Blindside Flanker, Ed Timpson – RFC Los Angeles

• Two Tries Scored
• 12 Ruck Arrivals Made
• Seven Ball Carries Made

Openside Flanker,  Cory Daniel – Old Glory DC

• 14 Tackles Made
• 30 Ruck Arrivals
• 10 Ball Carries Made

No 8., Sam Tuifua  – Houston SaberCats

• 22 Ruck Arrivals
• 33 Meters Made
• Six Tackles Made

Scrum-half, Tomas Inciarte – Miami SHarks

• 106 Kicking Meters
• 23 Meters Made
• 16 Tackles Made

Fly-half, Davy Coetzer – Houston SaberCats

• 14 Points Scored
• 105 Meters Made
• 186 Kicking Meters

Left Wing,  Nate Augspurger – Chicago Hounds 

• 130 Meters Made
• 17 Ruck Arrivals
• Seven  Made

Inside Center, Ollie Devoto – Chicago Hounds

• One Try Scored
• 182 Kicking Meters
• Nine Tackles Made

Outside Center, Nick Grigg – Old Glory DC

• One Try Scored
• 38 Meters Gained
• 17 Ruck Arrivals

Right Wing, Simon-Peter Toleafoa – new England Free Jacks

• Two Tries Scored
• 68 Meters Gained
• Three Tackles Made

Fullback, Drew Wild  – Houston SaberCats

• Two Tries Scored
• 140 Meters Made
• 200 Kicking Meters

The post First XV | WK4 | 2025 appeared first on Major League Rugby.

Anthem RC vs San Diego Legion | Friday, February 21 at 7:30 PM ET

US TV: ESPN+

And KUSI

Sub-Saharan Africa: ESPN Africa 2 (Live 2:30 CAT)
New Zealand: Sky Sports
Everywhere else: The Rugby Network

Following a 72-hour tape delay, the match will be available to stream for all viewers on The Rugby Network.

Chicago Hounds vs Utah Warriors | Sunday, February 23 at 2:00 PM ET

US TV: ESPN+

And on Gulf Coast Sports + Entertainment Network

Sub-Saharan Africa:ESPN Africa 1 (Delay 3:25 CAT)
New Zealand: Sky Sports
Everywhere else: The Rugby Network

Following a 72-hour tape delay, the match will be available to stream for all viewers on The Rugby Network.

Miami Sharks vs Nola Gold | Sunday, February 23 at 4:00 PM ET

US TV: ESPN+

And on Fox Chicago Plus and KJZZ

Sub-Saharan Africa: ESPN Africa 2 (Delay 12:05 CAT)
New Zealand: Sky Sports
Everywhere else: The Rugby Network

Following a 72-hour tape delay, the match will be available to stream for all viewers on The Rugby Network.

RFCLA vs Houston Sabercats | Sunday, February 23 at 6:00 PM ET

US TV: ESPN+

FanDuel Sports Network SOCAL and CW39

Sub-Saharan Africa: ESPN Africa 1 (Live 1:00 CAT)
New Zealand: Sky Sports
Everywhere else: The Rugby Network

Following a 72-hour tape delay, the match will be available to stream for all viewers on The Rugby Network.

The post How To Watch: February 21 – 23 appeared first on Major League Rugby.

