News

We are happy to announce that our 2022 Newcomer of the Year, Matias, is returning for the 2023 season. Matias grew up in Buenos Aires and played rugby for Club Newman from 2015 - 2019. He represented Buenos Aires at U18 and U21 levels. Matias gained international honors when he was selected for the Argentinian Pumas to play in the HSBC World Sevens Series, making his debut at the Singapore Sevens in 2018. Before moving to sunny San Diego to play for SD Legion, Matias had two seasons with the Houston Sabercats.“After an outstanding first season with Legion, we welcome back Matias--an...

Dallas (November 15, 2022) — Major League Rugby (MLR) has announced that its 2023 season will begin with matches on February 17, 2023. Entering its sixth season, the MLR regular season will include 18 weeks of action, with two bye weeks for each team. The 12 teams, with the addition of the Chicago Rugby team, will be competing within and across two conferences: the Eastern Conference (Old Glory DC, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Rugby ATL, Rugby United New York, Toronto Arrows) and the Western Conference (Chicago Rugby, Dallas Jackals, Houston SaberCats, Seattle Seawolves, San Diego Legion, Utah Warriors). “Major League Rugby’s sixth season in North...

We are excited to announce Ryan will be returning for his 6th season with SD Legion. Ryan was awarded the team’s Legionnaire Award for 2022, which symbolizes passion and integrity, with strengths in character and the player who embraces the core values of being a part of SD Legion. Although Ryan has played most of his rugby in the US, he has also played in Wales (UK) and North Harbour (NZ). Being a US Eagle for many seasons, it was “the icing on the cake” when he scored a try against the NZ All Blacks in 2021. “It’s great to...

Welcome back Tomas! Tomas is no stranger to San Diego as he was a regular starter for us last season. A former rugby league player for the NZ Warriors, Tomas crossed over to rugby union in 2017, playing in the National Provincial Championship for 2 seasons with the Tasman Makos, before moving to North Harbour for 3 seasons. Tomas has just finished his season with Auckland and we look forward to him returning to San Diego. “After an outstanding first season in the MLR with Legion, we welcome Tomas back. He’s had an off season honing his skills in the...

We are ecstatic that Ma'a is coming back to Legion for 2023! Ma'a needs no introduction, but for those that do not know him, Ma'a has over 20 years of professional rugby behind him. He is one of only a handful of prestigious players that have played over 100 games for the All Blacks. Ma'a was also a member of the All Blacks when they won the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup. Ma'a has also played first-class rugby in France for Toulon and in Japan for the Ricoh Black Rams. "Ma'a is a global superstar on and off the...

SD Legion is happy to announce that Josh will be returning to the Legion for the 2023 season! Josh has played most of his career in Scotland, playing for the Glasgow Warriors in the Pro 14 Comp. Still, more notably, he has played at an international level for the Scottish U20s and the National 7s side. Josh then joined the USRC Tigers in Hong Kong before joining the Legion in 2022.  “We are thrilled to have Josh back for the 2023 season. We didn’t quite see the best of him in 2022 because of his late arrival and thrust straight...

SD Legion would like to welcome Luke back to sunny San Diego! Luke is an experienced professional rugby player who began his career in his hometown Perth, Australia. He played three seasons for the Super Rugby team Western Force. Luke then moved to France, where he played two seasons for Biarritz, and then headed to the USA and played in the inaugural season with SD Legion before signing with the LA Giltinis. “It’s great to have Luke back in SD Legion colors heading into the 2023 season. Luke’s a quality player that can cover several positions, making him a major...

