New MLR franchise lands USA Eagles captain Jason Damm for 2026

Jason Damm has signed with the California Legion ahead of the 2026 Major League Rugby season, with the USA Eagles captain bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the league’s newest franchise.

California will debut as an MLR side in a couple of months following a historic merger between two iconic franchises, with the league announcing in May 2025 that San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles would combine.

The Legion recently confirmed their coaching staff, with former Wallaby Stphen Hoiles leading the management team as Head Coach, and have since unveiled two key player signings ahead of the franchise’s debut campaign.

Christian Poidevin was the first signing in California Legion history, unveiled by the club on social media in mid-January. The Legion have since bolstered its roster with another big-name addition, confirming Damm has inked a deal for 2026.

Damm has spent time with a few other MLR teams, initially getting an opportunity with the Glendale Raptors in 2019. The forward spent four seasons with Rugby ATL before continuing with the franchise after they relocated, becoming Rugby Football Club Los Angeles.

The 30-year-old debuted at international level against Chile in 2022, playing 18 minutes off the bench in a hard-fought 22-21 win. Damm suited up for the USA against Chile again the following week, with the Eagles falling 29-31 – seeing them miss out on Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023.

Damm has started 51 of 64 appearances in MLR, touching down for 22 tries, and proving to be an enforcer on the defensive side of the ball. As the California Legion continue to build ahead of their debut fixture, this transfer has already been well received by fans on social media.

“Excited for another season here in California,” Damm said in a statement.

“I cannot wait to get in with the fellas and coaches, and continue to build upon the foundations we set.”

Damm captained the USA in their 2025 season finale away to Romania, packing down at No. 8 and playing the full 80 minutes in a 26-18 win. The USA international also featured in the run-on side against Scotland and Georgia during the November internationals.

In MLR last season, Damm started in five consecutive appearances for RFCLA before shifting to the bench in round eight against Old Glory DC. Damm returned to the First XV the next week as a blindside flanker against the Houston SaberCats.

Damm made 16 appearances for Los Angeles in 2025, starting all but one fixture as the team qualified for the postseason. RFCLA faced Houston in the Conference semi-finals, with Damm starting at lock in a tense six-point defeat.