• One Try Scored
• 11 Ruck Arrivals
• 5 Tackles Made

Hooker, Pat O’Toole – NOLA Gold

• Two Tries Scored
• 45 Meters Gained
• 14 Ruck Arrivals

Tighthead Prop, Kaleb Geiger – New England Free Jacks

• 18 Tackles Made
• 18 Ruck Arrivals
• 12 Meters Made

Left Lock,  Mauro Rebussone – Miami Sharks 

• Two Tries Scored
• 10 Ruck Arrivals
• 10 Tackles Made

Right Lock, Rhyno Herbst – Seattle Seawolves

• 34 Ruck Arrivals
• 6 Lineout Takes
• 14 Meters Gained

Blindside Flanker, Maclean Jones – Chicago Hounds

• One Try Scored
• 27 Ruck Arrivals
• 11 Tackles Made

Openside Flanker,  Bradley Wilkin – San Diego Legion

• 27 Tackles Made
• 17 Ruck Arrivals
• Eight Meters Made

No 8., Olajuwon Noa – Seattle Seawolves

• 57 Meters Made
• 26 Ruck Arrivals
• Nine Tackles Made

Scrum-half, Gonzalo Bertranou – RFCLA

• One Try Scored
• 51 Meters Made
• Five Tackles Made

Fly-half, Jason Robertson – OLD GLORY DC

• 11 Points Scored
• 64 Meters Made
• 189 Kicking Meters

Left Wing,  Axel Muller – OLD GLORY DC 

• Three Tries Scored
• 141 Meters Made
• 11 Tackles Made

Inside Center, DOM Akina – Houston SaberCats

• 90 Meteres Made
• Eight Ruck Arrivals
• Three Tackles Made

Outside Center, Matias JENSEN – RFCLA

• 97 Meters Gained
• 12 Ruck Arrivals
• Six Ruck Arrivals

Right Wing, Ryan James – San Diego LEGION

• Two Tries Scored
• 63 Meters Gained
• Six Ruck Arrivals

Fullback, Damien HOyland – Old Glory DC

• 168 Meters Made
• 16 Ball Carries Made
• 4 Ruck Arrivals

The post First XV | WK1 | 2025 appeared first on Major League Rugby.

ESPN and Major League Rugby (MLR) have reached a multiyear media rights agreement, bringing the highest level of professional rugby in the United States to ESPN platforms. Live coverage begins on Saturday, Feb. 15 as the 2025 season kicks off with five matches (6 p.m. ET, ESPN+).

Under the agreement, all regular season and playoff games will stream live on ESPN+, with a select number of matches presented on ESPN2. Additionally, fans can stream replays of each match, highlights and rugby content on The Rugby Network, following a 72-hour delay. As part of the agreement, Major League Rugby will be available across Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Major League Rugby has built a strong foundation as the premier professional rugby league in North America, and we’re thrilled to be part of its next phase of growth,” said Tim Bunnell, ESPN SVP of Programming and Acquisitions. “As MLR continues to establish itself on the North American sports landscape, we look forward to bringing the league’s dynamic competition to an even wider audience.”

“During our 2024 campaign we grew our viewership by more than 25 percent year over year. We are hyperfocused on increasing our audience and introducing rugby to more American sports fans every year. This relationship with ESPN will give us an opportunity to supercharge that growth,” said Nic Benson, Major League Rugby Commissioner. “Given the depth of talent across the league, I’m confident we’re headed toward our most exciting season yet. This strategic agreement  will enable more of our fans to tune-in for some best-in-class rugby action.”

The road to the 2025 MLR Championship officially begins over President’s Day weekend, featuring 18 weeks of intense regular season action, followed by two weeks of playoffs, all leading to the MLR Championship on June 28, where the league’s best will battle for the coveted MLR Shield. This season, 11 teams from across the country will compete for the title, including Anthem RC, Chicago Hounds, Houston SaberCats, Miami Sharks, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby LA, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves, and Utah Warriors.

The league’s new media rights agreement substantially increases the league’s visibility and enhances its reach. This move follows a 2024 season marked by growth in media coverage, ticket sales and social media engagement, including the 2024 MLR Championship, which featured a record crowd of more than 12,000 as the New England Free Jacks captured their second straight title with a victory over the Seattle Seawolves. 

“We are tremendously excited to work with ESPN on behalf of Major League Rugby,” William Mao, Octagon’s SVP Media Rights Consulting said. “Already the most-watched professional rugby league in the United States, MLR is the primary vehicle pushing the sport forward in our market. And now with a presence across ESPN platforms, the league will be even better positioned to fuel rugby fandom in the U.S. ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.”

About Octagon Global Media Rights Consulting:

Octagon’s global media rights consulting division advises more than $26 Billion in media rights for a comprehensive collection of the world’s largest organizations in sports and media, including the NFL, MLR, MLB, NWSL, WWE, NCAA Conferences and Universities, major broadcast and streaming networks, and a variety of other properties across five continents.

