(DALLAS) July 28, 2023 – Major League Rugby announced today the 2023 Expansion Draft to grow the roster of its newest club, the Miami Sharks. Expansion Drafts allow new clubs to acquire current MLR players as they prepare for their inaugural season.
Current league members made a minimum of five players available to Miami to build the team’s initial roster. The Sharks are obligated to match or better a selected player’s current contract terms during negotiations. No player is under obligation to accept an offer from Miami.
Expansion Draft Timeline:
The Miami Sharks, this week, selected 25 players in the Draft
Now – August 6: Miami negotiations with drafted players
August 6/Sunday: Terms finalized with selected players OR players are released back to their existing MLR club
“As we grow the number of teams in MLR, it is imperative that we help expansion teams build competitive rosters. The Expansion Draft will allow the Sharks to sign players with MLR experience while maintaining the integrity of our current teams,” said MLR CEO Nic Benson. “The Sharks have joined one of the hottest sports markets in the country, and the ownership team is committed to building an exciting MLR club in Miami. The players they recruit during the next few weeks will have an opportunity to be a part of something truly special.”
“We, the Miami Sharks organization, are thrilled to be joining MLR and growing the game of rugby in Florida, starting with the Expansion Draft. These new players have an exciting opportunity and our full commitment of every resource to compete at the highest level and bring the MLR Shield to South Florida,” Mariano Filippini, Miami Sharks CEO, said, “Together, the Sharks and our community will showcase the spirit of teamwork, integrity, and sportsmanship to inspire a new generation of rugby enthusiasts.”
Major League Rugby fans can visit a full list of Expansion Draft selections on MLR socials and signings announced by the Miami Sharks as they are finalized.
About Major League Rugby:
Major League Rugby is a professional sports league representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League consists of 13 rugby teams, with the newest expansion team, the Miami Sharks, entering in 2024. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense, high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby
CONTACT | Tami Howard Carr, Tony Fay PR | tami@tonyfayrpr.com
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