News — Press Releases

(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...

(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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

 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...

Legacy Laces Awarded Qualcomm Foundation Grant for Kick-It Kits San Diego Legion to Support Distribution Efforts SAN DIEGO, CA (Dec. 3, 2020) – Legacy Laces, a local nonprofit dedicated to getting gear to kids who are sidelined from sports, was awarded a $10,000 grant by Qualcomm Foundation. The funds were given as part of the company’s annual employee pitch competition where Legacy Laces was one of 10 finalists selected from more than 70 non-profit organizations nominated by employees.  Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. employee and Legacy Laces board member, Liz Philips, pitched “Operation Kick-It Kit,” a project designed to keep kids engaged with soccer at times when COVID-19 restrictions...

With just a few months until the start of Major League Rugby 2021 season, the San Diego Legion continues to solidify its roster. Join us in welcoming back two familiar names, Josh Furno and Faka’osi Pifeleti. Both players are aggressive and hungry for the season to begin.  Josh Furno returns to the sunny beaches of San Diego. One of the most experienced players to step foot on Torero Stadium, the 37 capped, Italian lock will be back next year. He is an utter powerhouse in the lineout and during open field play. Josh joined the SD Legion squad late in...

San Diego Legion is gearing up for the 2021 season of Major League Rugby! As March 20, 2021 grows closer and the squad begins training, today, SD Legion shared a sneak preview of the designs for its 2021 home and away team kits. This is great news for eager rugby enthusiasts and novices alike, as SD Legion also launched pre-sales for its 2021 home and away replica jerseys available via sdlegion.com. Pre-order your 2021 HOME replica jersey here Pre-order your 2021 AWAY replica jersey here Next season’s team kits will feature sleek designs showcasing the notable red and black SD...

As the 2021 Major League Rugby season draws near, the San Diego Legion is creating excitement by confirming the return of another familiar player. Come March 2021, Lua Li will be wearing our red and black SD Legion colors and jersey once again.  Lua Li is a name many SD Legion fans might remember from the 2020 season; however, due to the season ending abruptly earlier this year, Lua did not have a chance to grace us with his talents on the field. Lua Li is coming to San Diego from New Zealand, where he played with former SD Legion...

San Diego Legion is pleased to share that our very own Chief Operations Officer Guy Hagen has been appointed as Director of Youth Development by Major League Rugby.  This is another important step for MLR in growing rugby in the U.S. More details are available below...  DALLAS (October 28, 2020) – In another important step for grassroots rugby growth, MLR has appointed Guy Hagen as Director of Youth Development. Hagen currently is the Executive Director of the Legion Community Foundation and the Chief Operations Officer for San Diego Legion. A former rugby player since 1990, Hagen previously served as a...

The countdown is on to March 20, 2021 - the official start of Major League Rugby’s 2021 season, and the San Diego Legion roster continues to solidify. This week, SD Legion welcomes back Pete Malcolm, USA Eagle No. 505.  Pete Malcolm is not new to the MLR competition. He joined SD Legion this season after playing with the Austin Gilgronis, where his versatility and aggression on the field caught the eyes of SD Legion coaches. Paul is a player that will hit tackles, mauls and rucks consistently throughout the entire game. He plays with tireless effort, and we look forward...

As the 2021 season of Major League Rugby draws near, the San Diego Legion is creating excitement as it confirms the resigning of Joe Pietersen. But wait, there’s more…Last week, SD Legion welcomed two new players to join its squad. Bjorn Basson and Cecil Afrika will be putting on red and black jerseys come March 20, 2021.  Joe Pietersen re-signs for his fourth season with San Diego. During the 2019 season, Joe was selected for the MLR First XV  at fly half. He has led the team with his tremondous experience and knowledge and with an incredibly efficient boot, is...

Leading up to the start of Major League Rugby next year, the San Diego Legion is thrilled to welcome two new players to its squad. Bjorn Basson and Cecil Afrika will be putting on red and black jerseys come March 20, 2021.  Starting in 2008 with Emerging Springboks winning the IRB Nations Cup, Bjorn stood out in the competitive South African landscape. After competing against the British and Irish Lions twice in 2009 and breaking the Currie Cup record for most tries in a season, he secured his first Super Rugby contract with the Cheetahs. In 2011, Bjorn was named...

Today, Major League Rugby announced key dates for its 2021 season. For rugby fans in San Diego, the SD Legion is thrilled to share that the next season of MLR will officially commence on March 21, 2021** with a Championship Final on August 1, 2021. More details and the full press release is available below...   **Update: Major League Rugby announced an updated schedule to reflect Dallas Jackals postponement of its inaugural season. The San Diego Legion home opener is now slated for Saturday, March 20, 2021. ** DALLAS (September 22, 2020) — In advance of its fourth season, Major League...

