1. Cameron Orr (Seattle Seawolves)

2. Dylan Fawsitt (Chicago Hounds)

3. Steven Longwell (Old Glory DC)

4. Rhyno Herbst (Seattle Seawolves)

5. Frank Lochore (Utah Warriors)

6. Jero Gomez Vara (Dallas Jackals)

7. Cory Daniel (Old Glory DC)

8. Semi Kunatani (RFC Los Angeles)

9. Andre Warner (Houston SaberCats)

10. Jayson Potroz (New England Free Jacks)

11. Taniela Filimone (NOLA Gold)

12. Jordan Jackson-Hope (NOLA Gold)

13. Wayne Van Der Bank (New England Free Jacks)

14. Michael Manson (Utah Warriors)

15. Reece Macdonald (New England Free Jacks)

The post Closer Look: The 2024 All-MLR First Team appeared first on Major League Rugby.

The top 45 players throughout the season were selected to make up the first, second, and honorable mention All-MLR teams. The selections were voted on by a group made up of MLR media, referees, and stats specialists.

The post Major League Rugby Announces 2024 First and Second All-MLR Teams, and Honorable Mention appeared first on Major League Rugby.

After a grueling 18-week regular season, each conference will seed its top four teams in a single elimination tournament beginning on July 20 with the winners squaring off for the revered MLR Shield.  

Last season, the New England Free Jacks defeated the San Diego Legion 25-24 in a thrilling MLR Championship matchup in Chicago.

Be the first to get all the league news and ticket notifications for the MLR Championship by subscribing at MajorLeague.Rugby today.

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.

Download the 2024 Major League Rugby Media Guide here.

The post San Diego selected as host for 2024 Major League Rugby Championship appeared first on Major League Rugby.

New England Free Jacks vs NOLA GOLD | saturday, Mar 16 at 2:00 PM ET

Everywhere Live and Free: The Rugby Network

And NBC Sports Boston and YURVIEW

OLD GLORY DC vs Chicago Hounds | saturday, mar 16 at 4:00 PM ET

Everywhere Live and Free: The Rugby Network

And Monumental Sports and Marquee Plus

HOUston Sabercats vs Miami sharks | saturday, Mar 16 at 8:00 PM ET

Everywhere Live and Free: The Rugby Network

And Space City and Bally Sports Sun

UTAH warriors vs seattle seawolves | saturday, mar 16 at 9:00 PM ET

Everywhere Live and Free: The Rugby Network

And KYMU and FOX 13+

San Diego Legion vs RFC LA | satruday, Mar 16 at 10:00 PM ET

US TV: FS2

Outside the US: The Rugby Network

Following a 24-hour tape delay, the match will be available to stream for all viewers on The Rugby Network.

ANthem RC vs Dallas Jackals | sunday, mar 17 at 3:00 PM ET

US TV: FS2

Outside the US: The Rugby Network

Following a 24-hour tape delay, the match will be available to stream for all viewers on The Rugby Network.

The post How To Watch: March 16 – 17 appeared first on Major League Rugby.

Thanks to the new partnership with Kappa, a fresh slate of new kits featuring creative designs inspired by the unique, local characteristics of each of MLR’s 11 cities will be ready for players and fans alike in 2024. The new collection also features the first iterations of kits for the Miami Sharks and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA).

Unique elements of the designs for each club feature a homage to the team’s history, as well as a connection to their home community.

• Chicago Hounds: Holding true to their name, both home and away kits for the Hounds feature touches of the classic houndstooth design along the arms bands and down the shorts to provide a bit of fashion pop.

• Dallas Jackals: Embracing their Texas roots, the iconic lone star from the state flag is featured prominently across the home and away kits, styled in the green, black and white colorways of the Jackals.

• Houston Sabercats: At home, Houston is on the prowl with a unique predatory cat print in black and gray with yellow accents, while the pattern is more subdued for the away prints in the primarily yellow scheme.

• Miami Sharks: The expansion Sharks embrace the South Beach scene with a home kit that features a pink top with subtle design elements, while the innovative away kit includes a pink and black pattern that pays homage to the vibrant and bold designs of Wynwood, the city’s thriving arts district.

• New England Free Jacks: The defending MLR Cup champions come to play with their traditional, clean look that connects to the region’s revolutionary roots. The traditional collar and clean red, white and blue lines offer a sporty fit.

• NOLA Gold: Laissez les bons temps rouler in New Orleans with a Mardi Gras-inspired away kit that features the traditional colors of gold, green and purple. The home kit is gold and white with accents down the shorts.