As part of its expansive media rights practice, Octagon leverages the strength and size of its proprietary data, research, analytics, and technology, to provide strategic consultation to major domestic and international rights holders, as well as teams, broadcasters, emerging distribution platforms, and the sports investment community.

About ESPN:

ESPN, the world’s leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About ESPN+:

ESPN+ is the No. 1 sports streaming platform, serving fans in the U.S. with exclusive access to more than 32,000 live sports events each year, an unmatched library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content, and premium written articles by the top reporters and analysts from ESPN.com. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $11.99 a month (or $119.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or in the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices. For more visit the ESPN+ Press Kit. 

Media Contact:

Major League Rugby:
Johnathan McGinty

706.338.2732

johnathan@trestlecollective.com

ESPN:

Lily Blum

240.821.0954
Lily.Blum@espn.com

The post ESPN and Major League Rugby Announce Multiyear Media Rights Agreement appeared first on Major League Rugby.

DALLAS – Major League Rugby announced today that Onrise will serve as the Official Mental Health Provider of the league. The first-of-its-kind partnership will provide the MLR community with comprehensive mental health care and support designed specifically for athletes.

Onrise’s athlete-specific resources will be accessible to MLR players, coaches and referees, spanning from peer support delivered by retired athletes, in addition to therapy, psychiatric care and 24/7/365 crisis services.

“Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness in the sport of rugby, and the mental health of our players, coaches and officials is paramount to our league’s success,” said MLR Chief Operating Officer Graeme Bradbury. “Onrise is widely known across the professional sports space, and we are excited to provide an unprecedented amount of resources for all of our league members. We look forward to continuing to grow this offering for members of the MLR community.”

The partnership complements the league’s ongoing efforts to tackle stigmas surrounding mental health. In October, the league launched MLR Wellness, an initiative that extended the league’s mental health offerings to players and fans. Since 2022, the league has partnered with LooseHeadz, an organization that strives to place a mental health lead at every rugby team and provide them with a toolkit of resources to support players’ mental fitness. During the 2025 season, LooseHeadz and Onrise will collaborate around these initiatives.

“Onrise is excited to be the Official Mental Health Provider of Major League Rugby,” said Kim Quigley, MD, CEO of Onrise. “In addition to providing mental health support to players and coaches, Onrise will also be available to MLR referees in a first-of-its-kind engagement. In a fast, physical game like rugby, players wear an armor of toughness. At Onrise, we want MLR athletes to know it’s ok to fortify that armor with tools to improve your mental wellbeing. We commend MLR’s commitment to prioritize mental health and look forward to a long and impactful relationship.”

The announcement represents a key alignment for MLR and the Major League Rugby Players’ Association (MLRPA), a step that enhances existing league mental health initiatives while also creating new service offerings, programs and resources for players to use.

“We are proud to jointly announce the strategic partnership with Onrise, a leader in athlete mental health support. This first of its kind collaboration between the MLR, MLRPA, and OnRise solidifies the shared commitment to the well-being of our players, both on and off the field. Mental health is the cornerstone of an athlete’s overall performance and quality of life, and 

through Onrise’s expert services, we are providing our players real support that they need to thrive,” said Chris Mattina, President of the MLRPA. 

“As part of this partnership, Onrise will offer comprehensive and fully confidential mental health resources, including counseling, therapy, and wellness programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by our players. This initiative is designed to foster a culture of openness, transparency, and well-being within Major League Rugby and the Players Association, creating a positive environment for all involved in the league. We recognize that the challenges of elite-level competition extend beyond physical performance, and we are committed to ensuring that mental health is prioritized as part of our ongoing efforts to support our players holistically.”

Onrise boasts a robust history of helping professional athletes and works with a number of professional teams, organizations and leagues, including Inter Miami FC, the Major League Soccer Players’ Association, USA Track & Field Athletes’ Commission, United Football League Players’ Association and Professional Women’s’ Hockey League.

For more information on Onrise, visit www.onrise.care/.

For more information on LooseHeadz, visit looseheadz.co.uk/.

The post Major League Rugby and Onrise Unveil Partnership  appeared first on Major League Rugby.

There are less than two months to go until the 2025 Major League Rugby season gets underway.

From player signings to new kits and season ticket deals, teams are preparing for the league’s eighth season to kick off.