SAN DIEGO, CA (Sept. 9, 2020) – San Diego Legion is excited to welcome Eddie Jones, with his extensive rugby experience, to support the team where he will consult on operations at every level – both virtually and for limited time periods on the ground in San Diego. Said Jones: “My primary commitment remains to my England duties and other international commitments, but I have a passion for growing the game of rugby. I was very impressed by the vision and ambition shown by San Diego and its ownership in delivering a professional rugby outfit with the clear aim of...

The San Diego Legion is proud to support the XV Foundation in their mission to fund the USA Women's 15s pathway to the 2021 Rugby World Cup. In addition to a monetary donation, San Diego Legion donated a signed match ball from the 2019 season to the silent auction, as part of the virtual Building the Champion Mindset event. To learn more and register for the event, visit xvf.givesmart.com. September 18 broadcast will raise funds and feature Olympic and World Cup athletes DALLAS (August 26, 2020) — With just over a year before Rugby World Cup New Zealand 2021, Major League...

DALLAS (August 11, 2020) – Major League Rugby (MLR) today announced the renewal of Paladin Sports as the Official On-Field Kit Provider for the 2021 MLR season. During the shortened 2020 season every team, was outfitted with Paladin kits providing a professional look and feel on and off the pitch. Paladin will continue to work with MLR teams to design and create player kits, and is developing new designs for the 2021 season. Paladin Sports has a strong international reputation for producing quality sporting apparel, particularly within professional rugby. Established during the 2019 season, the MLR-Paladin partnership represents a foray...

San Diego, CA (July 1, 2020) - San Diego Legion, a Major League Rugby (MLR) franchise, is joining forces with Ballast Point to release Legion Lager. Starting today, the special release beer will be available in pints, crowlers and growlers at Ballast Point locations in Southern California, including Home Brew Mart, Little Italy, Long Beach and Miramar. “San Diego is the ‘Capital of Craft Beer,’ and we wanted to partner with a local craft brewery to create a delicious beer that lives up to this accolade,” said SD Legion President & CEO Ryan Patterson. “Much like Ballast Point is regarded...

San Diego, CA (June 17, 2020) - Internationally acclaimed England national rugby team captain, Chris Robshaw, will join the San Diego Legion for its 2021 and 2022 seasons.  “Signing a player with Chris’ profile, talent and experience is another major step for us, both on and off the field,” said SD Legion Chairman Darren Gardner. “Not only will Chris add a new and very significant dimension to our team, Ryan and I believe Chris has the skill set and capability to transform how rugby is played across Major League Rugby as a whole.” A twice-named Aviva Premiership Player of the...

San Diego, CA (June 10, 2020) - In recent days, Major League Rugby and San Diego Legion have made exciting announcements. From welcoming two new franchises to planning its first-ever MLR Collegiate Draft, MLR is setting up the league's 13 clubs and rugby in North America with a vibrant path ahead.  Here's a recap of the recent news... Last week, MLR introduced its two newest teams - Dallas, TX and Los Angeles, CA - bringing the franchise total to 13.  San Diego Legion announced that Scott Murray and Zack Test will be leading the charge as co-Head Coaches.  Also, this weekend MLR...

San Diego, CA (May 28, 2020) - San Diego Legion has named Scott Murray and Zack Test as its new co-Head Coaches. Together, they will lead all Legion coaching duties.  “Each with storied rugby careers as players, including multiple Rugby World Cups, Olympics and Lions Tours, and their most recent work as very talented assistant coaches, Zack and Scott are well placed to take over our head-coaching role,” said San Diego Legion Chairman Darren Gardner. “Both have shown they could easily do the head-coach job in their own right, so Ryan and I feel very fortunate to have them working in combination. We are excited...

San Diego, CA (May 27, 2020) - Effective immediately, Coach Rob Hoadley has stepped down as the Head Coach of the San Diego Legion to spend more time with his growing family.  Coach Hoadley wishes the Legion family well: "I would like to thank owners Ryan Patterson and Darren Gardner for the opportunity to help to build a very special organization. I look forward to watching the Legion’s success on the field in the coming years. I would also like to extend a big thank you and good luck to all the players, staff and fans. There have been many memorable moments...

Thank you to all of our fans for your support this season. We are terribly disappointed to share news that MLR has cancelled the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 virus. The safety of our fans, staff and players is our utmost priority. At a later date, we will announce more information on our ticket exchange program. Stay tuned for updates on social media, our website and email newsletters.  Additionally, we’re looking forward to our first MLR 2020: Virtual match on Saturday, March 21. Learn more and how you can tune-in here.  Let’s not forget there’s one silver lining in...

MLR turns suspension hiatus into opportunity to showcase rugby’s core values and keep the competition alive with virtual matches. Calling all rugby fans, Twitch streamers and gamers: Starting this Friday, March 20, Major League Rugby and its 12 clubs will be launching MLR 2020: Virtual. While the MLR season is on hiatus due to the COVID-19 virus, San Diego Legion players will be competing virtually against other teams via Rugby20. Fans who tune-in to watch our Twitch streamed matches will be in for an entertaining treat. You'll have an opportunity to engage with MLR teams during the live streams, win prizes, and get...

