US MLR – Old Glory DC

Major League Rugby Releases 2022 Season Schedule

Chris McCay — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:59:15 +0000

Major League Rugby Releases 2022 Season Schedule

Dallas (November 9, 2021) — Entering its fifth season, Major League Rugby (MLR) has announced that its 2022 season will begin with matches on February 5, 2022. The regular season will include 18 weeks of action, with two bye weeks for each team. The 13 teams, with the addition of the Dallas Jackals, will be competing within and across two conferences: the Eastern Conference (Old Glory DC, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Rugby ATL, Rugby United New York, Toronto Arrows) and the Western Conference (Austin Gilgronis, Dallas Jackals, Houston SaberCats, LA Giltinis, Seattle Seawolves, San Diego Legion, Utah Warriors).

“We are excited for Major League Rugby’s fifth season and the continued growth of the League,” said Commissioner George Killebrew. “We’re confident that this season is going to be even better than the last, and that the fan experience is going to continue to improve. February 5 is going to be a great day for rugby enthusiasts and sports lovers in North America.”

Changes have been made to the MLR Championship Series, beginning with the regular season set to conclude on Sunday, June 5, 2022. While the No. 1 seeds in both the East and West will receive first-round byes, the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in each conference will compete on June 11 and 12. Thereafter, the No. 1 seeds in both conferences will face the winners of the No.2 vs. No. 3 matchups on June 18 and 19 for the MLR Conference Finals. Ultimately, the MLR Championship Final will take place the weekend of June 25/26.

Opening weekend will feature a marquee match-up Rugby ATL hosting Old Glory DC on Saturday, Feb 5. Other highlights of the league’s opening day include Dallas Jackals inaugural match on Saturday, Feb 5, as they travel to play the Austin Gilgronis. San Diego Legion host the Utah Warriors on Sunday, Feb 6, in a rematch of one of the most exciting 2021 matches that ended in a comeback win by the Warriors.

Other notable games for the regular season include:

Saturday, Feb 19, Rugby ATL host Rugby United New York in a rematch of the 2021 Eastern Conference Final.

Sunday, March 13, the LA Giltinis host the Utah Warriors in a rematch of the 2021 Western Conference Final.

The Texas Cup has grown to feature six matchups as the Dallas Jackals enter MLR.

Saturday, Feb 5 Austin Gilgronis host Dallas Jackals

Saturday, Feb 19 Dallas Jackals host Houston SaberCats

Sunday, April 3 Austin Gilgronis host Houston SaberCats

Saturday, April 9 Houston SaberCats host Dallas Jackals

Saturday, April 16 Dallas Jackals host Austin Gilgronis

Friday, June 3 Houston SaberCats host Austin Gilgronis

Saturday, April 30, Rugby ATL hosts the LA Giltinis in a rematch of the 2021 Championship Final.

Broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

There will be a variety of pre-season activities in each market as well as a national media day where each team will provide standout players for national and international media availability.

About Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fifth season that represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 13 teams in 2021, featuring 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2, 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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2021 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY COLLEGIATE DRAFT SET FOR AUGUST 19

Chris McCay — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:01:38 +0000

2021 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY COLLEGIATE DRAFT SET FOR AUGUST 19

DALLAS (June 10, 2021) — Major League Rugby (MLR) will host its second-ever Collegiate Draft on Thursday, August 19, 2021. The event will feature the largest eligible draft class in league history. Last year the inaugural Collegiate Draft was a huge success for the only professional rugby league in North America. No. 1 pick Conner Mooneyham has established himself with the Austin Gilgronis as an integral part of the team and has been a multiple-time selection to the weekly GEICO XV squad of standout players across the league. Mooneyham and NOLA Gold Draft pick Andrew Guerra have been selected to the USA Men’s National Team roster for the upcoming England and Ireland test matches.

An exciting change from last year is that the Draft is now open to Canadian collegiate athletes, recognizing the quality of talent pathways north of the border. This year’s draft will consist of a minimum of three rounds and the order of selection will be determined by the inverse order of standings from the 2021 MLR season. Once selected, teams will use a draft-and-follow approach and will have until the mid-point of the MLR season after the player’s collegiate eligibility ends to reach an agreement with the player.

