What is Major League Rugby?
Major League Rugby is the top professional rugby union competition in North America — founded in 2017, first played in 2018, with the New England Free Jacks the reigning three-time champions after beating the Houston SaberCats 28–22 in the 2025 final.[1] [2]
How does it work?
Clubs play a spring-summer regular season into playoffs and a championship final, under roster rules mixing American talent with international professionals. The 2026 season is a hard reset: six clubs — Anthem Carolina, California Legion, Chicago, New England, Old Glory DC and Seattle — down from eleven, as the league consolidates ahead of the U.S. World Cup cycle.[2] [3]
Why does it matter?
MLR is the professional home of American rugby — the league that employs Eagles internationals at home, draws overseas veterans, and anchors the club pathway toward 2031. An MLR contract remains the top domestic professional credential in the sport.[1] [2]
References
- Major League Rugby — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- Major League Rugby — 2026 competition format. Accessed August 2026.
- Goff Rugby Report — MLR finalizes 2026 schedule. Accessed August 2026.