Major League Rugby Secures Collective Bargaining Agreement Amidst League Turmoil

Major League Rugby (MLR) has reached a significant collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its players, a development hailed as a “new standard” for professional men’s rugby in the United States. This agreement comes after a tumultuous off-season that saw the exit of four teams and the merger of two others, leaving the league with only six teams. Chris Mattina, executive director of the United States Rugby Players Association, expressed satisfaction with the negotiations, stating, “It was a really good-faith negotiation with the league. We think this really sets a new standard.” Graeme Bradbury, co-president of MLR, echoed this sentiment, calling the CBA a “momentous occasion” that provides labor stability and establishes essential standards for player treatment.

The Guardian

The new CBA introduces several critical provisions aimed at enhancing player welfare. These include improved rights for injured players, protections for free agents, and enhanced health and safety measures. Additionally, each player will receive a $2,000 payment at the start of the season. The agreement allows the union to reopen negotiations after the upcoming season, which begins on March 28, 2026, with the California Legion facing Anthem RC of North Carolina. Mattina emphasized the importance of ongoing player feedback throughout the season to address potential issues.

The Guardian

Despite the positive developments, the league faces ongoing challenges. The financial realities of playing rugby in the U.S. remain difficult, with players often struggling to make ends meet. As noted by players like Nick Civetta and Kyle Breytenbach, the conditions and compensation in MLR have historically been inadequate. Bradbury acknowledged the need for MLR to adapt its presentation of rugby to American audiences, stating, “We’ve never had a problem getting people through the door for the first time... but we need to sort of lean into that a lot better and explain what we’re doing.”

The Guardian

The CBA and the upcoming season are set against the backdrop of the U.S. hosting the Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033. This context adds urgency to MLR’s efforts to grow the sport's visibility and fan engagement. The semi-professional Women’s Elite Rugby league also announced its second season schedule, reflecting a commitment to expanding opportunities for women’s rugby in the U.S. Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf, co-founder of WER, described the season as a “defining moment” for women’s rugby, highlighting increased visibility and investment in the sport.

The Guardian

Bradbury remarked on the negotiations, stating, “We both had to cross the fence at times... But that’s the art of negotiation.” Mattina noted the importance of monitoring economic conditions throughout the season to ensure player welfare remains a priority.

The Guardian

• “It was a really good-faith negotiation with the league. We think this really sets a new standard. It increases the protections for players, but also stabilizes the league and sets it up for success.” — Chris Mattina, Executive Director, United States Rugby Players Association

The Guardian

• “It’s a momentous occasion, it really is, to get to our first CBA … I think it gives us labor stability, and it sets ground standards for how we treat players.” — Graeme Bradbury, Co-President, Major League Rugby

The Guardian

• “Dr Jessica Hammond-Graf, WER co-founder and president, hailed a “defining moment” and said: “Some larger venues and growing fan bases in returning markets mean increased visibility for our athletes and teams.” — Dr. Jessica Hammond-Graf, Co-Founder, Women’s Elite Rugby

The Guardian

This CBA represents a pivotal moment for MLR, aiming to stabilize the league while addressing the pressing needs of its players as it prepares for a new season and the future of rugby in the United States.

The Guardian