• Old Glory DC: In a unique look fitting for the nation’s capital, Old Glory DC’s home kit is blue with a pattern inspired by the rotunda in the U.S. Capitol, while the red away kit features a subtle design that harkens to the columns of the Lincoln Memorial.

• RFCLA: Sun, sand and surf all come to mind thanks to RFCLA’s blue and light blue kits featuring a cascading wave pattern that rolls throughout both looks.

• San Diego Legion: Paying tribute to the city’s military heritage, San Diego’s two uniforms feature innovative camouflage patterns made up of the team’s iconic red, black and silver colorways. Additional new San Diego Legion Kits for 2024 are coming soon.

• Seattle Seawolves: Two distinct looks help Seattle stand out on the field with a home kit in black with sonic wave patterns across the shirt, as well as orca teeth accents on the collar, sleeves and trim. The away kit features majestic Mount Rainier across the front of the shirt.

• Utah Warriors: Four stripes are represented on both of the Warrior’s kits this year, representing community, family, tradition, and respect. These four strips are featured on every piece of kit worn by the team.

Later this season, MLR and Kappa also will release a special “City” kit for each club that more closely explores the culture, tradition and history of each city.

The 2024 release of kits marks the first series of designs from Kappa, which entered into a partnership with MLR last year as the new Official Kit Partner. The iconic sports and lifestyle brand is outfitting each team with Match Kits, Training Kits and Fanwear.

Kappa has a long and distinguished relationship with rugby having made iconic kits for some of the world’s most renowned teams. With extensive relationships spanning teams across Europe, including those in France’s TOP 14 and Italy’s Serie A, Kappa is broadening its global presence with the new partnership with MLR.

Kits will be available to purchase at team stores.

The post Home and away kits for all 11 clubs unveiled for 2024 appeared first on Major League Rugby.

(Dec. 18, 2023) – Major League Rugby (MLR), which represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America, is pleased to announce the schedule of matches for the 2024 season and an overhauled competition structure for its teams. 

For the seventh iteration, the MLR regular season will include 18 weeks of action for its 11 teams, with two bye weeks for each team. Rather than be divided into two conferences as in years past, the league will compete in a single table and play six opponents twice in the season and four opponents once. The top eight teams will qualify for the Championship Series.

The season also features the addition of the Miami Sharks and the relocation of Rugby ATL to Los Angeles, joining the Chicago Hounds, the Dallas Jackals, the Houston SaberCats, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, the New England Free Jacks, the San Diego Legion, the Seattle Seawolves, and the Utah Warriors.

“As we head into our seventh season, there is plenty of energy, excitement and enthusiasm behind Major League Rugby, particularly after adding a new club in the Miami Sharks and seeing our league move back into the Los Angeles market,” said Nic Benson, CEO of MLR. “Opening weekend promises to kick off another exciting season for our fans as we capitalize on our progress and continue to grow rugby for new generations of fans across North America. This season, we shifted to a single table format for our competition, ensuring all teams would play each other in an effort to determine who truly is the best of the best in our league.”

Several notable fixtures include:

• The New England Free Jacks, who hoisted the MLR Shield at the end of last season, embark on their quest for a second straight title with a home opener against Old Glory DC on Saturday, March 9.
• Texas rivals, the Dallas Jackals and Houston Sabercats, square off on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, May 11.
• In a rematch of the 2023 MLR Championship Final, the Free Jacks square off against the San Diego Legion on Sunday, April 14 and Sunday, June 16.

Fox Sports will once again broadcast a live match of the week with a full schedule of those matches to be announced soon. The Rugby Network will stream all remaining matches live in the U.S. and around the world. 

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:

Major League Rugby

Website | Instagram | Twitter

Johnathan McGinty

On behalf of Major League Rugby

johnathan@trestlecollective.com

The post Major League Rugby Unveils 2024 Slate Of Matchups appeared first on Major League Rugby.

For seven consecutive Fridays, NOLA Gold is making an event of every match.

When: First watch party is Friday, September 8, 2023. Doors open at noon.

Where: McCool’s Irish Pub: 3701 Banks St, New Orleans, LA 70119

More information on watch parties hosted by NOLA Gold.

Free Watch Parties at Stout Penn Station (133 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001)
During the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup, Rugby New York Ironworkers and Stout NYC will host three epic watch parties.

Saturday 9/9 – Be There

Australia vs. Georgia (12:00 PM)
England vs. Argentina (3:00 PM)

Saturday 9/23 – RSVP Now

England vs. Chile (11:45 AM)
Ireland vs. South Africa (3:00 PM)

Saturday 10/7 – Register Interest

England vs. Samoa (11:45 AM)
Ireland vs. Scotland (3:00 PM)

More Information on watch parties hosted by Rugby New York Ironworkers.