Company Release – 01/07/2019 10:00 AM PST For all media inquiries: media@sdlegion.com San Diego, CA— San Diego Legion, a Major League Rugby franchise, is pleased to announce the signing of USA national team prop Paul Mullen for the 2020 season. Mullen was named to the US National Team in 2018 and made his debut in a winning test match against Russia. Mullen played in all four of the Eagles’ 2019 Rugby World Cup matches in Japan. “Paul is a stand-out US player and we are delighted to have him as part of the San Diego Legion organization. He brings great experience and talent...

Josh Thiel signs with the San Diego Legion Company Release – 01/09/2020 10:00 AM PST For all media inquiries: media@sdlegion.com San Diego, CA.— San Diego Legion, a Major League Rugby franchise, is delighted to announce the signing today of Canadian international player Josh Thiel. Thiel played at center during the World Rugby U20 Trophy in 2017 and went on to earn his first international cap during the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship in a winning match against Chile. “We are excited by the skill and versatility Josh brings. He gives us a lot of backline options. We can’t wait to see what he...

San Diego, CA.— San Diego Legion, a Major League Rugby franchise, announced Major League Rugby’s highest profile player signing to date, with the New Zealand All Blacks superstar Ma’a Nonu joining the team for the 2020 season. Nonu is a household name within the international rugby community with 103 caps as a New Zealand All Black and over 300+ professional games, including winning: 2 World Cups, 5 Tri-Nations/Rugby Championships and 8 Bledisloe Cups. His speed, explosiveness and raw power have forever changed how the Center position is played and has led to him being one of the all-time top try scorers in...

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (June 25, 2019) – Major League Rugby (MLR) officially announced its award winners and All-MLR team selections for the 2019 season on Tuesday. Fresh off his team’s successful title defense, Brad Tucker of the Seattle Seawolves has been named the 2019 Player of the Year. Tucker was a force at lock for the Seawolves all season long, making his presence felt on both sides of the ball. His consistent performance throughout the regular season carried into the playoffs and was instrumental to the Seawolves during their post-season run to defending the MLR Championship Shield. MLR also...

~ With just 100 days to go until Rugby World Cup Japan 2019, the USA Men’s Eagles have named their preliminary 50-man training squad which includes 40 players who will assemble next week in preparation for the Pacific Nations Cup. The preliminary training squad comprises a pool of players who will be considered for the final 31-man roster traveling to Japan in mid-September. Over the next several months, Head Coach Gary Gold and staff will use the upcoming camp in Colorado and Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) to make final selections. Of the 50 players chosen, three are uncapped including Houston...

Sunday afternoon’s Major League Rugby Championship will feature two sides in the Seattle Seawolves and the San Diego Legion that are extremely familiar with one another. The Championship match at Torero Stadium will also feature two teams that are extremely evenly matched. Between the familiarity and the similarity between the two sides, Sunday’s match has all the makings to be another instant classic. Dating back to last season, the top-ranked Legion and the second place Seawolves come into Sunday’s match having played each other four times. The all-time series is tied at 2-2, with the Seawolves taking the two matches...

~ SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Legion will bolster their Major League Rugby squad with a pair of USA internationals for the playoff run-in. Fly-half Will Holder and tighthead prop Dino Waldren are set to be included on the team’s roster for Sunday’s match against the Toronto Arrows. Holder, 28, was part of the Seattle Seawolves team that claimed the inaugural MLR title in 2018 though he missed out on the final due to injury. The US Army officer is currently part of the World Class Athlete Program at Chula Vista. He is a capped international in both 7s and XVs for the USA. Adding impressive depth to an already strong front row corps...

The San Diego Legion, announces the addition of NewFront Insurance as a supporting partner this season. “We’re couldn’t be more excited to partner with San Diego Legion this season,” said Anna Beach, COO of Newfront Insurance. “As one of the founding teams in Major League Rugby, the only professional league in N. America, all of us at Newfront Insurance are thrilled to be part of the rugby community at-large.”   “As part of our partnership this season we’re focused on developing a close relationship with one player specifically to provide additional support. A Northern California native, and USA Eagle, Nick Boyer is the perfect match,” added Beach. “Our business shares...

SAN DIEGO – Kiwi blindside flanker (6) Jordan Manihera has signed a professional contract with the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby. The 25-year-old wrapped up a 2018 Mitre 10 Cup promotion campaign with Waikato Rugby Union in October and has been integrated into the Legion system by the coaching staff throughout 2019. An Auckland native, Manihera is in contention for selection to the Week 7 matchup with the Toronto Arrows on March 10 at Torero Stadium. “I have enjoyed a solid week of training and am grateful for being coached under Rob Hoadley, Scott Murray, and Zack Test,” Manihera said....

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