Single table approach, new teams in Los Angeles, Miami define season
(Dec. 18, 2023) – Major League Rugby (MLR), which represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America, is pleased to announce the schedule of matches for the 2024 season and an overhauled competition structure for its teams.
For the seventh iteration, the MLR regular season will include 18 weeks of action for its 11 teams, with two bye weeks for each team. Rather than be divided into two conferences as in years past, the league will compete in a single table and play six opponents twice in the season and four opponents once. The top eight teams will qualify for the Championship Series.
The season also features the addition of the Miami Sharks and the relocation of Rugby ATL to Los Angeles, joining the Chicago Hounds, the Dallas Jackals, the Houston SaberCats, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, the New England Free Jacks, the San Diego Legion, the Seattle Seawolves, and the Utah Warriors.
“As we head into our seventh season, there is plenty of energy, excitement and enthusiasm behind Major League Rugby, particularly after adding a new club in the Miami Sharks and seeing our league move back into the Los Angeles market,” said Nic Benson, CEO of MLR. “Opening weekend promises to kick off another exciting season for our fans as we capitalize on our progress and continue to grow rugby for new generations of fans across North America. This season, we shifted to a single table format for our competition, ensuring all teams would play each other in an effort to determine who truly is the best of the best in our league.”
Several notable fixtures include:
The New England Free Jacks, who hoisted the MLR Shield at the end of last season, embark on their quest for a second straight title with a home opener against Old Glory DC on Saturday, March 9.
Texas rivals, the Dallas Jackals and Houston Sabercats, square off on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, May 11.
In a rematch of the 2023 MLR Championship Final, the Free Jacks square off against the San Diego Legion on Sunday, April 14 and Sunday, June 16.
Fox Sports will once again broadcast a live match of the week with a full schedule of those matches to be announced soon. The Rugby Network will stream all remaining matches live in the U.S. and around the world.
About Major League Rugby:
Major League Rugby is a professional sports league representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. MLR prides itself in fostering intense, high-stakes competition while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms, and its OTT Platform, The Rugby Network offers fans the ability to stream select MLR matches live, along with Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Allianz Women’s Premiership Rugby, and other international rugby content. For more information, visit www.Majorleague.Rugby and follow @USMLR on Twitter and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Major League Rugby
Johnathan McGinty
On behalf of Major League Rugby
johnathan@trestlecollective.com
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