Get ready for the 2025 Major League Rugby season, where fierce rivalries ignite on the field, star athletes clash in electrifying matches, and the pursuit of championship glory reaches new heights."
The 2025 Major League Rugby season is set to offer an exhilarating experience, filled with excitement, star talent, and stories driven by fierce rivalries. The updated schedule features 11 teams competing for dominance, signifying the beginning of a new era in the league's continually changing narrative. Although the exit of the Dallas Jackals has simplified the competition, the remaining teams are geared up to take center stage, presenting fans with a season full of intriguing matchups and high-stakes drama.
In the western region, the Seattle Seawolves are gearing up to recover from a close Championship loss to the New England Free Jacks, as they seek to regain the top position they have consistently held. Featuring a strong combination of experienced players and up-and-coming talent, the Seawolves continue to be a formidable contender. Additionally, the Houston SaberCats, Rugby Football Club Los Angeles, San Diego Legion, and Utah Warriors will compete fiercely for supremacy in the conference. Each of these teams will need to refine their tactics, as the competition intensifies in the West.
The Eastern Conference features the defending champions of the league, the New England Free Jacks, who are eager to protect their title following an impressive 2024 season. Their path to success will face numerous hurdles, particularly from formidable teams like Old Glory DC, the Chicago Hounds, the Miami Sharks, and the NOLA Gold, all ready to make their mark. Last season, NOLA's strong performance, finishing second in the East, underscored their capabilities, while both the Hounds and Old Glory established themselves as serious contenders.
The Eastern Conference will kick off with a captivating matchup as the Miami Sharks take on Old Glory DC on February 15, 2025. This exciting encounter is expected to produce thrilling moments from the very beginning. The game is scheduled to be held at IMFC SportsField at FL Blue Training Center, setting the stage for what promises to be another season filled with surprising developments.
The regular season will last for 16 weeks, with each team playing eight matches at home and eight on the road. Teams in the Western Conference will engage in a well-rounded schedule that includes both in-conference and cross-conference games, while the Eastern Conference teams will compete in a more localized format. For several of the top teams in the East, the 2025 season will feature up to 10 in-conference matches against rivals, along with significant cross-conference clashes.
One particularly exciting matchup will feature the Free Jacks facing off against the Seawolves, reigniting their rivalry in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Championship Final. Scheduled for March 8, this clash promises to be a pivotal moment of the season, with both teams looking to settle old scores.
As veteran players continue to shine in the MLR, the 2024 MLR Draft has brought forth a new wave of talent eager to leave their impact. Anthem Rugby Carolina, recognized as one of the league's most thrilling franchises, will introduce five new players from the draft, including the promising Sam Golla. Their first game against NOLA Gold on February 15 will provide a sneak peek into the future of rugby in North America, showcasing a blend of youthful energy and established skill.
MLR Commissioner Nic Benson expresses enthusiasm about the upcoming season's possibilities. 'We are thrilled to maintain the two-conference format, which intensifies rivalries and creates opportunities for engaging storylines,' he stated. 'With many stars from the previous season returning and fresh talent from the 2024 Draft joining the league, this season is set to be a pivotal moment for Major League Rugby.'
The playoff structure will remain the same, allowing the top four teams from each conference to progress to the Conference Semifinals. The victorious teams from these matches will then compete for the coveted MLR Championship title. Although the specific date and venue for the Championship Final are yet to be disclosed, fans can look forward to an exhilarating finale to what is sure to be a remarkable season.