Flash Sale - 20% off our merch store on long sleeves, outerwear, scarves, blanket, pj pants, and more! at www.sdlegion.com #WeAreLegion #LegionLoud

Sean came through the Munster Rugby academy system before joining the Leinster Rugby Academy, culminating in selection in Ireland's U19 and U20s National teams, before joining the MLR's Free Jacks for their 2018 exhibition season. After recovering from injury, Sean went to play for Rugby United New York in 2019, LA Giltinis in 2021 and finished the 2022 season with the Seattle Seawolves. At 6 foot 2 inches, 245lbs, Sean is a big, strong hooker who excels at the set piece. He loves to mix it up in the tight but equally enjoys running with the ball in open play."Sean...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (September 9th, 2022) - San Diego Legion is thrilled to announce the appointment of Alex Corbisiero as Scrum Coach. Corbisiero had an illustrious playing career, featuring in over 100 Premiership Rugby appearances between London Irish (2008-2013) and Northampton Saints (2013-2016) where he was a member of the team that won the Premiership Rugby championship in 2014. Despite being born in America, he was eligible to represent England, Italy, Ireland and the US, and in 2010, Corbisiero made the decision to represent his mother’s home country of England. The loose-head prop went on to win 31 caps for the...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (September 8th, 2022) - Charlie Purdon, the Head Coach of the University of San Diego, has been appointed the Lead Coach of the Legion Community Foundation. Having played rugby professionally for Natal Sharks age-grade teams, Edinburgh ‘A’ and the San Diego Breakers, Purdon also brings a decorated coaching resume to Legion, where he will be focusing on the Legion Academy, in addition to applying his wealth of expertise and knowledge to both the community and performance development pathways.   Purdon has an extensive history in rugby in Southern California, where he has played for Pacific Rugby Premiership clubs...

San Diego Legion Draft Oliver Kane and Koikoi Nelligan in the 2023 USMLR Draft San Diego, Ca (August 18th, 2022) - In this year's MLR Collegiate Draft, San Diego Legion held the eighth pick in both the second and third rounds. The Legion's first selection was Oliver Kane, a grad student who captained the side for the University of San Diego. The second pick went to Koikoi Nelligan, the MVP of the Army rugby team for the 2021-2022 season. San Diego Legion head coach Danny Lee says, “We are super excited about our 2023 MLR Draft selections. Oliver Kane and Koikoi...

With fierce competition among the 68 SoCal Youth Rugby teams registered and over 800 players, families and friends in attendance, the 2022 Cal State Rugby Games did not disappoint. San Diego Legion players and staff supported the day's events, after a year hiatus brought forth by the pandemic, San Diego Legion and Legion Community Foundation were thrilled to host this year's tournament, at Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos, California, on July 16th. SD Legion Defensive Coach and Academy Director, Jack Wiggins, took the lead in organizing the brackets for all divisions this year. Wiggins on the tournament, “Overall it...

DUBLIN (May 12, 2022) – Today, the World Rugby Council voted to officially select the United States as the host nation of the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup. This moment marks a pivotal turning point for the sport of rugby in the United States and around the world. This will be the first time a Men’s Rugby World Cup has been held in North or South America, as a new hosting concept is put in place as the U.S. stages consecutive Men’s and Women’s events within the same organizational structure. The unparalleled growth...

San Diego Legion (5-6) takes on the Dallas Jackals (0-11) in Round 13 of Major League Rugby 2022 in Arlington, Texas this Saturday.  Watch the Legion battle back into playoff position this Saturday!   Legion needs the W to climb back into playoff position.    SHIELDS UP! LEGION STRONG! Go to a watch party. Be Legion loud!  The Official Watch Party Location:  Ballast Point Miramar, 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, California  Come to any Ballast Point Tap Room location this season and cheer on your favorite Major League Rugby team! During the match, fans may enjoy $5 pints and food specials.   More...

YOU'RE INVITED TO CHEER WITH A BEER!  San Diego Legion away games need hometown fans to cheer them on!  We’re organizing Official Legion Watch Parties and special viewing locations around the county for all our away games.  Check out the list below and come cheer your San Diego Legion as they march to the championship! This Saturday Feb 26 at 6:00 PM PT. Official watch party location for the 2022 season: Ballast Point Miramar, 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, CA  More watch party locations: Show up to any Ballast Point or Kings and Convicts Brewing Co. Tap Room venue this season and cheer on your...

