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NEWS

News Dec-23-2024

Offseason Talking Points: December News From Across MLR

Written by Joe Harvey

There are less than two months to go until the 2025 Major League Rugby season gets underway.

From player signings to new kits and season ticket deals, teams are preparing for the league’s eighth season to kick off.

MACRON THREADS FOR 2025 UNVEILED

MLR and Macron unveiled all 11 new kits for the 2025 season at the start of December.

Kits feature distinct patterns, cultural connections, and unique creative designs, each that reflects the communities each team represents.

Quickly, the 2025 jerseys for the Miami Sharks, Chicago Hounds, and Utah Warriors kits have become fan favorites and have sent the countdown into the new season into overdrive. 

Macron was confirmed as the official apparel provider for MLR in November, which is the latest instance of increased collaboration between the league and USA Rugby.

The new collections are made from Eco Fabric, a polyester material derived entirely from recycled post-consumer plastic, which conveys a clear message of sustainability and respect for the environment.

Imagery of all the Home and Away kits for each team can be accessed here.

Rugby LA Make a Spash

In preparation for their second season, Rugby LA has strengthened its squad.

This includes the addition of two-time Back of the Year, Billy Meakes, who comes back to the West Coast after two years with the Chicago Hounds.

The 33-year-old Australian is just one marquee signing for the side, who have also recruited Argentina scrum-half Gonzalo Bertanou, USA international Christian Dyer and US-qualified lock Mikaea Wynyard from Stade Rochelais.

Also, by recruiting Tim Anstee, Ben Sugars, Nick Chan, and Matias Jensen from Australia and retaining the services of top 2024 performers Semi Kunatani, Jason Damm, and Andrew Coe, it is clear that LA means business next season.

HOUNDS MAKE SEASON TICKET STATEMENT

The Chicago Hounds have offered the deal of the century with their ‘Locked in for Life’ season ticket offering.

Hounds supporters who purchase a season ticket from the 2025 season onward will have the $250 price tag set forever, and those who have already renewed will automatically have the promotion added.

To maintain the offer, all supporters have to do is renew during the season ticket renewal period of each year and continue watching the Hounds do their thing at SeatGeek Stadium.

EBNER TALKS RUGBY ON GAMES WITH NAMES

Three-time Super Bowl champion and New England Free Jacks minority owner Nate Ebner joined his former New England Patriots teammate Julian Edelman on the Games with Names podcast.

While the pair reminisced about their time in the NFL together, rugby formed a major part of their 150-minute conversation.

Before football rugby was Ebner’s first love. 

Introduced to the game by his late father, the 35-year-old was an age-grade international for the USA, but after enrolling at Ohio State, was a walk-on for the Buckeyes.

Drafted to the Patriots 197th overall in 2012, Ebner became a stalwart in Foxborough, Massachusetts, but still pursued rugby.

Representing the USA at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Ebner invested in the Free Jacks in 2020 alongside Patrick Chung and has watched as the team won back-to-back Shields.

Click here to listen.

LEGION RETURN TO TORERO STADIUM

After four seasons away, the San Diego Legion is returning to Torero Stadium.

Legion played the 2018 and 2019 seasons at the University of San Diego venue before moving to Snapdragon Stadium, where they set the MLR attendance record of 12,085 in 2024.

Aiming to create a fan-focused environment in Torero Stadium’s intimate surroundings after receiving supporter feedback, Legion could return to Snapdragon for the 2025 Play Offs.

“We’re committed to creating the best experience for our fans in 2025, and we believe that Torero Stadium will offer the best venue for our fans and players in 2025,” David Haigh, CEO of the San Diego Legion, said.

GOLLA INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION AT FALL CLASSIC

As collegiate rugby’s best descended upon Spartanburg, South Carolina, last weekend, USA Eagles Sam Golla was on hand to offer words of wisdom to the next generation of stars.

Following five fruitful years with the University of California, Berkeley, Golla was taken number one overall in the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft and has established himself as a star.

Awarded Rookie of the Year in 2023 and winning his first Eagles’ caps in the same year, the Anthem RC forward handed jerseys out to the Heart of America and Florida Collegiate squads before their D1AA All-Star Bowl fixture.

It was confirmed at the conclusion of the action that an inaugural CRAA All-Americans East vs. West Match will take place as a curtain raiser to an Anthem RC fixture and compete for a place on the MLR team’s academy squad that tours South Africa next summer.

SECOND FRANCE INTERNATIONAL COMES TO NOLA

Xavier Mignot is France international’s latest to sign with the NOLA Gold for the 2025 season.

Following in the footsteps of his countryman Kelian Gallatier in joining Danny Lee’s side, Mignot brings with him a decades’ worth of professional rugby experience.

Starting his career with Grenoble, with whom he won his sole France cap for against Argentina in 2016, he has spent the past seven years with Lyon in the Top 14.

The 32-year-old Challenge Cup winner will bolster an increasingly exciting Gold backline.

DC BRING BACK FAMILIAR FACES

Simon Cross’ Old Glory DC has been counting down to the holidays with a series of re-signings.

These signings have included Canada international prop Calixto Martinez, scrum-half Connor Buckley, and experienced lock Tevita Naqali.

Added to the recruitment of Welsh center Steffan Hughes and Jason Emery, the Flags are aiming for the postseason once again after a promising 2024.

GIVE THE GIFT OF RUGBY THIS CHRISTMAS

If you are struggling to find the perfect gift for a rugby lover in your life this Christmas, why not get them a TRN+ Subscription gift card?

Recipients will be able to watch MLR, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, Premiership Rugby Cup, and collegiate rugby fixtures live and on-demand throughout the season.

Click here to learn more. 

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