News

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...

Here is the second edition of San Diego Legion's Rugby 101 series. For this installment, we're covering 'How to Score,' and what it means to have a try, conversion, penalty kick and drop kick happen during a rugby match.  Scroll down and keep reading to learn more...Or if you prefer video highlights, check out the SD Legion Vimeo channel.  More importantly, share with your friends and help them understand how rugby is just like all the sports they know, only better. 🏉

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...

Show off your love for San Diego Legion and rugby this Halloween with our shield pumpkin stencil! Use the stencil below and follow the simple instructions to create your own SD Legion Halloween pumpkin.  Once you're done, post your picture on socials, tag @SDLegion and use #WeAreLegion for a chance to be featured on our social accounts. If it's easier for you, feel free to email info@sdlegion.com your pumpkin photos - we'd love to see 'em!  Follow these instructions: Print one of the images below and lay it on your pumpkin Use a thumbtack or pin along the lines of...

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...

As we remember our exciting, undefeated 2020 Major League Rugby season, the San Diego Legion continues preparing for 2021 and announcing its much-anticipated roster. This week, we’re thrilled to confirm the returns of Nathan Sylvia and Tevita Tameilau. Nathan Sylvia, a Cal Poly graduate and Collegiate all-American will return for his fourth season with SD Legion. Nathan is a passionate advocate for the growth of the sport via his involvement in coaching community rugby. On the field, he is a skilled tight head prop with the ability to use his strength and power to control his opposition in the front row....

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...

As the San Diego Legion’s 2021 roster continues to take shape, two more names - Keni Nasoqeqe and Ryan Matyas - were officially added for the already threatening squad. Both are very versatile players, who have been critical to the team’s winning streaks as well as building the rugby community in Southern California. .  Keni Nasoqeqe, a hard-nosed player who won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, will return as a lock and number 8 option for the SD Legion forward pack. Keni first picked up a rugby ball in Fiji, and since moving to the United States, he played an...

As the Major League Rugby 2021 Season draws near, the San Diego Legion builds excitement as it confirms the return of more fan favorite players. This week SD Legion released the names of three additional players - Josh Thiel, Ben Mitchell, and Save Totovosau - who will be joining the ranks for next season. All three offer something unique to the squad making the San Diego Legion’s roster intimidating, to say the least.  Josh Thiel comes from a rugby family, and even at a young age, he carries a great deal of knowledge about the sport. Josh played at center...

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...

Trust Restaurant Group (TRG) Executive Pastry Chef Jeremy Harville invented two San Diego Legion-inspired ice cream flavors to celebrate the local Major League Rugby team. Several hundred fans voted for the ‘official Mr. Trustee ice cream flavor of San Diego Legion.’ Thanks to an influx of support, the winning creation – Red Velvet Ice Cream with Fudge Chocolate Brownie Bites – will be served at Mr. Trustee Creamery for a limited time, starting August 21. Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, 202012 to 10 p.m.The specialty ice cream flavor will be available while supplies last. Plan to arrive early and...

Excitement for the 2021 Major League Rugby season continues to build, and the San Diego Legion roster is shaping out to be full of threats. This week, the two names released by SD Legion were Siaosi “CC” Mahoni and Aaron Mitchell. Both players have been with SD Legion since year one and played a huge role in the team’s success on the field, especially in looking at the impact of our scrum.  Siaosi Mahoni, also known as ‘CC,’ came to us from Northern California and is a four-time HS All-American. Coming in at 6’8”, Mahoni is easily recognized by his...

As we relive the memories of our short-lived, undefeated 2020 season, San Diego Legion continues to look ahead to 2021 and announce its new roster. This week, we’re thrilled to confirm - Psalm Wooching will be back next year. Psalm Wooching, raised in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, joined the San Diego Legion for its 2019 & 2020 seasons. Prior to jump starting his rugby career, Psalm was a college football star at the University of Washington, playing as Outside Linebacker for the Huskies’ defense during his tenure. Luckily for SD Legion and Major Leaguer Rugby, in 2017 Psalm chose to pursue his...

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...