Get ready to Shield Up Legion fans and join us on Sunday, February 6 at 2 pm PT for the highly anticipated Major League Rugby season home opener where the San Diego Legion will take on the Utah Warriors at SDSU Sports Deck. This will be the first time fans will get to see the Legion play at their new home pitch, the Sports Deck at San Diego State University. Players will be armored up in their new 2022 team kits - don’t forget to get your own Legion apparel so you can represent before the game.  The City of...

(San Diego, CA) February 3, 2022 - San Diego Legion announced today it will be playing in the newest and the most elite rugby stadium in North America. The hallmark deal, beginning in 2023, sees Major League Rugby enter the big leagues with San Diego Legion set to play its home games at San Diego State University’s new Snapdragon Stadium for up to ten years. The soon-to-open Snapdragon Stadium will set a new standard for Major League Rugby. San Diego Legion’s temporary home for the 2022 season will be the SDSU Sports Deck. The Snapdragon Stadium, with a capacity of...

An emerging sport in North America, the “Rise of Rugby” continues its growth and upward trajectory. DALLAS (January 28, 2022) – Major League Rugby (MLR) prepares to kick off its fifth season of competition as the highest level of rugby in North America. The 2022 season begins on the weekend of Feb. 5-6, with six matches on the schedule. Celebrated as an emerging sport by MLR, rugby is a global movement gaining momentum. A game with heart and soul that echoes the best aspects of life, rugby prioritizes the importance of community, emphasizes glory with modesty, while giving mutual respect...

Jack Wiggins joins the San Diego Legion! We are thrilled to welcome Jack Wiggins as San Diego Legion's new Defense Coach and Academy Director. Jack joins the Legion from Hong Kong having spent the past three seasons as Head Coach of Hong Kong Football Club and Assistant Coach of both the Men's National side and Global Rapid Rugby franchise, South China Tigers.   Prior to his time in Hong Kong, Jack was the Director of Rugby at one of the elite rugby high schools in New Zealand, Hastings Boys High, before taking up the Academy Coach role for three years at Wasps Rugby in the Rugby Premiership,...

San Diego Legion’s first game of the 2022 Major League Rugby season is right around the corner, and with the team getting ready to face the Utah Warriors on February 6, SD Legion has revealed their 2022 Team Kit.  The 2022 home and away team kits designs will display the familiar black and red SD Legion colors, with the distinguished Ballast Point and Paladin sponsors proudly exhibited on the front of the jerseys.  The exciting new jersey designs are available for pre-order now. To be one of the first to secure your replica San Diego Legion jersey, place your pre-order...

​San Diego Legion is excited to celebrate its fifth season of professional rugby in San Diego. We are committed to continuing to bring an entertaining style of rugby and a fun and exciting atmosphere to our games. We are a San Diego team. We want to play all of our home games in San Diego in front of our fans. Although Torero Stadium has been a fine home to the Legion, it is no longer available to us. That decision was out of our hands. That said, we are thrilled to be able to play at a high quality facility in San...

(San Diego, CA) December 21, 2021 – San Diego Legion today announced that Synergy Orthopedics and Dr. Tal S. David will serve as the exclusive medical provider and official co-presenting partner for the Major League Rugby team’s 2022 season. “The health and wellness of our athletes is paramount to the success they achieve on and off the field," said San Diego Legion President Ryan Patterson. “We look forward to having Dr. David and the Synergy Orthopedics team provide the Legion with unsurpassed personalized medical care and ensure that they have a healthy winning season.”  Dr. David, president of Synergy Orthopedic...

SAN DIEGO, CA (December 14, 2021) - San Diego Legion announced today that it will play the 2022 season at the San Diego State University Sports Deck. The team is excited to welcome fans to the season home opener on Sunday, February 6 against the Utah Warriors.  “After a disrupted 2021 season, the 2022 season cannot come quickly enough,” said San Diego Legion Executive Chairman Darren Gardner. “The SDSU Sports Deck will offer fans an intimate game day experience. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone there in six weeks.”  The SDSU Sports Deck features a state-of-the-art natural...