“We are very excited to welcome new talent into Major League Rugby through our second Collegiate Draft,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. “Last year over 400 players applied for consideration to join the league. We are looking at even more talented players from across North America this year. We are developing grassroots programs and supporting a variety of avenues to bolster interest in rugby so the talent coming into the league will continue to get better and better.”

“I expect to see many of the future rookies have the success we have seen from players like Conner, Andrew, Utah’s Derek Ellingson, Seattle’s Aaron Matthews, New England’s Justin Johnson and so many other first-year players. We will also be opening the draft to Canadian collegiate athletes which will give us an even deeper talent pool.”

For the 2021 Draft only, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MLR is waiving the requirement for athletes to have been a registered collegiate rugby player in the year preceding the draft. However, all athletes must have been enrolled in college during the 2020-2021 academic year. Players are encouraged to review the eligibility section at www.MajorLeague.Rugby/Draft and reach out to draft@usmlr.com for any queries.

Collegiate players who meet the draft criteria may declare for the draft by filling out the MLR enrollment form by Friday, August 6, 2021. The enrollment form and more information can be found here.

Fans can stay tuned for information on how to watch the 2021 MLR Collegiate Draft. Draft- related questions can be forwarded to draft@usmlr.com.

A complete list of the 2020 MLR Draft picks can be found here.

###

About Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season on March 20, 2021 and represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 13 teams in 2021, featuring 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, 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, and download the MLR App.

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Memorial Day Jersey Auction Update

Chris McCay — Sat, 29 May 2021 23:01:48 +0000

Memorial Day Jersey Auction Update

Old Glory DC is proud to announce the following player/jersey matchup to help you pick the PERFECT jersey for your auction choice this weekend!

Match Jersey Number	Player Name

1	Jack Iscaro
2	Mikey Sosene Feagai
20	Steve Longwell
4	Api Naikatini
5	Stan South
6	Tevita Naqali
7	Callum Gibbins (C)
8	Josh Brown
9	Danny Tusitala
12	Jason Robertson
11	Renata Roberts Te Nana
10	Ciaran Hearn (VC)
13	Doug Fraser
14	Mike Dabulas
15	Dylan Taikato-Simpson
Blank	James King
17	Jack Carrol
18	Dante Lopresti
19	Casey Renaud
3	Cory Daniel
21	Danny Thomas
22	Dmontae Noble
23	Sam Cusano

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𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗝𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗬 𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Chris McCay — Thu, 27 May 2021 19:42:09 +0000

𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗝𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗬 𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Old Glory DC is excited to introduce our 2021 military appreciation jersey in celebration of Memorial Day. The OGDC squad will wear this special jersey at this Sunday’s home match against Rugby United New York

You can bid in an auction to win one of these unique, one of a kind match jersey’s signed and worn by a player this weekend by visiting the Dash auction » https://bit.ly/3oMblVx

A portion of the auction earnings will go to Veteran’s Moving Forward, a 501(c) (3) non-profit that specializes in providing service dogs and canine therapy to veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges at no cost.

Don’t hesitate on getting your bid in, auction closes on game day before the match is over.

#OGDC | Major League Rugby

The post 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗝𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗘𝗬 𝗔𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 appeared first on Old Glory DC.

MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY COVID PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES

Chris McCay — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:59:12 +0000

MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY COVID PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES

DALLAS (March 10, 2021) — Major League Rugby (MLR) is taking a number of proactive steps to protect the health of both the players and staff as the 2021 MLR season kicks off on March 20. The League has joined forces with Optrel to provide N95 masks for all MLR teams and will be using MyLabs for players, staff, and officials testing throughout the pre-season and 2021 season.

The League’s medical committee set rugby centric COVID policies to ensure the health and safety of all involved in the 2021 season. All MLR players and team staff, designated as Tier 1 individuals, are required to complete daily symptom questionnaires on the MyLabs App prior to leaving for training and temperature checks are required before entering team facilities. Tier 1 individuals are tested regularly using the MyLabs RT-PCR test and anyone with a positive test is quarantined and monitored appropriately.

In addition to the League COVID policies, each team is responsible for establishing their own social agreement that incorporates the culture of the team, and follows CDC, local and state guidelines for professional sport. Team social agreements cover areas including social distancing, hygiene, cleaning, personal protective equipment, symptoms, training, and accommodation to ensure compliance with local and state policies.

