In a move that could redefine the professional rugby landscape in the United States, Major League Rugby (MLR) has announced that two of its key franchises — the San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) — will merge to form a singular, statewide team: The California Legion.
Set to debut in 2026, the new franchise will represent a bold vision for the sport in one of America’s most influential states — merging not only talent but also strategic resources, fanbases, and commercial potential across Southern California.
“This isn’t just a merger — it’s a movement,” said Adam Freier, newly appointed CEO of The California Legion. “We’re building a rugby ecosystem that goes beyond the pitch, with a commitment to youth development, elite performance, and growing the game at every level.”
The club’s unique multi-city model will see home matches played across San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, positioning the California Legion as the first fully mobile franchise in MLR — with an aim to engage diverse communities and maximize market reach.
With rugby’s profile continuing to rise in the U.S., particularly in anticipation of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2031 Rugby World Cup on American soil, this move reflects a broader strategy: scale up, unify efforts, and treat regional rugby as a single premium product capable of competing on a global sporting stage.
Next on the calendar for MLR is the Collegiate Draft, set for late August — a pipeline moment that could shape the future of the new franchise and the league alike.
Stay tuned as California becomes the proving ground for what an American rugby superpower might truly look like.
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