Thrilling Week 17 Concludes Regular Season for Major League Rugby
As the 2024 Major League Rugby (MLR) season reached its penultimate weekend, fans were treated to a slew of close encounters, high-scoring matches, and surprise victories. The regular season has set the stage for an exciting postseason race, with the eight teams competing for the coveted Shield this summer.
San Diego Legion Ends Houston SaberCats’ Winning Streak
The San Diego Legion ended the Houston SaberCats’ impressive eight-match winning streak with a 37-24 victory at Snapdragon Stadium. Replacement playmaker Harris Rutherford’s 14-point haul proved crucial, while Tiaan Loots crossed the whitewash twice for the Southern California side. Despite the result, the Western Conference standings remain tight, with just six points separating the Legion from second place and the SaberCats from the Seattle Seawolves.
Miami Sharks Edge Old Glory DC
In a closely contested affair, the Miami Sharks secured a 17-12 win over Old Glory DC. While the Sharks’ inability to gain a bonus point dashed their playoff hopes, Old Glory was able to secure a valuable losing bonus point, enough to secure a postseason berth for the second consecutive year.
Thriller in Salt Lake City
The weekend also saw a truly remarkable match in Salt Lake City, where the Utah Warriors and Dallas Jackals played out a 50-46 thriller. With 16 tries scored between the two teams, it was the Warriors who emerged victorious, thanks in part to a record-breaking performance from Michael Manson, who registered four tries for the home side.
NOLA Gold Defeat Reigning Champions
Elsewhere, the NOLA Gold continued their impressive run, securing a 27-17 victory over the reigning champions, the New England Free Jacks. This marks the first time NOLA has beaten the Free Jacks since 2021, and the win has opened up several possibilities for the Louisiana club as they head into the postseason.
Coaching Change for Chicago Hounds
In a whirlwind week, the Chicago Hounds’ interim head coach, Rob Webber, was announced as the new assistant forwards coach and transition coach for Premiership giants Saracens, starting next season. Webber has had a remarkable 12 months, from winning the Championship with Jersey Reds to taking over the Hounds midway through the MLR season and guiding them to the playoffs.
As the regular season comes to a close, rugby enthusiasts can look forward to an intense and thrilling postseason battle for the MLR Shield. The combination of close contests, high-scoring affairs, and surprising results has set the stage for a captivating conclusion to the 2024 campaign.
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