“The health and safety of our players and on-field officials is our number one priority,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. “In addition to the protection of N95 masks from Optrel and the regular testing from MyLabs, our teams have made extraordinary efforts in the lead up to the season to keep everyone healthy and set us up to provide an entertaining product on the pitch. Finally, although every market will have different fan protocols, I have no doubt our teams will take adequate care of everyone entering our stadiums.”

Optrel is a leading international manufacturer of innovative active eye and respiratory protection products for the welding, grinding, and healthcare industries. Optrel is headquartered in Wattwil, Switzerland, where it has been developing revolutionary industrial and medical products since 1986. Recently, as the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), Optrel has provided emergency aid by shifting production focus towards the manufacturing of PPE products.

“We are excited to partner with Major League Rugby for their upcoming fourth season, in which they will face unique challenges and opportunities,” said Grant Cooper, CEO of North American Operations, with Optrel AG. “These unprecedented times certainly demand the utmost protection. We are proud to be Major League Rugby’s official N95 mask supplier and contribute to the continued health and safety of its members.”

MyLabs provides the tools, tests, and technology that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare. Affordable and accessible tests, intuitive symptom analysis, and access to a healthcare expert—all HIPAA-compliant and available on any mobile device. In response to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, MyLabs has focused on delivering an innovative suite of COVID-19 tests and technology for individuals as well as the enterprise, government, and education sectors.

“As organizations take preventative measures during this next phase of the global pandemic, accurate testing and timely results are of utmost importance,” said Charles Orlando, Chief Marketing Officer at MyLabs. “We’re proud to partner with Major League Rugby to help ensure the safety of players and staff, as well as those around them.”

About Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season and represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 12 teams in 2021, 11 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, and ESPN+, among other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live 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

About Optrel AG

Optrel, shaped by the culture of a family business, instills its strong values, highest level of safety, protection, and wearing comfort by continuously focusing on fulfilling each of our customer’s needs and expectations. We continuously progress and innovate from our customers’ valued feedback, working to ensure that the Optrel experience is unlike any other. As the industry changes, we strive to lead the way with new welding, industrial, and medical technologies. We appreciate our long-lasting relationships and highly value the continuance of our strong partnerships. Optrel constantly aims to excel in the global, competitive world market, offering the best quality and operating at the highest level. Our products are made in Switzerland, and we are proud to offer an unparalleled service to all of our customers around the world through our presence across North America and Europe. Our ‘Swiss-made’ stamp symbolizes the long-standing tradition of the successes Swiss companies have exhibited by working in tandem with their clients and partners. Optrel has partnered with Major League Rugby as their official N95 supplier, ensuring their continued health and safety on and off the field. If you are interested in learning about Optrel’s products, contact us via phone (401-398-7240) or email (info_us@optrel.com) for more information.

About MyLabs

MyLabs, LLC is a leading remote healthcare technology and development company that was founded with a clear vision to improve health care access for everyone. Leading organizations in high-tech, entertainment, and sports count on MyLabs to provide their staff access to affordable and highly-accessible tests, intuitive symptom analysis, and access to a healthcare expert—all HIPAA-compliant and available from any mobile device. For more information, visit mylabs.com.

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Major League Rugby Announces CBS and FOX Sports National Television Schedule

Chris McCay — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:59:43 +0000

Major League Rugby Announces CBS and FOX Sports National Television Schedule

DALLAS (March 10, 2021) — Major League Rugby (MLR), CBS and FOX Sports today announced the national television schedule for the first month of the 2021 season. The premier North American rugby league, entering its fourth season, will televise its matches beginning the weekend of March 20 on CBS Sports Network, FS1 and FS2 with the Championship Final to be held August 1, broadcast nationally on CBS Sports.

Opening weekend of the 16-game regular season will feature the Houston SaberCats hosting the Seattle Seawolves from Aveva Stadium on CBS Sports Network at 8:00 p.m. ET. The game will be preceded by the FS2 telecast of NOLA Gold (New Orleans) squaring off against the New England Free Jacks at 4:00 p.m. ET from The Shrine on Airline (Metairie, Louisiana).