The Greatest Bar (262 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114)

Friday, September 8 at 3 PM ET

More information on watch parties hosted by the New England Free Jacks

Friday, September 8th – 12PM PST 
FRANCE vs. NEW ZEALAND 
at Pure Project Carlsbad

Friday, September 15th – 12PM PST
 NEW ZEALAND vs. NAMIBIA
 at Ballast Point Miramar

Thursday, September 21st – 12PM PST 
FRANCE vs NAMIBIA
 at Wonderland Ocean Beach

Friday, October 6th – 12PM PST
 FRANCE vs. ITALY 
at Ballast Point Miramar

Friday, October 20th – 12PM PST 
TBD vs TBD (Semi Finals ) at 
The Local Pacific Beach

Saturday, October 28th – 12PM PST
 TBD vs TBD (Finals)
 at Pure Project Carlsbad

More information on watch parties hosted by San Diego Legion.

Sunday, October 1

South Africa vs. Tonga – Houston SaberCats will be in attendance.

With Abundant Harvest Kitchen & Bistro @ Elm & Magnolia, 206 Magnolia Street, Spring, TX 77373

More Information on watch parties hosted by the Houston SaberCats

Friday, September 8th at 12 PM PST

Wing Dome – 232 Central Way Kirkland, WA 98033

More Information on watch party hosted by the Seattle Seawolves.

The post Rugby World Cup France 2023 | Watch Parties appeared first on Major League Rugby.

PICK

TEAM

PLAYER

COLLEGE

POSITION

The post 2023 Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft Results appeared first on Major League Rugby.

After the conclusion of the 2023 Major League Rugby season, to kick off the End of Season Awards, here is a closer look at the All-MLR First Team.

LOOSEHEAD PROP | JACK ISCARO, OLD GLORY DC

In a season in which Old Glory DC turned things around in emphatic fashion, Jack Iscaro stood above the rest with his efforts.
Involved in all 18 of his team’s games in 2023, the prop forward was a safe pair of hands at the scrum, helping the side to set out their stall on the way to the postseason for the first time.
At 25, the DC native is already a significant part of the Old Glory Machine, and supporters will be hoping that Iscaro will continue to be a major influence in the years to come.

HOOKER | DYLAN FAWSITT, NEW YORK IRONWORKERS

Scoring nine tries in 2023, Dylan Fawsitt continued to be a force in the front-row as the New York Ironworkers set out to protect their crown as the 2022 champions.
Starting in each of the 17 games he played in, the 32-year-old USA Eagle got his team’s set-piece rolling and was even deployed at No.8 at times because of his abilities will ball-in-hand.
Carrying the ball 105 times, Fawsitt gained 527 meters and even made 158 tackles, continuing his run as one of the league’s most consistent players.

TIGHTHEAD PROP | JUAN PABLO ZEISS, DALLAS JACKALS

For a second season in a row, Juan Pablo Zeiss finds himself in the All-MLR First Team. The Argentine picked up where he left off when moving from the Houston SaberCats to be part of Agustin Cavalieri’s Dallas Jackals.
Starting in 14 matches, the 33-year-old continued to be a rock at the scrum and helped the team that calls Choctaw Stadium home, pick up their first two MLR wins.

LEFT LOCK | SAM GOLLA, DALLAS JACKALS

In his first MLR season, the 2022 first-overall draft pick stepped into professional rugby relatively easily.
Starting in 16 games, the lock forward made 213 tackles for his team and scored three tries as the side grew under new coaching and turned their back on 2022.
An impressive player for the Jackals, Golla was rewarded with a USA call-up for his efforts and is one of the most exciting prospects in the league.

RIGHT LOCK | JOHAN MOMSEN, RUGBY ATL

Once again, Johan Momsen was imperious in the second-row. In his third season with Rugby ATL, the South African played in another 15 MLR matches and continued to display a well-rounded game.
In attack, the 27-year-old ran for 518 meters, made 169 tackles, and won seven turnovers. While it was not a vintage season for ATL, who finished 15 points from the playoffs, Momsen remained a leading light.

BLINDSIDE FLANKER | CHRISTIAN POIDEVIN, SAN DIEGO LEGION

Helping San Diego Legion back to the Championship Final for the first time since 2019, Christian Poidevin impressed massively as Danny Lee’s team finished as runners-up.
Playing in 12 matches, the Australian made 138 tackles, 11 of which were dominant, a staggering 15 turnovers in defense, and 11 turnovers at the breakdown.

