Los Angeles, CA (December 21, 2023) – Major League Rugby (MLR), which represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America, is pleased to officially announce its newly relocated team, Rugby FC Los Angeles (RFCLA), will join the pitch in 2024. Along with the official team name announcement, RFCLA will call AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park (DHSP) home for the upcoming season.
Relocating from Atlanta, Ga., RFCLA’s new ownership group is composed of leaders in the sports and entertainment space with deep roots in Los Angeles who are looking to strengthen an already robust rugby community and fan base on the West Coast.
“We are excited to bring Major League Rugby back to Los Angeles,” said Pete Sickle, CEO of RFCLA. “Under the head coaching leadership of Steve Brett, RFCLA will serve as another incredible professional sports asset to the West Coast. We look forward to partnering with AEG and others to foster the growth of the game of rugby on a more elevated level in the Greater Los Angeles community.”
RFCLA, formerly known as Rugby ATL, was originally founded in 2019 by the Calloway family in Atlanta. The team’s relocation to Los Angeles comes following new ownership after the 2023 season.
“Although the team may look different in a new city, we are honored to build off the incredible legacy of the Calloways while creating something special in Los Angeles,” says Sickle.
The Greater Los Angeles area is a thriving and growing rugby community where the spirit of the game runs deep, particularly with several robust youth and junior programs. With an impressive lineup of more than 40 vibrant youth and high school clubs, as well as a dedicated community of more than 10,000 elementary and junior high flag rugby enthusiasts, the return of MLR to the City of Angels is poised to be met with a warm and enthusiastic reception.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rugby FC Los Angeles to Major League Rugby. Los Angeles has a long and rich history in our sport and one of the most robust grassroots programs in the country, and a return to L.A. is a significant step for our league as we prepare to embark on the 2024 season,” said Nic Benson, CEO of MLR. “We’re grateful for the vision and leadership of Los Angeles’s new ownership group, as they seek to grow the game in one of our nation’s most iconic cities.”
The new team name of Rugby FC Los Angeles comes with a new team mark and color scheme. RFCLA’s new logo celebrates L.A.’s iconic art-deco style, while also giving a nod to the strong and mighty oak tree as the mark is outlined by an acorn. A stylized “L” is incorporated into the “A” for a sleek and clean look, while also paying tribute to the team’s original city of Atlanta. The new team colors include various hues of blue and yellow to embrace the energetic Los Angeles community and its vibrant culture rooted in sea and sun.
The 2024 season schedule was unveiled by MLR on Dec. 18, with RFCLA hosting the Utah Warriors on March 3 for its first match on the West Coast. RFCLA fans will be able to pre-purchase season tickets for home matches at DHSP online, as well as learn more about the 2024 roster, the full coaching staff, and more.
Additional details regarding the new team will continue to be released prior to the start of the upcoming season.
Learn more about Rugby FC Los Angeles at www.rugbyfcla.com and on their social media handles @RugbyFCLA.
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About Rugby FC Los Angeles
Founded in 2023, Rugby FC Los Angeles (RFCLA) is Los Angeles’s professional rugby team and part of Major League Rugby (MLR). RFCLA aims to develop leaders and citizens in the community and champions on the pitch. The team is part of a strong rugby culture in LA and is designed to develop excellence in the sport throughout the wider local community. RFCLA is headquartered in Carson, Ca., and plays matches at AEG’s Dignity Health Sports Park. For more information please visit, www.rugbyfcla.com and follow @RugbyFCLA on social media.
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:
Josh Le
VP of External Relations
Rugby FC Los Angeles
Johnathan McGinty
On behalf of Major League Rugby
johnathan@trestlecollective.com
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