“Having strong television partners like CBS Sports and FOX Sports is a major element to the growth of MLR,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. “With expanded coverage on the CBS Sports and FOX Sports national networks FS1 and FS2, we’ll be able to bring our fans the rugby coverage they expect but also introduce our sport to entirely new fans this season.”

“We are excited to showcase another season of fast-paced Major League Rugby action on CBS Sports,” said Dan Weinberg, EVP, Programming, CBS Sports. “As lead broadcast partner, CBS Sports Network will televise marquee matches throughout the season, including the semifinals, culminating with the Championship Final on CBS in August.”

“We are thrilled to add a robust slate of Major League Rugby matches to FOX Sports’ extensive spring roster,” said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling, FOX Sports. “We are excited to showcase the best of professional North American rugby across our cable networks.”

The MLR national television schedule for the first month of the season:

Date                      Match                                                                                   Time (ET)             Network
March 20             Old Glory DC at NOLA Gold 4:00 p.m.             FS2
March 20             Seattle Seawolves at Houston SaberCats 8:00 p.m.             CBSSN
March 27             Toronto Arrows at Utah Warriors 9:00 p.m.             FS2
April 3                   Utah Warriors at New England Free Jacks 4:30 p.m.             CBSSN
April 3                   San Diego Legion at Rugby ATL 7:00 p.m.             FS2
April 10                 San Diego Legion at Houston SaberCats 8:00 p.m.             FS2
April 11                 Rugby United New York at Rugby ATL 3:00 p.m.             CBSSN

The remainder of the 2021 MLR national television schedule will be released in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to visit https://www.majorleague.rugby/ for additional information and https://www.majorleague.rugby/schedules/ for the full season schedule.

About MLR:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season on March 20, 2021 and represents the highest level of rugby 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. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, FS1 and FS2, among other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live 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.

About CBS Sports:

CBS Sports, a year-round leader in cross-platform sports coverage, broadcasts a portfolio of events on the CBS Television Network, including THE NFL ON CBS; college football, including the SEC ON CBS; college basketball, including the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship; golf, including The Masters®, PGA Championship and PGA TOUR; soccer, including the UEFA Champions League and NWSL; and CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR. In addition, the division includes CBS SPORTS NETWORK, the 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports which televises live sports programming throughout the year, including college football and basketball games, UEFA Champions League and Europa League action, as well as a full slate of original programming and studio coverage. CBS Sports also delivers an extensive lineup of soccer coverage on Paramount+, including every UEFA club competition match as the exclusive English-language home in the U.S., and produces INSIDE THE NFL for Paramount+. CBS Sports Digital’s multi-platform offerings include CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports apps for mobile and connected TV devices; the 24/7 streaming sports news network CBS Sports HQ; 247Sports; MaxPreps; CBS Sports fantasy games; and SportsLine.

About FOX Sports:

FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing FOX Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Additionally, FOX Sports and social broadcasting platform Caffeine jointly own Caffeine Studios which creates exclusive eSports, sports and live entertainment content. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture business Big Ten Network, a licensing and commercial relationship with The Stars Group that created the FOX Bet sports betting platform and the FOX Bet Super 6 free-to-play game, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

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AMERICAN AIRLINES JOINS MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY AS OFFICIAL AIRLINE AND TRAVEL PARTNER

Chris McCay — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:59:33 +0000

AMERICAN AIRLINES JOINS MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY AS OFFICIAL AIRLINE AND TRAVEL PARTNER

DALLAS (March 2, 2021) — Major League Rugby (MLR) announced today a multi-year agreement with American Airlines to be the official airline and travel partner of the rapidly growing professional league, founded in 2017. This strategic partnership will provide MLR with a number of benefits to ensure success off the pitch as teams and player focus on safely travelling across North America.

“American makes safety its top priority and offers a reliable and comfortable travel experience for our players and staff,” said George Killebrew, MLR Commissioner. “When it comes to getting to and from matches, American is the perfect airline to meet our needs. Last year was a tremendously challenging for every business around the world and we are ready to get back to business. American Airlines will
help us make that possible.”