In preparation for the next season, San Diego Legion is excited to announce its 2021 roster. The first names to be unveiled this week are last year’s starting hooker, Dean Muir, and former captain, Nate Augspurger. With the goal of making 2021 equally as memorable as the 2020 season - strong, efficient and undefeated - Dean and Nate will play a valuable role on the SD Legion squad.  Joining the SD Legion for a third season, Dean is bringing his scrummaging expertise back to the forward pack. He performed valiantly in the scrum, and in the 2020 season, Dean made...

San Diego Legion finished the 2020 season of Major League Rugby as the only undefeated team in the league. With a powerful mix of players, both on attack and defense, the squad was able to make 20 successful tries before the season was abruptly cut short in March 2020.  For those wanting to relive the excitement from our action-packed matches, here’s a look at the top five tries of 2020 - as selected and re-told by SD Legion co-head coaches Scott Murray & Zack Test.    #5, Josh Furno vs. Rugby United New YorkOur team put great pressure at the...

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...

Major League Rugby held its first-ever MLR Collegiate Draft 2020 on Saturday, June 13. With more than 400 players who applied to join this weekend's draft, the competition was fierce as only 24 players were selected by 10 participating MLR teams, including San Diego Legion. Congratulations to Patrick Madden and Cole Zarcone, who were selected as the 12th and 24th MLR Collegiate Draft picks (respectively) by Legion co-Head Coaches Scott Murray and Zack Test.   Join us in celebrating these rising stars and welcoming them to the San Diego Legion. Here's more information on the new lads joining Legion, as written by...

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...

Major League Rugby is recognizing Game Changers in the League, players that are changing the sport of rugby for the better. These players are building rugby pathways and supporting future generations. In addition to Nate Augspurger, former USA Eagle & rugby veteran Ryan Matyas was nominated to represent San Diego Legion as an MLR Game Changer. Here's how Ryan is helping to build #RoadToRugby pathways in North America... Ryan Matyas demonstrates his passion for rugby by mentoring youth athletes and developing their performance techniques through clinics. He is dedicated to amplifying the rugby grassroots movement in North America – in a way that...

How well do you know rugby and San Diego Legion? Put your knowledge to the test with this rugby 101 crossword puzzle, specially designed by the Legion Front Office for rugby novices & hardcore fans alike.  Each time a new puzzle is introduced, it'll be slightly harder than the last. Send us your completed crosswords for a chance to win San Diego Legion merchandise. We'll be awarding prizes for single-puzzle masters and those that can complete the entire flight.  Completed crossword puzzles may be sent to info@sdlegion.com. Here's the first installment of our rugby 101 crossword puzzle...   Here's round...

As the COVID-19 crisis impacts local communities across the globe, San Diego Legion is supporting those in need by raising funds to benefit the San Diego Food Bank. In collaboration with Quick Tap Rugby (QTR) Podcast, San Diego Legion is launching a virtual food drive which will provide food assistance to individuals and families throughout San Diego County.  Together, San Diego Legion & Quick Tap Rugby Podcast hope to raise a minimum of $5,000 for the San Diego Food Bank. Legion supporters & QTR Podcast listeners are encouraged to make a donation by May 29, 2020.  Fans who participate in...

The 2020 Major League Rugby season was truly one for the San Diego sports history book, as San Diego Legion finished as the only undefeated team in its league.  Want to relive all the excitement and action-packed matches from 2020? Scroll down and check out the video highlights, final scores and who was named Man of the Match for each game.  We'll kick things off with our first match against the reigning MLR Champions Seattle Seawolves. Some called this a rematch of the 2019 MLR Championship game, yet the ending this time around proved to be in our favor... Final score: 33-24, San...

Thank you to all San Diego Legion fans for your support and patience during this challenging time. Below is more information on our 2020 Ticket Exchange Program. We hope this encourages you to join the excitement in 2021.  First, a message to fans from San Diego Legion ownership team...   Dear Legion Fans & Community Partners,  Much like you, San Diego Legion is disappointed that the 2020 Major League Rugby season was cut short due to the global COVID-19 crisis. However, we believe it’s the best decision for the health and safety of our players, fans, and the San Diego community....

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...

San Diego Legion has been closely monitoring the situation relating to the COVID-19 virus. The health of our players, staff, and fans is our utmost priority.  As a result of the COVID-19 virus, Major League Rugby has decided to suspend the 2020 regular season for 30 days, effective immediately.  We understand that this news is disappointing. We are terribly disappointed, too. The support of our fans is critical to our success.  If you already had tickets to our March 22 and April 5 home games, we will announce updates at a later date regarding our ticket exchange program.   For now,...