OPENSIDE FLANKER | LANCE WILLIAMS, UTAH WARRIORS

Last season, Lance Williams made the All-MLR First Team thanks to a career year. This season, the 30-year-old maintained that form to be named in the team for a successive campaign.
Coming into 2023, Williams had freshly been capped as a USA Sevens Eagle and carried that confidence onto the pitch with the Utah Warriors. Starting 14 games, Williams scored five tries, ran for 630 meters, and made 178 tackles.

NO.8 | WIAN CONRADIE, NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

Starting in 16 matches, Namibia international Wian Conradie was faultless for the New England Free Jacks as the side went on to lift the MLR Shield for the first time in Chicago.
From 216 carries, Conradie ran for an astonishing 1560 meters, beating 21 defenders and scoring seven tries in the process.
Even making 234 tackles in defense, it was a massively impressive campaign for the 28-year-old who now goes into Rugby World Cup 2023 preparations in fine form.

SCRUM-HALF | RICHARD JUDD, SAN DIEGO LEGION

To marshal San Diego Legion in 2023, the team turned to Richard Judd. A veteran of professional rugby in his native New Zealand and Japan, the 31-year-old produced impeccable performance after impeccable performance for head coach, Danny Lee.
Starting in all of the 14 games he was involved with, Judd bagged seven tries for his team and consistently kept his team on the front foot consistently as they charged to an 11-game unbeaten run across the regular season and an unbeaten campaign at Snapdragon Stadium.

FLY-HALF | JAYSON POTROZ, NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

In his first MLR season, Jayson Potroz enjoyed a mesmeric campaign for the New England Free Jacks on the team’s way to lifting the Shield.
Player of the Match in the Championship Final, Potroz was simply unflappable. Starting 16 matches, the 31-year-old kicked 47 conversions and 15 penalties while running for over 1000 meters.
But while stats tell one part of the story, the playmaker’s natural ability to control the game and launch scintillating attacks at will, sets him apart from the crowd.

LEFT WING | NATE AUGSPURGER, SAN DIEGO LEGION

In his sixth season with the San Diego Legion, Nate Augspurger excelled and moved to the wing for Danny Lee’s team.
Crossing the try line on 11 occasions, the 33-year-old was a constant threat for the team, combining to devastating effect with his teammates and using his decade’s worth of experience to good effect.
Running for 1859 meters, Augspurger made an average of 12 meters with ball-in-hand and beat 48 defenders.

INSIDE CENTER | LE ROUX MALAN, NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

In spite of missing several matches because of injury, Le Roux Malan finished the 2023 season in fantastic form and scored the try, which won the New England Free Jacks a title.
Starting in 10 matches and scoring nine tries, the Namibia international ran for 1132 meters and beat 22 defenders, the 24-year-old devastating in attack for Scott Mathie’s side, his potential seemingly growing with every outing.

OUTSIDE CENTER | BEN LESAGE, NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS

His first season at Veterans Memorial Stadium, Ben LeSage was a force of nature for the New England Free Jacks as the side traveled the road to success.
As we have seen since the center’s first foray into MLR with the Toronto Arrows, LeSage does every facet of the game well.
Running for 822 meters, making 105 tackles, and winning 10 turnovers for the 15 games he was in, there was much to like from the 27-year-old.

RIGHT WING | TOMAS AOAKE, SAN DIEGO LEGION

Much like his teammate on the other wing, Tomas Aoake crossed the whitewash on 11 occasions for the San Diego Legion.
A potent threat for the Californians, the 27-year-old New Zealander is in just his second season with the team and started in 15 matches.
Scoring two tries in the Western Conference Final, Aoake was the beneficiary of a hardened Legion forward pack, running for 1352 meters and beating 51 defenders.

FULL-BACK | MIKEY TE’O, SAN DIEGO LEGION

Playing in 18 games for the San Diego Legion as the team returned to the Championship Final, Mikey Te’o was back to his best in 2023.
Scoring six tries, the 29-year-old was a secondary playmaker at full-back, helping his teammates across the try line and helping the side to the top of the Western Conference.
Two years after his Player of the Year recognition, the anticipation of Te’o taking the league by storm again in 2024 is high.

The post Closer Look: The 2023 All-MLR First Team appeared first on Major League Rugby.

The top 45 players throughout the season were selected to make up the first, second, and honorable mention All-MLR teams. The selections were voted on by a group made up of MLR media, referees, and stats specialists.

The post Major League Rugby Announces 2023 First and Second All-MLR Teams, and Honorable Mention appeared first on Major League Rugby.