With 12 professional teams spread across North America from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. and Toronto coordinating team travel is a critical element to any league’s success. American Airlines’ expertise in providing their passengers with additional leg room, free in-flight entertainment offerings to enjoy and enhancements to its multi-tiered Clean Commitment – all contributed to MLR partnering with the airline.

“American has always been focused on making it easy for passengers to do business with us,” said Esther Maldonado, Managing Director of Central Division Sales. “Our new partnership with Major League Rugby is an opportunity to make travel costs more affordable and flexible for organizations, providing them a safe and comfortable travel experience, and a chance for American to engage with Major League Rugby’s fans across North America.”

Opening weekend on March 20 will feature a 4 p.m. ET matinee in New Orleans, as NOLA Gold hosts Old Glory DC. Other highlights of the League’s opening day include the Los Angeles Giltinis’ inaugural game hosting the New England Free Jacks, and the Houston SaberCats hosting the 2019 champion Seattle Seawolves.

The 12 teams are split into two conferences. The Eastern Conference features six teams (Rugby ATL, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby United New York, Toronto Arrows) and the Western Conference features six teams (Austin Gilgronis, Houston SaberCats, LA Giltinis, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves, Utah Warriors). Each team will play a 16-game regular season schedule, with two bye weeks each.

About MLR:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season and representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 13 teams in 2021, 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, and ESPN+, among other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live 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

About American Airlines Group:

American’s purpose is to care for people on life’s journey. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL and the company’s stock is included in the S&P 500. Learn more about what’s happening at American by visiting news.aa.com and connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

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MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ANNOUNCES UPDATED 2021 SEASON SCHEDULE

Chris McCay — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:59:07 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | FEBRUARY 3, 2021

CONTACT | Tony Fay, Tony Fay PR, 972.273.0794, tony@tonyfaypr.com

MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ANNOUNCES UPDATED 2021 SEASON SCHEDULE
San Diego and Toronto Teams Announce Temporary Venue Relocations

DALLAS (February 3, 2021) – Major League Rugby (MLR) announced today an updated 2021 season schedule reflecting the postponement of the Dallas Jackals inaugural season and the temporary relocation of the San Diego Legion and Toronto Arrows. Opening day for MLR’s fourth season will remain on March 20, 2021. The season will feature 12 teams competing throughout North America over 18 weeks in a two-conference balanced schedule. The conclusion of the regular season will bring the MLR Championship Series, with the top two seeds from each conference qualifying for the postseason. The playoffs will culminate with the Championship Final to be held August 1, which will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

“The MLR and its teams are working together proactively to ensure we are providing a safe and entertaining product in 2021,” said George Killebrew, MLR commissioner. “We have worked diligently to create a revised balanced schedule and maintained our season start date on March 20. We have also addressed the temporary relocation of the San Diego Legion to Las Vegas for the 2021 season, as well as the Toronto Arrows starting play in Atlanta and monitoring their options as the season unfolds. The two teams have worked in concert with the league, showing a dedication and passion to keep professional rugby moving in the right direction in North America.”

The 12 teams competing in 2021 are split into two conferences. The Eastern Conference features six teams (Rugby ATL, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby United New York, Toronto Arrows) while the Western Conference will now feature six teams (Austin Gilgronis, Houston SaberCats, LA Giltinis, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves, Utah Warriors). Each team will play a 16-game regular season schedule featuring 10 in-conference games and six out of conference games, with two bye weeks each.

The Toronto Arrows will be sharing facilities with Rugby ATL while the San Diego Legion will be relocating to Las Vegas to play in a yet to be announced venue.

“Our organization has worked closely with public health officials at various levels over the past several months to consider plans that would allow us to begin our 2021 season on home soil, but given the ongoing public health situation, along with the pressing need to determine where we will play our home matches, circumstances have dictated that we will start our 2021 season in the United States,” said Mark Winokur, Toronto Arrows Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “Our top priority has always been to play our home games in front of our fantastic and dedicated fans in Toronto, but in order to compete for the MLR Shield this season, we must start south of our border. The staff at Rugby ATL have been incredibly supportive and have gone the extra mile to make sure we can provide a safe, professional environment for our players and staff, and we’re looking forward to playing there.”