The day we've all been waiting for is finally here ! Today, Major League Rugby announced details on the 2022 season schedule with matches beginning on February 5, 2022. Check out San Diego Legion's full season schedule below as well as the official announcement from MLR.  Don't miss a home game this 2022 season, if you are interested in learning more about season tickets or single games, join our waitlist here.  We are excited to be back in San Diego this 2022 season, and can't wait to get back on the field in red and black 🛡  Dallas (November 9, 2021) -- Entering its...

San Diego, CA (October 20, 2021)- Southern California Youth Rugby and San Diego Legion are excited to announce their collaboration benefitting the rugby community of San Diego and south Orange County.   ​​San Diego Legion and SoCal Youth Rugby will work collaboratively to curate and provide programs for SoCal Youth Rugby member high schools and youth clubs, including referees and coaches. San Diego Legion players will work hand-in-hand with the SoCal Youth Rugby members teaching and sharing firsthand their own rugby insights. Furthering the spotlight, the Legion Academy will host key events and matches with SoCal Youth Rugby.  As one of...

With fierce competition among the 12 Major League Rugby clubs and unexpected obstacles brought forth by the recent pandemic, MLR 2021 has been a unique season for the San Diego Legion. We are immensely proud of our players, coaches, front office, game day staff, and volunteers for their endurance this season.  From San Diego to Las Vegas, NV and then the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center and finally back at Torero Stadium, this year had its challenges and the encouragement from fans is what kept us motivated. Watch this video and relive some of our action-packed tackles, plays, and...

With two games remaining in the regular season of #MLR2021, San Diego Legion is ready to take on its friendly rivals - the Seattle Seawolves. This match will be played at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center on Saturday, July 3 at 12pm PT.  Please note: Due to capacity limitations at the venue, this match is closed to the general public and tickets are not available. Join us at Ballast Point Miramar for the official watch party with SD Legion staff, giveaways and more!  How to watchThis match will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network. For international fans...

Join us on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 7pm PT for the Legion Military Appreciation Game, presented by Ballast Point Brewing Co. This will be our final homestand at Torero Stadium for the 2021 season, so come support your boys in black and red.  As part of our pregame entertainment, we are thrilled to announce Camilla Kerslake, an internationally acclaimed and best-selling English Royal soprano, will perform the National Anthem. Camilla will be accompanied by American Sign Language interpreters, Toree Mathis and Jennifer Tidball - two military veterans. For halftime, we’ll welcome Tim Ney, Executive Director at Armed Services YMCA...

San Diego Legion is excited to welcome its fans back to Torero Stadium for live, action-packed rugby! Join us on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 3pm PT for the Legion Summer Kick-Off Bash, presented by Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer.  The first 500 fans to check-in through the gate will receive special San Diego Legion-branded giveaways. We’ll be offering concessions from local food vendors, including Legion Lager by Ballast Point Brewing Co. Plus, as part of the pregame and halftime entertainment, we’re thrilled to welcome Southern Californian Polynesian Dance Group, Ka Art Productions, LLC.  The National Anthem will be performed by...

SAN DIEGO, CA (June 8, 2021) - San Diego Legion is officially back to its hometown of San Diego, and ready to welcome fans in the stands at Torero Stadium. Tickets for the next two home games - June 20 and 26, 2021 - are now on sale at sdlegion.com/tickets. “The Major League Rugby 2021 competition is firing up and San Diego Legion is hitting form at a critical moment in the season,” said Darren Gardner, Executive Chairman at SD Legion. “It’s the perfect time for our fans to come out and support as we march towards the playoffs. We...

