MLR confirms major shake-up impacting one of its biggest clubs

Major League Rugby have made a significant announcement with San Diego Legion set to rebrand ahead of the 2026 campaign, following a merger with Rugby Football Club Los Angeles.

MLR have confirmed that these teams have agreed in principle to unite, coming together to form The California Legion. Rather than base themselves in one city, this team will play their home matches across venues in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County.

This is a major announcement for rugby union in California and the United States of America, as the Legion continue to chase their first title in team history – having fallen short in the championship game on two occasions under the San Diego moniker.

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Celebrated coach Alan Zondagh speaks to @king365ed about the direction the game is going in

Celebrated coach Alan Zondagh speaks to @king365ed about the direction the game is going in

The Legion is one of the more popular and globally recognised brands in MLR, with legendary All Black Ma’a Nonu and former Wallaby Matt Giteau among those who have worn the club’s colours.

It was announced about four months ago that Nonu have joined the Legions’ ownership group as a part-owner, which highlights the growth and long-term potential of the team and MLR in North America.

“This is a unifying vision for the sport of rugby across California. We are fortunate to have a group of owners and advisors that have a shared vision,” Adam Freier, CEO of The California Legion, said in a statement this week.

“By combining resources, talent, and passion we will create a franchise that reflects the full potential of rugby in this state, from youth development to professional excellence.”

When the Legion were known as San Diego, they made it to the semi-final stage of the inaugural season but they wouldn’t go any further, losing to Seattle Seawolves – a rivalry which quickly became fierce and known around the rugby world.

San Diego made the championship game the following year against the Seawolves, with Seattle taking out the title by three points. The Legion made it to the MLR final again in 2023, losing to the New England Free Jacks by a single point.

As for Rugby Football Club Los Angeles, they were initially based in Atlanta before relocating to LA for the 2024 season. In their sole season in LA, they failed to qualify for the postseason, winning five of 16 matches across the season.

“Major League Rugby will always prioritise long-term growth of the game in the U.S., delivering an exceptional on-field product and an incredible fan experience, and The California Legion is a way to showcase that in Southern California,” MLR Commissioner Nic Benson explained.