“San Diego Legion playing the 2021 season in Las Vegas demonstrates our commitment to getting back on the field and helping drive the success of Major League Rugby,” said Darren Gardner, Executive Chairman at San Diego Legion. “San Diego Legion will be doing all we can in 2021 to win an MLR Championship for America’s Finest City!”

Other notable games for the regular season include:

March 28: West Coast rivalry – Los Angeles hosts Seattle
April 3: First Matchup of the Texas Cup — Austin hosts Houston
April 17: 2019 playoff foes meet – Toronto hosts Seattle
April 24: A SoCal battle between –Los Angeles hosts San Diego
May 9: 2019 Championship Rematch – Seattle hosts San Diego
May 23: Rugby United hosts New England Free Jacks
June 5: Second Matchup of the Texas Cup – Houston hosts Austin

The entire MLR regular season schedule is linked here. Broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

There will be a variety of pre-season activities in each market as well as a national media day where each team will provide standout players for national and international media availability.

Like many major professional sports around the globe, MLR adjusted its 2020 season schedule due to the pandemic and turned its attention to ensuring the league would rebound with a strong showing in 2021. League and team officials have been diligently working to build strong rosters and enhance the fan experience for the upcoming season.

MLR is leaning on its experienced medical committee that is dedicated to setting policies and procedures that ensure the safety of athletes, fans, and staff. MLR will continue to consult with the committee, teams, and players, to always put safety first when making decisions as the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve.

–MLR–

About MLR:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season and representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 13 teams in 2021, 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, FS2, and other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live 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 ANNOUNCES 2021 SEASON SCHEDULE

Chris McCay — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 13:59:59 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | DECEMBER 8, 2020

CONTACT | Tony Fay, Tony Fay PR, 972.273.0794, tony@tonyfaypr.com

MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ANNOUNCES 2021 SEASON SCHEDULE
League to Begin Play March 20; Play 18 Weeks Prior to MLR Championship Series

DALLAS (December 8, 2020) – Major League Rugby (MLR) announced today its 2021 season schedule, beginning with matches on March 20, 2021. Entering its fourth season, MLR will feature 13 teams competing throughout North America over 18 weeks. The conclusion of the regular season will bring the MLR Championship Series, with the top two seeds from each conference qualifying for the postseason. The playoffs will culminate with the Championship Final to be held August 1.

“We are very excited to return to the pitch for Major League Rugby’s fourth season in North America,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. “The 2021 season will be a celebration, with a focus on the fans and their passion for the game. We’ve expanded to 13 teams and look forward to some spirited competition, and further growth of the rugby community. We can’t wait for March 20 to get here.”

The 13 teams are split into two conferences. The Eastern Conference features six teams (Rugby ATL, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby United New York, Toronto Arrows) while the Western Conference features seven teams (Austin Gilgronis, Dallas Jackals, Houston SaberCats, LA Giltinis, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves, Utah Warriors). Each team will play a 16-game regular season schedule, with two bye weeks each.

Opening weekend on March 20 will feature a 3 p.m. ET matinee in New Orleans, as NOLA Gold hosts Old Glory DC. Other highlights of the League’s opening day include the Dallas Jackals’ inaugural game at Los Angeles, and Austin Gilgronis hosting the 2019 champion Seattle Seawolves.

Other notable games for the regular season include:

March 27: Southern rivalry – NOLA hosts Rugby ATL
April 3: Dallas’ first-ever home match vs. NOLA
April 3: First Texas tilt – Houston at Austin
April 3: New England’s first-ever home match vs. Northeast rivals New York
May 16: A rematch of the 2019 Championship Final – Seattle at San Diego
May 23: 2019 playoff foes meet – Toronto at Seattle
May 30: San Diego hosts Los Angeles in first California battle

The entire MLR regular season schedule is linked here. Broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

There will be a variety of pre-season activities in each market as well as a national media day where each team will provide standout players for national and international media availability.

MLR has a COVID Task Force made up of medical advisors and League officials that is dedicated to setting policies and procedures that ensure the safety of athletes, fans, and staff. MLR will continue to consult with the COVID Task Force, medical advisors, teams and players, to always put safety first when making decisions as the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve.