MACRON THREADS FOR 2025 UNVEILED

MLR and Macron unveiled all 11 new kits for the 2025 season at the start of December.

Kits feature distinct patterns, cultural connections, and unique creative designs, each that reflects the communities each team represents.

Quickly, the 2025 jerseys for the Miami Sharks, Chicago Hounds, and Utah Warriors kits have become fan favorites and have sent the countdown into the new season into overdrive. 

Macron was confirmed as the official apparel provider for MLR in November, which is the latest instance of increased collaboration between the league and USA Rugby.

The new collections are made from Eco Fabric, a polyester material derived entirely from recycled post-consumer plastic, which conveys a clear message of sustainability and respect for the environment.

Imagery of all the Home and Away kits for each team can be accessed here.

Rugby LA Make a Spash

In preparation for their second season, Rugby LA has strengthened its squad.

Dual-nation Test legend and @SuperRugby veteran Christian Lealiifano is coming to LA.

Welcome, Bruz!#RFCLA #MLR2025 #RugbyLA @USMLR

NEWS: https://t.co/k2dEqmzWDc pic.twitter.com/UIlHJNSB7q

— Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (@RugbyFCLA) December 20, 2024

This includes the addition of two-time Back of the Year, Billy Meakes, who comes back to the West Coast after two years with the Chicago Hounds.

The 33-year-old Australian is just one marquee signing for the side, who have also recruited Argentina scrum-half Gonzalo Bertanou, USA international Christian Dyer and US-qualified lock Mikaea Wynyard from Stade Rochelais.

The journey continues for Gonzalo Bertranou… Next stop LA. #RFCLA #MLR2025 #RugbyLA @USMLR @lospumas

GALLERY: https://t.co/24PjlJXL95 pic.twitter.com/cE766lXtCu

— Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (@RugbyFCLA) November 27, 2024

Also, by recruiting Tim Anstee, Ben Sugars, Nick Chan, and Matias Jensen from Australia and retaining the services of top 2024 performers Semi Kunatani, Jason Damm, and Andrew Coe, it is clear that LA means business next season.

HOUNDS MAKE SEASON TICKET STATEMENT

The Chicago Hounds have offered the deal of the century with their ‘Locked in for Life’ season ticket offering.

Hounds supporters who purchase a season ticket from the 2025 season onward will have the $250 price tag set forever, and those who have already renewed will automatically have the promotion added.

To maintain the offer, all supporters have to do is renew during the season ticket renewal period of each year and continue watching the Hounds do their thing at SeatGeek Stadium.

The deal of a lifetime buy your season tickets now and lock in that price FOR LIFE.

No price hikes. No surprises. Year after year.

ALL FANS WHO ALREADY PURCHASED 2025 SEASON TICKETS ARE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED IN FOR LIFE pic.twitter.com/RvEt5CZ6FA

— Chicago Hounds (@HoundsChicago) November 25, 2024

EBNER TALKS RUGBY ON GAMES WITH NAMES

Three-time Super Bowl champion and New England Free Jacks minority owner Nate Ebner joined his former New England Patriots teammate Julian Edelman on the Games with Names podcast.

While the pair reminisced about their time in the NFL together, rugby formed a major part of their 150-minute conversation.

Before football rugby was Ebner’s first love. 

Introduced to the game by his late father, the 35-year-old was an age-grade international for the USA, but after enrolling at Ohio State, was a walk-on for the Buckeyes.

Drafted to the Patriots 197th overall in 2012, Ebner became a stalwart in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but still pursued rugby.

Representing the USA at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Ebner invested in the Free Jacks in 2020 alongside Patrick Chung and has watched as the team won back-to-back Shields.

Click here to listen.

LEGION RETURN TO TORERO STADIUM

After four seasons away, the San Diego Legion is returning to Torero Stadium.

Legion played the 2018 and 2019 seasons at the University of San Diego venue before moving to Snapdragon Stadium, where they set the MLR attendance record of 12,085 in 2024.

Aiming to create a fan-focused environment in Torero Stadium’s intimate surroundings after receiving supporter feedback, Legion could return to Snapdragon for the 2025 Play Offs.

