NEWS
Free Jacks Beat Anthem RC 20-7
New England Free Jacks secured a crucial 20-7 away victory against Anthem RC, reigniting their season. Tries from Oscar Lennon and Maliu Niuafe, plus a late score from Cameron Gerlach, propelled the Free Jacks to a dominant performance at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
Chicago Hounds Beat Seattle Seawolves
Chicago Hounds dismantled Seattle Seawolves 57-17 at SeatGeek Stadium, scoring nine tries to extend their unbeaten 2026 season start. The Hounds dominated from the outset, securing a commanding halftime lead. The Seawolves' playoff hopes now face serious pressure after this decisive loss.
California Legion Defeats Old Glory DC
California Legion crushed Old Glory DC 42-10 at Heart Health Park. Coby Miln orchestrated the attack, converting six tries, as the Legion dominated possession and territory.
Hounds Versus Seawolves Betting Preview
Undefeated Chicago Hounds face the surging Seattle Seawolves in a top-of-the-table clash at SeatGeek Stadium. Chicago, 7-0, leads MLR in scoring, while Seattle boasts three straight wins. This rematch follows Chicago's dominant win over Seattle earlier this season.
Legion Vs Old Glory DC Betting Preview
California Legion hosts Old Glory DC in a crucial MLR matchup. Third-place California, looking to rebound after two losses, faces fourth-place Old Glory, who secured a home win last week. This game marks California's final home fixture and has playoff implications for both teams.
Anthem RC vs. New England Free Jacks
Anthem RC returns home to Charlotte's American Legion Memorial Stadium Saturday at 7 PM, hosting the three-time champion New England Free Jacks. After a five-week road stint, Coach Cuca's squad aims to leverage their dominant set piece and exploit spaces created by the Free Jacks' aggressive rush defense.
How To Watch Week 9
ESPN+ serves as the primary US viewing platform for all Major League Rugby Week 9 matches. Action kicks off Saturday at 7 PM ET with Anthem RC vs Free Jacks, continuing Sunday with Chicago Hounds vs Seattle Seawolves at 4 PM ET, and California Legion vs Old Glory DC at 7 PM ET. Local networks offer additional game coverage.
Chicago's Webster doing his part as Hounds
Brock Webster is instrumental as the Chicago Hounds clinch their first 2026 MLR Playoff berth, maintaining an unblemished record with three weeks left. The star fullback's consistent winning form and recent Player of the Week honors are key to the Hounds chasing a perfect season in Major League Rugby.
MLR to Host Free Webinar on Mental
Major League Rugby will host a free webinar on athlete mental health and life after professional sport. The virtual panel, "Life After the Game," features former MLR and USA Eagles discussing transition challenges, identity loss, and available resources. This initiative aims to support players' well-being.
Jason Robertson Player of The Week Player
Old Glory DC fly-half Jason Robertson has been named Major League Rugby's Player of the Week for Week 8. Robertson's exceptional kicking game, including 663 kick meters, and seven successful conversions earned him the honor in his team's match against New England. He also contributed defensively with seven tackles.
First XV | WK8 | 2026 MLR
Jason Robertson (DC) tops Major League Rugby's Week 8 First XV, leading a dominant DC pack and a powerful Seattle Seawolves contingent. Chicago Hounds also feature multiple players after strong Week 8 performances.
Seawolves Blow Out Anthem In Historic Home
Seawolves delivered a historic home performance at Starfire Stadium, dominating Anthem RC 57-21. The Seattle club surged ahead early, securing a resounding win highlighted by nine tries and a commanding display from fly half Davy Coetzer.
Robertson Penalty Seals Dramatic One-point Win for
Old Glory DC secured a dramatic 24-23 victory over the New England Free Jacks at George Mason Stadium. Jason Robertson's crucial penalty kick in the 69th minute proved decisive, snatching the win after the Free Jacks had held a lead for much of the match.
Hounds Clinch Playoff Berth, Move to 7-0
Chicago Hounds clinched a playoff berth, remaining undefeated at 7-0 with a 36-26 victory over the California Legion in Moraga. Flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck led scoring with 11 points in the hard-fought win.
Legion Battle Chicago in Bay Area Showcase
California Legion earned a bonus point, scoring four tries in a disciplined 36-26 loss to top-seeded Chicago Hounds at Saint Mary's Stadium. The Bay Area showcased strong support for the statewide tour, witnessing a competitive match where Legion led at halftime.
Head To Head: Billy Meakes vs Ollie
California Legion's Billy Meakes and Chicago Hounds' Ollie Devoto clash Saturday at Saint Mary's Stadium. Meakes, MLR's carry leader, anchors the Legion's attack. Devoto, a Premiership and Champions Cup winner, orchestrates the Hounds' balanced offense, promising a midfield battle with playoff implications.
Making A Point: Legion Flyhalf Leading Team
California Legion flyhalf Coby Miln leads MLR in points scored with 56, propelling the expansion franchise to a strong season. Miln, a recent arrival from Western Australia, has quickly become a key contributor, helping the Legion achieve success.
How To Watch MLR Week 8 Matches
Catch all Major League Rugby Week 8 action live in the US this weekend, with every match streaming on ESPN+. California Legion vs Chicago Hounds, Seattle Seawolves vs Anthem RC, and Old Glory DC vs New England Free Jacks also feature on various regional broadcast partners.
MLR 2026: Six Teams Fight Four Spots
Seattle Seawolves captain Riekert Hattingh reached 100 MLR appearances in Week 7, becoming just the sixth player in league history to hit the century mark while also crossing 1,000 tackles. Old Glory DC's Cali Martinez made his 50th appearance. Additionally, Seattle and Chicago recorded their first season sweeps.
MLR Adds American Forwards Scrum Championship
Major League Rugby announced the inaugural Great American Scrum Championship, a unique 8v8 forward-pack-only scrum tournament for teams nationwide. Held June 21 in Chicago alongside the 2026 MLR Championship, this event will determine America's dominant forward pack through best-of-three scrum matches.