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About MLR:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season and representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 13 teams in 2021, 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, FS2, and other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live 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

Old Glory DC

Old Glory is the first and only professional rugby team in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Established in 2018, Old Glory DC competes in Major League Rugby (MLR), a North American league that includes teams in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Toronto, Houston, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Austin, Seattle, Los Angeles and Dallas. The team was founded by life-long DC area residents, business leaders, and rugby players Chris Dunlavey and Paul Sheehy. In 2019, the Scottish Rugby Union joined the partnership, committing both financial investment and operational support to the organization.

For Old Glory DC

Hope Allen

hopeallen@oldglorydc.com | 703-626-7023

For Major League Rugby

Alicia Richardson

arichardson@usmlr.com | 425-679-1138

Tony Fay

tony@tonyfaypr.com | 972-273-0794

The post MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ANNOUNCES 2021 SEASON SCHEDULE appeared first on Old Glory DC.

Major League Rugby to Support XV Foundation Virtual Fundraiser

Chris McCay — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:59:29 +0000

DALLAS (August 26, 2020) — With just over a year before Rugby World Cup New Zealand 2021, Major League Rugby (MLR) today announced they will be the title sponsor for the XV Foundation’s, ‘Building the Champion Mindset‘ global fundraiser. The virtual event will be broadcast on September 18 at 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET and will be hosted by Phaidra Knight, World Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee, Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees member and member of the USA Rugby Board of Directors.

“Building the Champion Mindset” will feature championship insight from the best of the best with Olympic athletes and World Cup winners. The goal of the event is to raise the profile of the women’s game and raise money for the USA WNT as they prepare for the Rugby World Cup in 2021 in New Zealand. Athletes who have reached the podium in their sport, including two-time FIFA World Cup Champion Julie Foudy, 1998 NBA Champion Scott Burrell and 1991 Rugby World Cup Champion Maryanne Sorensen will be part of the star studded line-up which will also include players in the current Woman’s National Team pool — Captain Kate Zachary, Jordan (Gray) Matyas and Kaitlyn Broughton.

“We’re incredibly excited to kick off our virtual event ‘Building the Champion Mindset’ and to carry our fundraising momentum into the fall,” said Kristine Sommer and Alycia Washington, founders of the XV Foundation. “The outpouring of support from MLR has shown how passionate the rugby community is (at all levels) about the Women’s Eagles and we couldn’t be more thrilled to grow this network with a panel of inspiring speakers. As Rugby World Cup 2021 approaches, we are committed to ensuring Team USA can prepare at the highest level and build on its semifinal finish from 2017.

Alycia Washington at Old Glory International Women’s Day game March 8, 2020

Under Sommer’s and Washington’s leadership the XV Foundation has dedicated itself to raising money for the Women’s National XV Team to support travel expenses, tournament fees and other essential expenses so players can solely focus on improving on the pitch. Money raised from “Building the Champion Mindset” will go directly support the National Team for the World Cup.

“This was a no-brainer for Major League Rugby to support the XV Foundation,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. “We want the sport of rugby to grow across North America and globally so supporting the Women’s National Team is something we felt we needed to do. These players are representing our country and we want to give them every chance to succeed. We also know that you have to have a Champion’s Mindset to play in the MLR as well as being
successful in your daily life.”

Interested viewers and fans can register for the September 18 event for $25 per person or make a direct donation to the team at xvf.givesmart.com. There will be a silent auction in conjunction with the broadcast via Zoom. The XV Foundation will also be announcing three youth groups during the live event that will be selected to receive rugby “Starter Kits” from the World Rugby Store which will include rugby balls, bibs, cones and ruck shields.

About Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season and represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018, to 13 teams in 2021, featuring 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, and ESPN+, among other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live 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.

About XV Foundation

XV Foundation (XVF) is a not-for-profit organization created to establish diverse and sustainable funding sources for the USA Women’s National Rugby Team. XVF was founded in January 2020 by two current women’s national players with the goal of removing the team’s ‘pay-to-play’ model. XVF is dedicated to increasing funding, creating complete financial transparency and a professional playing environment, establishing sustainable revenue, and providing financial
stability for players in assembly. Since the creation of the foundation, XVF has raised over $100,000 for the women’s national team. Continued fundraising opportunities will support the pathway to Rugby World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand in 2021. For more information about XVF, visit www.xvfoundation.com.

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