The moment all San Diego Legion and rugby fans have been waiting for since March 2020 is finally here. Tickets are now on sale for the remaining 2021 season of Major League Rugby. This is your chance to watch San Diego Legion live at its home base in San Diego, CA - Torero Stadium!  Home matches in June...Sunday, June 20 - San Diego Legion vs. Los Angeles GiltinisSaturday, June 26 - San Diego Legion vs. Austin Gilgronis Here’s the full scoop… As promised, we are opening ticket sales to 2020 Season Ticket Holders (STH) and Centurion Members first. If you are...

This week, USA Rugby Men's XVs National Team release its extended 41-player roster for the test in July. San Diego Legion is thrilled to congratulate three of its very own players - Siaosi "CC" Mahoni, Ryan Matyas, and Psalm Wooching - on being selected for this prestigious opportunity with USA Rugby.   This is preliminary list marks another great step for rugby in the U.S. and Major League Rugby as a whole. As the process unfold, the traveling roster for tests against England and Ireland will be selected from this group.  Roughly 75% of the roster — a total of 31...

Great news for San Diego Legion fans: the next two home matches will be played in the San Diego area! The upcoming games in May will be played at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Saturday, May 15 vs. NOLA Gold Saturday, May 29 vs. Houston SaberCats Please note: both matches will be closed to the public and kick-off is now set for 1pm PT. Watch the matches live on AntennaTV (channel 69.2 in San Diego) or The Rugby Network. Head over to Ballast Point Miramar or another viewing location to watch the game in celebration with fellow...

It’s a rivalry that goes back to the inaugural season of Major League Rugby 2018. This weekend, the San Diego Legion travels to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Seawolves.  Kick off is set for Sunday, May 9 at 5pm PT.  Here's a look at the full game day lineup, injuries report and comments from our Co-Head Coach Zack Test:  A few highlights…  This Sunday, Josh Furno will have his first start with San Diego Legion in 2021 Carlo de Nysschen is back again this week, starting in the #9 spot A young rising star, Cam Clark will...

Great news for Major League Rugby Fans! San Diego Legion vs. New England Free Jacks will be part of an MLR Double Header, kicking off this Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 2:30pm PT. Two teams from the Eastern and Western Conference are ready to battle it out at Los Angeles Coliseum - Home of the LA Giltinis.  For week seven of MLR 2021, the San Diego Legion will take on the New England Free Jacks. Fans may purchase tickets and watch TWO Major League Rugby matches in one day.  **TICKETS START AT $20 AND ARE AVAILABLE VIA TICKETMASTER.**  Following San...

San Diego Legion is ready to take on its new West Coast rivals from Southern California, the Los Angeles Giltinis. Kick-off is set for Saturday, April 24 at 6pm PT.  Here's a look at the full game day lineup, injuries report and comments from our Co-Head Coach Zack Test...  A quick update on our player injuries & availability: Dylan Audsley had surgery this week and is in recovery with high spirits Joe Pietersen is out sick again this week Josh Thiel has a lower leg injury Keni Nasoqeqe is out this week with an upper body injury Faka’osi Pifeleti is...

The San Diego Legion is officially back home to Southern California! Training has resumed at the Legion High Performance Center & HQ this week.   For the upcoming game on Saturday, April 17 vs. the Utah Warriors, San Diego Legion will host the match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The event will be closed to the public.  We are pleased to share that Dignity Health Sports Park will be our home venue for the following games: Saturday, April 17 vs. Utah Warriors Saturday, May 1 vs. New England Free Jacks Saturday, May 15 vs. NOLA Gold Saturday, May...

SD Legion players and coaching staff will relocate to the team’s headquarters in California San Diego, CA (April 5, 2021) - San Diego Legion is returning to its home in San Diego, CA. On April 12, the team will relocate back to San Diego and resume training at the Legion High Performance Center and Headquarters in Carlsbad.  Due to various limitations caused by the pandemic in California, the San Diego Legion temporarily relocated to Las Vegas, NV for the beginning of the Major League Rugby 2021 season. The team is now returning to its home in San Diego for the...

