Ex-Scotland enforcer commits to third season with Old Glory DC

Former Scotland enforcer Rob Harley has signed a new deal with Major League Rugby franchise Old Glory DC for 2026, which sees the versatile forward return for a third season in the capital.

Harley is a leader and regular starter within the Old Glory squad, who are coming off a playoff appearance last season. Old Glory fell to the Chicago Hounds 27-16 in the conference semi-finals on June 14, with the New England Free Jacks going on to win the championship.

The 35-year-old has already made 29 appearances for Old Glory, starting all but two of those matches during two memorable seasons. Harley has played more than 2,000 minutes for DC and is set to add to that tally in 2026.

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This re-signing news is an early Christmas gift for Old Glory supporters, with Harley adding some invaluable experience to this roster. The lock-flanker has spent time overseas in Scotland, France and New Zealand, making him one of the most impressive forwards in MLR.

Harley made 267 appearances for Scottish side Glasgow Warriors, with one of the highlights being a trophy-winning season in 2015. The Warriors defeated Munster in the Pro 12 decider, with Harley scoring the opening try of that final as a blindside flanker.

After nine seasons as a matchday regular for Glasgow, Harley made the move to France, signing with Carcassonne in Pro D2. Harley moved to Colomiers the following season, before linking up with Old Glory in North America’s premier rugby competition.

Harley debuted for Old Glory as a No. 4 lock in an 18-6 loss to NOLA Gold on March 3, 2024. The then-MLR rookie started in every appearance except for one that season, having come off the pine away to Anthem Rugby Carolina in round five.

Last season, Harley continued to stand tall as a set-piece general for Old Glory, who provided physicality and high-level rugby IQ around the park. Before returning to MLR for a third campaign, Harley spent some time with Manawatu in New Zealand.

Harley lined up alongside capped All Blacks Brett Cameron and Ngani Laumape as a regular in the Turbos’ run-on side, earning nine starts in as many regular-season matches. In his first NPC season, Harley made four 80-minute appearances, including a big shift in a win over Waikato.

At Test level, Harley represented Scotland on 23 occasions, with the most recent of those appearances coming against Tonga in a one-sided 60-14 win on October 31, 2021. Harley has also represented the prestigious invitational side the Barbarians.

Old Glory have announced some other key contract news in recent weeks, including the signing of Patrick Beattie from Rugby Football Club Los Angeles. John Rizzo, Owen Sheehy and Bill Whiteside are among the others who have signed contract renewals.