Introduction
Major League Rugby (MLR) is the highest level of professional men’s rugby union in North America. Since launching in 2018, the league has become the centerpiece of the men’s professional game in the United States, providing a pathway for domestic talent while helping grow rugby’s popularity nationwide.
While MLR serves as the premier men’s competition, Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is the top professional women’s rugby league in the United States. Together, the two leagues represent an important step forward for the growth of rugby across North America.
Entering the 2026 season, MLR features a streamlined six-team competition. With fewer clubs and a single-table format, every match carries significant playoff implications, creating one of the most competitive eras in league history.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a newcomer to the sport, this guide breaks down every club, where they play, how the league works, and why Major League Rugby matters.
MLR at a Glance
| Team | Location | Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| Anthem RC | Charlotte, North Carolina | American Legion Memorial Stadium |
| California Legion | California | Regional California Venues |
| Chicago Hounds | Chicago, Illinois | SeatGeek Stadium |
| New England Free Jacks | Quincy, Massachusetts | Veterans Memorial Stadium |
| Old Glory DC | Washington, D.C. Metro Area | George Mason Stadium |
| Seattle Seawolves | Seattle, Washington | Starfire Stadium |
How the MLR Season Works
Major League Rugby operates on a spring-to-summer calendar, with teams competing in a regular season before advancing to the playoffs.
The league currently uses a single-table format, meaning every club competes in one overall standings table rather than separate conferences. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams qualify for the playoffs, with the season culminating in the MLR Championship Final.
With only six clubs competing, every match can have a significant impact on the playoff race, making consistency throughout the season crucial.
Why the League Looks Different Today
Longtime rugby fans may remember a much larger Major League Rugby. During its expansion years, the league grew to more than a dozen teams across the United States and Canada.
In recent seasons, MLR underwent significant restructuring as league officials focused on long-term sustainability, player development, and strengthening the overall quality of competition. The result is today’s streamlined six-team format, which concentrates talent and resources while creating a more stable foundation for future growth.
One of the biggest developments was the creation of California Legion, a new statewide franchise formed through the merger of San Diego Legion and Rugby FC Los Angeles.
The current structure reflects MLR’s goal of building a sustainable professional league while helping prepare players for future Rugby World Cups, including tournaments scheduled to be hosted in North America.
Team-by-Team Guide
Anthem Rugby Carolina (Anthem RC)
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Home Stadium: American Legion Memorial Stadium
Anthem RC is one of the most unique projects in North American rugby. Built around the development of young American players, the club provides emerging talent with professional experience against top-level competition.
Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, Anthem serves as a pathway for future USA Eagles players and represents an important investment in the long-term growth of the sport.
Why they’re notable: The ultimate proving ground for the next generation of American rugby stars.
California Legion
Location: California
Home Venues: Regional California Venues
California Legion is the newest franchise in Major League Rugby. Formed through the merger of San Diego Legion and Rugby FC Los Angeles, the club was created to unite one of America’s strongest rugby regions under a single banner.
Instead of representing one city, California Legion plays matches throughout the state, embracing a statewide identity while drawing on California’s deep rugby tradition.
Why they’re notable: A bold statewide experiment built on California’s rich rugby heritage.
Chicago Hounds
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Home Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium
The Chicago Hounds have rapidly emerged as one of MLR’s most ambitious organizations. Strong investment, competitive performances, and growing fan support have helped transform the club into one of the league’s rising powers.
Chicago’s physical style of play and long-term vision have made the Hounds a club to watch both now and in the future.
Why they’re notable: A rapidly rising organization with championship ambitions.
New England Free Jacks
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Home Stadium: Veterans Memorial Stadium
The Free Jacks have become one of the benchmark franchises in Major League Rugby. Known for their winning culture, strong player development system, and passionate supporters, New England has consistently set high standards on and off the field.
Their success has helped establish the club as one of the league’s premier organizations.
Why they’re notable: A model franchise known for excellence, development, and fan culture.
Old Glory DC
Location: Washington, D.C. Metro Area
Home Stadium: George Mason Stadium
Representing the nation’s capital region, Old Glory DC has steadily developed into one of the league’s most respected clubs. The organization continues to grow rugby’s presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic while fielding competitive teams capable of challenging the league’s best.
Why they’re notable: The capital-region club helping expand rugby in one of America’s most influential markets.
Seattle Seawolves
Location: Seattle, Washington
Home Stadium: Starfire Stadium
The Seattle Seawolves are one of Major League Rugby’s original success stories. Winners of the league’s first two championships, Seattle helped establish professional rugby’s credibility in North America and remains one of the sport’s most recognizable brands.
Backed by passionate supporters and a strong rugby culture, the Seawolves continue to be one of the league’s flagship organizations.
Why they’re notable: Two-time champions and one of the defining clubs in MLR history.
Players to Watch
Major League Rugby features a mix of experienced international players, established USA Eagles veterans, and emerging young talent.
For new fans, one of the league’s biggest attractions is the opportunity to watch current and future national team players compete every week. Clubs such as Anthem RC focus heavily on developing American prospects, while teams like Seattle, New England, Chicago, and Old Glory combine domestic talent with experienced professionals from rugby-playing nations around the world.
As the United States prepares to host future Rugby World Cups, many of tomorrow’s Eagles stars are developing their careers in MLR today.
Why Major League Rugby Matters
Professional leagues play a critical role in the growth of any sport, and MLR has become the foundation of men’s rugby in the United States. The league helps develop players, coaches, referees, and supporters while increasing rugby’s visibility nationwide.
Before MLR, many American players had to look overseas for professional opportunities. Today, the league provides a pathway closer to home while strengthening the domestic rugby ecosystem.
Together with Women’s Elite Rugby on the women’s side of the game, MLR represents an important part of rugby’s future in North America.
Final Word
Major League Rugby may still be a young competition, but it has already established itself as the driving force behind professional men’s rugby in North America. From the developmental mission of Anthem RC to the championship traditions of Seattle and New England, each club brings a unique identity to the league.
Whether you’re following a historic contender, a rising powerhouse, or a brand-new franchise, every team has a story worth watching. For new fans, there has never been a better time to learn about MLR and follow the continued growth of rugby in the United States.