For the fifth-straight week, San Diego Legion sits top of the MLR table and is now the only undefeated team in Major League Rugby.  On Sunday, March 8, Rugby United New York traveled to take on San Diego Legion. The last time RUNY and Legion saw each other was during the 2019 Semi-Finals, when Legion won with a 79th-minute try from JP Du Plessis.  A lot was on the line for both teams, Rugby United was scratching their way to the top of the East Conference. However, Legion also had a point to prove. Since the start of 2020 Major...

San Diego Legion is partnering with San Diego Blood Bank to help save lives. Community members that donate blood at one of the organization's six locations from March 6 to 13, 2020 will receive a voucher for two complimentary tickets to our March 22 match against Old Glory D.C.* Stop by the Carmel Valley Donor Location on Monday, March 9 and say ‘hi’ to our very own players - Ryan Matyas and Dev Ferris from 12 to 2 pm. Save lives and enjoy some Major League Rugby with your mates and fellow lifesavers!  Make an appointment to donate blood.  *As a...

This past weekend, San Diego Legion traveled to New Orleans, LA for the fourth game of the 2020 Major League Rugby season against NOLA Gold. Although the team spent no time on Bourbon Street celebrating Mardi Gras, they found themselves celebrating a BIG win at Gold Mine on Airline Stadium. After a hard-fought 80 minutes, Legion was victorious for the fourth week in a row.  NOLA was first on the board with a maul drive-off from a 5-meter lineout. A few minutes later,  Legion answered back with a try from Man of the Match Ma’a Nonu, which was converted by...

Nike Rugby Camps is joining forces with San Diego Legion to train the rugby all-stars of tomorrow.  Each clinic is led by veteran Nike Camp Director Ethan Willis, and our very own Attack & Backs Coach and Legion Academy Director Zack Test. Players will receive hands-on instruction on all facets of the game while experiencing a fun learning environment. San Diego Legion Pre-Match Clinics Before four San Diego Legion matches this spring, Nike Rugby Camps will be hosting 1.5-hour clinics on the Manchester Field near Torero Stadium. Each player will train on-site at University of San Diego with our veteran...

San Diego Legion clinched a thrilling win over the New England Free Jacks on Sunday, February 23, 2020. Embarking on its inaugural Major League Rugby season, the Free Jacks had their work cutout for them as they traveled to America’s Finest City for the first time this year. Legion demonstrated dominance during the match’s first half. The first points on the board came from Luke Burton, who opted to kick for points after a third Free Jacks penalty in under three minutes. The first try of the game came soon after with a chip kick from Burton to Save Totovosau, who successfully...

~ Yep! That's right! We have just released a limited number of Ma'a Nonu Jerseys which are now available for purchase right here! ~ Purchase here  NOW!

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...

THIS SUMMER, THE SAN DIEGO LEGION ARE HOSTING THE 1ST ANNUAL OPEN COMBINE ON SATURDAY, JULY 27TH 2019. WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE THE NEXT GROUP OF POTENTIAL MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY PLAYERS SHOWCASE THEIR RUGBY KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITIES. FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR SCHEDULE AND LOCATION DETAILS. COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION APPLICATION AND PAYMENT FORM TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU. SCHEDULE (7/27/2019): Proteus Gym8:00AM: Player Arrival @ Proteus Gym8:30 – 9:00AM: Player Measurements9:00AM: Combine Begins – S&C (Weight Lifting Metrics)11:00 – 12:30PM: Lunch Break (players provide own meals)   Rancho Bernardo Community Park12:45 – 1:00PM: Player Arrival @ 4S RBC Park1:00...

~ (SAN DIEGO, CA) –  The San Diego Legion, a Major League Rugby team, and Legacy Laces announce a new partnership dedicated to serving youth with a focus to providing equipment for those in need to participate in team sports.  The Legion and Legacy Laces are teaming up for an official cleat drive on July 13-14 at Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos, CA. for the California State Games youth rugby tournament. “We are excited with be working with an amazing foundation like Legacy Laces again this season,” added Ashley Otte, Exec. GM of SD Legion.  “Our players and staff...