Old Glory lock in key outside backs as roster takes shape for 2026

Old Glory DC have announced some key re-signings ahead of the 2026 Major League Rugby season, with outside backs Owen Sheehy and John Rizzo bringing invaluable experience to a roster that continues to build and take shape.

KoiKoi Nelligan and Bill Whiteside have signed new deals with Old Glory, with the franchise announcing those contract updates earlier this month. In the last week, Old Glory have confirmed the re-signing news regarding Sheehy and Rizzo.

The MLR veterans have played more than 30 matches each in their four seasons with the DC-based franchise, including regular minutes in the matchday 23 last season. Rizzo started on the wing in nine of 12 appearances in 2025, while Sheehy was regularly used as an impact player.

Before joining Old Glory, Sheehy impressed for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was rewarded with a place in the USA U19 squad. Sheehy received Collegiate All-American honours before signing with the MLR side in 2021.

The 26-year-old is a versatile playmaker, able to cover all back-three positions and fly-half. Sheehy debuted for Old Glory in a 34-28 defeat to Toronto Arrows on July 5, 2021, going on to make another two appearances that season.

Sheehy scored four tries in 13 appearances last season, usually wearing either the number 22 or 23 jersey off the bench. The experienced utility did start matches against Anthem Rugby Carolina and San Diego Legion on the wing, and at fullback against Miami Sharks and Houston SaberCats.

Rizzo is another important member of this Old Glory roster, having started on the wing in 75 per cent of his appearances in 2025. The lively winger did provide impact off the bench in matches against Miami, Anthem RC and the New England Free Jacks.

Old Glory start their 2026 campaign away to Seattle Seawolves on Friday, April 3. It doesn’t get any easier for them on the road, as they travel to Fort Quincy for a blockbuster against three-time defending MLR champions the Free jacks on April 11.

DC rounds out their three-game road trip against Anthem Rugby Carolina on April 18 before hosting California Legion in Sunday Night Rugby on April 26. MLR announced earlier this month that the league and ESPN were launching Sunday Night Rugby.

Old Glory will face the Chicago Hounds on Sunday Night Rugby on May 3 before hosting the Seattle Seawolves. They’ll also face the Free Jacks at home, the Legion away, Chicago at home, and Anthem RC at home during the regular season.

“This off-season has dealt us a host of challenges, but the league’s resolve has led to some exciting opportunities,” MLR CRO Lucas Reid said in a statement.

“The support from our six member franchises and rugby fans from around the world have driven us to adapt, and we’re thrilled to bring a world-class rugby product this year as we look towards the future and the number of opportunities that lie ahead.”

Will Hooley, host of Sunday Night Rugby: “Sunday Night Rugby has long been both a personal and collective goal for us at MLR, a chance to deliver a fan-focused show that elevates our games and continues to raise our broadcast standards.

“I’m incredibly excited to help bring this vision to life as a host, giving audiences a closer connection to the action through analysis, storytelling, and content designed for both rugby fans and newcomers.

“Helping grow the sport and enhance our production quality is something I take very seriously, and there’s no better platform to do that than by creating a consistent, high-quality show on a globally recognised outlet like ESPN.”