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Major League Rugby Kicks Off: California Legion vs. Anthem Rugby

3/28/2026

40 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 9th season of Major League Rugby begins at Championship Stadium in Irvine, California, with the California Legion facing Anthem Rugby Carolina.
The California Legion is a merger of the San Diego Legion and RFC Los Angeles, featuring Billy Meakes and Ryan James.
Anthem Rugby Carolina aims for its first win after two winless seasons, having added fly-half Luke Carty.

History

Historical Context

Major League Rugby (MLR) was founded in 2017 to enhance rugby's presence in the U.S., launching its inaugural season in 2018 with seven teams, including the Seattle Seawolves. The league has since expanded, reaching 12 teams by 2024, and aims to develop American talent, as seen with Anthem Rugby Carolina's debut in 2024, focusing on nurturing U.S.-eligible players for future World Cups.

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Story summary

The 9th season of Major League Rugby begins at Championship Stadium in Irvine, California, with the California Legion facing Anthem Rugby Carolina.
The California Legion is a merger of the San Diego Legion and RFC Los Angeles, featuring Billy Meakes and Ryan James.
Anthem Rugby Carolina aims for its first win after two winless seasons, having added fly-half Luke Carty.

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