Match two of Major League Rugby 2021 versus Austin Gilgronis is upon us. Here is a quick behind-the-scenes look at our game day roster with comments from co-head coaches Scott Murray and Zack Test. Scroll down to see the full roster to San Diego Legion vs. Austin Gilgronis, March 28, 2021 at 5pm PST. Missing from this week’s roster: Chris Robshaw is still serving his disciplinary sanction. We expect him to be back on the field later this season for week four of MLR 2021 versus Houston SaberCats.Nate Augspurger, Dean Muir and Josh Thiel are not available for this game...

The official craft beer of San Diego’s Major League Rugby team now available in 16-ounce cans SAN DIEGO, CA (March 18, 2021) - Just in time for the kick-off of San Diego Legion’s fourth season of Major League Rugby, Legion Lager by Ballast Point Brewing Co. will be released in 16-ounce can, four packs. Starting today, the official craft beer of San Diego Legion will be available at Ballast Point locations in Southern California, including Home Brew Mart, Little Italy, Miramar, Anaheim and Long Beach. “Ballast Point is a staple among the local San Diego craft brewing community, and we’re...

San Diego Legion home opener presented by and broadcast on KSWB/FOX 5 San Diego San Diego, CA (March 16, 2021) - San Diego Legion Rugby is back! Kicking off its fourth season of Major League Rugby (MLR) on Saturday, March 20, 2021, the SD Legion home opener is presented by FOX 5 San Diego and will broadcast live on KSWB/FOX 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. PST. International fans will be able to tune-in live through The Rugby Network, an online streaming platform powered by The RugbyPass and MLR. Due to COVID-19 health and safety recommendations, the San Diego Legion...

On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the Major League Rugby reigning champions and our friendly rivals, Seattle Seawolves, joined us in Las Vegas, NV for a pre-season scrimmage. During the scrimmage, both teams engaged in 20-minute game blocks. These provided an opportunity to practice scrum and lineout formations, strike plays and scenario based situations, concluding with a match scrimmage, played in accordance with Major League Rugby rules and referees. Overall, the San Diego Legion performed very well in key areas that will produce much success during the 2021 season of Major League Rugby. While our squad’s performance had moments of brilliance,...

With 45 days until the season kicks off, Major League Rugby unveiled updates to the 2021 season schedule. The new lineup reflects the postponement of the Dallas Jackals inaugural season as well as the temporary relocation of the San Diego Legion and Toronto Arrows.  The San Diego Legion 2021 schedule is listed below along with the full press release from Major League Rugby... MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ANNOUNCES UPDATED 2021 SEASON SCHEDULE San Diego and Toronto Teams Announce Temporary Venue Relocations   DALLAS (February 3, 2021) – Major League Rugby (MLR) announced today an updated 2021 season schedule reflecting the postponement of...

As you know, the San Diego Legion has announced that its home matches during the 2021 Major League Rugby season will be played in Las Vegas, NV. Here is the club’s official statement... If you are a 2020 season ticket or single-game ticket holder, you are eligible to receive a refund on any remaining credits from 2020. More information is here: Options for season ticket holders Season ticket holders may opt-in to receive a prorated credit toward a 2021season ticket package.  Season ticket holders may opt-in to receive a prorated credit for merchandise sold exclusively on sdlegion.com.  Season ticket holders...

Here is the next installment of San Diego Legion's Rugby 101 series. This round, we're covering 'Who is on the field,' giving you a run down of the different positions in rugby and important role each player has during the game. Be sure to share with your friends and help them understand how rugby is just like all the sports they know, only better. 🏉  

 The countdown to #MLR2021 Kick-Off continues! Today, Major League Rugby announced details on the 2021 season schedule with matches beginning on March 20, 2021. Check out San Diego Legion's full season schedule below as well as the official announcement from MLR.  If you're not a current (2020) season ticket holder and interested in learning more about next season, join our waitlist here.  Thanks for all the support - our team is excited to get back on the field stronger than ever before. 🏉 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY ANNOUNCES 2021 SEASON SCHEDULELeague to Begin Play March 20; Play 18 Weeks Prior to...