“We’re committed to creating the best experience for our fans in 2025, and we believe that Torero Stadium will offer the best venue for our fans and players in 2025,” David Haigh, CEO of the San Diego Legion, said.

GOLLA INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION AT FALL CLASSIC

As collegiate rugby’s best descended upon Spartanburg, South Carolina, last weekend, USA Eagles Sam Golla was on hand to offer words of wisdom to the next generation of stars.

Following five fruitful years with the University of California, Berkeley, Golla was taken number one overall in the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft and has established himself as a star.

Awarded Rookie of the Year in 2023 and winning his first Eagles’ caps in the same year, the Anthem RC forward handed jerseys out to the Heart of America and Florida Collegiate squads before their D1AA All-Star Bowl fixture.

Special moment at the @collegerugbyus Fall Classic as USA Eagle Sam Golla presents the jerseys to this year’s Heart of America and Florida All Star Squads pic.twitter.com/Yc2kqkB9HS

— USA Rugby (@USARugby) December 7, 2024

It was confirmed at the conclusion of the action that an inaugural CRAA All-Americans East vs. West Match will take place as a curtain raiser to an Anthem RC fixture and compete for a place on the MLR team’s academy squad that tours South Africa next summer.

SECOND FRANCE INTERNATIONAL COMES TO NOLA

Xavier Mignot is France international’s latest to sign with the NOLA Gold for the 2025 season.

Following in the footsteps of his countryman Kelian Gallatier in joining Danny Lee’s side, Mignot brings with him a decades’ worth of professional rugby experience.

Starting his career with Grenoble, with whom he won his sole France cap for against Argentina in 2016, he has spent the past seven years with Lyon in the Top 14.

Xavier Mignot is bringing his talent and experience to NOLA Gold!
–
A skilled wing and French international #1087, Xavier has been a key player in the Top 14 with Lyon since 2017. We’re eager to see what he’ll bring to the pitch here in New Orleans! pic.twitter.com/1Xa7fgITZr

— NOLA Gold Rugby (@nolagoldrugby) November 26, 2024

The 32-year-old Challenge Cup winner will bolster an increasingly exciting Gold backline.

DC BRING BACK FAMILIAR FACES

Simon Cross’ Old Glory DC has been counting down to the holidays with a series of re-signings.

These signings have included Canada international prop Calixto Martinez, scrum-half Connor Buckley, and experienced lock Tevita Naqali.

Added to the recruitment of Welsh center Steffan Hughes and Jason Emery, the Flags are aiming for the postseason once again after a promising 2024.

GIVE THE GIFT OF RUGBY THIS CHRISTMAS

If you are struggling to find the perfect gift for a rugby lover in your life this Christmas, why not get them a TRN+ Subscription gift card?

Recipients will be able to watch MLR, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, Premiership Rugby Cup, and collegiate rugby fixtures live and on-demand throughout the season.

Click here to learn more. 

The post Offseason Talking Points: December News From Across MLR appeared first on Major League Rugby.

DALLAS – Major League Rugby and Macron have unveiled the new kits for all 11 teams for the upcoming 2025 season, delivering creative, fresh designs to bear for the clubs and new gear sure to engage fans in the most exciting season yet.

Macron, an influential leader in the global sports apparel space, has designed innovative and engaging uniforms that truly reflect the communities the teams represent. The kits feature distinct patterns, cultural connections and unique creative designs that showcase the ties that bind each club to their hometown.

Like all high-tech Macron sportswear, the new collections are made from Eco Fabric, a polyester material derived entirely from recycled post-consumer plastic. The main material is Eco Armevo with Eco Bodytex inserts for maximum strength and excellent technical qualities as well as lightness and breathability.The new kits convey a clear message of sustainability and respect for the environment.

Imagery of all the Home and Away kits for each team can be accessed here.

Macron also is the official apparel partner for the European Professional Club Rugby, the Scottish, Welsh and Italian National Teams and recently signed on as the official kit provider of USA Rugby.

Macron’s work with MLR and USAR is the latest instance of increased collaboration between the two organizations as they work to prepare American rugby for upcoming international competitions, including the 2028 Olympics and 2031 Rugby World Cup in the U.S.

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