We value your privacy

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products.

With your permission we and our partners may use precise geolocation. You may click to consent to our and our partners’ processing as described above. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing.

More Options

MLR adds expansion team in Chicago

By AFP
Thursday 3 Nov 2022

NEWS: Major League Rugby will add an expansion team in Chicago for the 2023 season, giving the circuit 12 clubs for next year, one fewer than last year.

In a video posted on its Twitter feed, MLR posted rugby highlights and city scenes of Chicago with the closing tagline of "Major League Rugby Chicago 2023."

MLR dropped teams in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, last week after having fielded a record-high 13-club lineup last season.

Adding Chicago brings the North American league its first club in the American Midwest to join Toronto in Canada and US teams in New York, Washington, Atlanta, New England, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston, Utah, San Diego and Seattle.

New York defeated two-time champion Seattle in last season's championship match.

Dispersal drafts of players from each folding team will be conducted.

Next season will mark the league's fifth, the 2020 campaign wiped out by Covid-19, as the sport works to establish a top-tier foothold in the American sports realm.

Teams will each play a 16-game schedule with six-team East and West conferences.

Recommended

Trending

1
Feinburg-Mngomezulu's latest injury a cause for concern
2
Depleted Sharks edge imploding Bulls
3
KLA steals show as the new #hotstepper in Japan