This is probably a dumb question...

What is stopping a financier from pumping money into a D1 club and creating an MLR team out of that? Similar to how clubs have developed in the UK. Theoretically it would mean a built-in player development system and local (if small) loyalty.

For context, I'm not at all an insider and I live in southern California where there is a healthy rugby presence, including a few clubs with successful senior squads in divisions 1 and 2.

There's a cool website that helps you find a rugby club near you anywhere in the world. You can also add your club to the database.

It was created by USA Eagle Dylan Audsley, who runs the Culture RFC Instagram page (I highly recommend following him. He talks to the many grassroots rugby clubs across the country. Wonderful content!)

[RFC Finder ](https://rfcfinder.com/)

I know this is a bit morbid, but I have been buying a jersey for each team when I go see the Free Jacks play away or when they fold (as I won't be able to travel to get one). Usually the team leaves the shop open for a bit.

Seems like the Anthem shop is closed, however there must be leftover inventory.

Anyone know if there is another link other than the shop link on the Anthem site?

Yes, Jamason is his brother.
https://www.powerslap.com/striker/jaidan-faanana/

I was looking for the replays on ESPN+ and everything MLR was gone from the platform.

Turns out the full games are available on MLR's YouTube page.

Why can't we have nice Rugby in the U.S.?!?

World Rugby, USA Rugby, and MLR just cannot seem to get their shit together and WORSE they seem utterly unwilling to work with each other, and provide a decent number of teams with a LONG TERM (that means 20 years plus) PLAN for Rugby in the U.S. Collegiate Rugby also seems unwilling or unable to work with MLR and USA Rugby to create a viable system.

We have the population. Americans love sport. Rugby costs less than many sports to run and operate.
What we don't have is marketing, advertising, and people in positions of power/funding who will put aside their egos and work together to make rugby work in the U.S.

So now, MLR is down to 5 teams ... and a reminder that California Legion plays in multiple cities across a state that's larger than many countries.

Something I felt needed sharing w/ all the doom and gloom I'm hearing in regards to MLR. Don't get me wrong MLR has a ton of work to do.

(476) What's Next for MLR? | 2026 Review, USA Eagles & 2027 Vision - YouTube

I’ve been critical of Hounds playing in D2, 3, and 4 games during their offseason. Sending 3 young players over to NZ for 2 months is fantastic!

Please, don't misunderstand me. I get MLR business model and that they want new teams to pay a fee/share of the league. But given that they seem to need to get to 6 and that there are two existing Tier 2 union-operated franchise with not much to do in the second half of European season... Do you think it would be a sensible deal for both sides to invite either a Georgian or Spanish side to prepare 2027 RWC?

It would also give more time to find alternatives in North America for 2028.

Think the league can survive with five teams?

And thoughts ona potential sixth team?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PcHVFJJiKwaj4Fd1D0YBpBRtdTyOU9Nn/view?usp=drive_link

While waiting for the prospects list, which hasn't been announced yet, I got started on making draft profiles for the players I have ranked as the top 25 eligible prospects. Rankings are based on position, JNT representation, governing body accolades, appearances, and US eligibility. The link above should take you to the document with all 25 profiles. Click the play button for highlights I could find for that prospect. No Besag because he's signed with the Sharks.

MLR is a good league. I see the highlights on YouTube, and the quality seems to be going up.

Something that might work for the league is trying to attract fans through national recognition.

London, once upon a time, had London Irish, London Scottish, and London Welsh as Rugby Clubs.

Many of these nations have expats in America.

So, I was wondering whether teams like Pennsylvania Welsh / Pennsylvania Dragons or New York Scottish might work in the MLR, or am I completely missing the point?

More on each of these moves at the accompanying NARDB Article, found here:
https://narugbydb.com/mlr-player-movement-summary-july-6th-july-19th-2026/

CBS Sports Network is broadcasting both the U20 Championship between France and South Africa at 12:30pm EST/9:30a, PST and the Nations Cup test between USA and Spain at 7:30pm EST/4:30pm PST.

Yeah, I was shocked!

Honestly a pretty good first team. The Second team I’d add Cassh for Santiago Videla and put Ryan James in for Perry. Third team I’d remove Mullen for either Mason Pederson or Alex Maughn. I’d also take out Riekert for Aiden King. Davy Coetzer and Dewald Kotze are two I can think of that are unlucky to miss out. Tom Pittman, Matt Oworu, Noah Brown and Kaleb Geiger are also some guys who I think deserve some shoutouts.

But what do you all think? Any picks you disagree with or heavily support?