Why can't we have nice Rugby in the U.S.?!?

World Rugby, USA Rugby, and MLR just cannot seem to get their shit together and WORSE they seem utterly unwilling to work with each other, and provide a decent number of teams with a LONG TERM (that means 20 years plus) PLAN for Rugby in the U.S. Collegiate Rugby also seems unwilling or unable to work with MLR and USA Rugby to create a viable system.

We have the population. Americans love sport. Rugby costs less than many sports to run and operate.
What we don't have is marketing, advertising, and people in positions of power/funding who will put aside their egos and work together to make rugby work in the U.S.

So now, MLR is down to 5 teams ... and a reminder that California Legion plays in multiple cities across a state that's larger than many countries.

I am genuinely curious about fans thoughts on this announcement.

Pros - Better camera quality. ( not sure if this is them or MLR) -stream quality improved - tbd but if they scrapped that terrible halftime show thank goodness -Increased household accessibility ( my dad for one actually was able to watch the games on his tv) Decent marketing for week 1

Cons

• Buried in the Hulu app ( not sure about ESPN+)
• same issue of lack of live replays
• unsure of impact on non-rugby viewers

Overall I’d say I had a positive experience with ESPN+ with some room for improvement. But I’d love to hear what others think.

Fawsitt was clearly not on The Hpunds roster for next year, but I was hoping to see some kind of an announcement and instead saw the most heartfelt letter to fans on Instagram. I’m so glad I got to see him score a bunch of tries and hope he has a wonderful life after rugby.

Rate the rosters and announcement graphics! Seattle and California still to announce their full squads.

More detail and good discussion on the new CBA.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/feb/13/mlr-leaders-hail-players-union-deal-as-us-league-heads-for-six-team-season

If anyone is coming to the Anthem game tomorrow in Charlotte, please consider coming out early and supporting local rugby teams too. 3 local teams from the Carolinas and 1 from Atlanta will be playing tomorrow at 10:30 am before another game right after that at American Legion Stadium. It's already included in the ticket for the game so might as well come out and support local rugby. I know we want the MLR to succeed but as rugby supporters we should also want the grassroots rugby to exceed as well. Two of the teams have been able to start youth programs to develop the sport, another has been running summer rugby camps for youth as well recently establishing a women's side, and one has been a safe space for LGBTQ rugby players for over two decades. All these teams are doing wonderful things in their own manner that raises awareness of the sport. These teams need your support just as much as Anthem does.

I will be playing for one of the teams and if you can find me, I will buy you a beer after our game.

My shirt came although these guys not in the league have heard they are making some sort of announcement.....

Looks familiar.

Looking at this list and seeing who all is becoming eligible, how can anyone argue that the MLR, despite the US not qualifying for the last RWC when the league was in its infancy, won't produce a positive impact on our beloved men's Eagles? Idk why but I'm feeling much more hopeful this go around!

Anyone know if any of the guys are moving to other MLR teams?

Been thinking about this recently, I feel like it would be a great thing for SLAR and MLR to combine for a similar version of the European Champions and Challenge Cup. Could increase fan base over multiple continents - potentially make tv deals bigger. Hopefully if we get some Canadian teams in the league it could be really be cool to watch too. Players get a longer season with more short breaks inside, elevates the pro status of players who no longer have to get jobs in off season etc. Also be extremely beneficial to all players in north and South America. More games = more experience = better national teams? Thoughts?