Thrilling Twists and Turns in the 2024 Major League Rugby Season
BBC Rugby Union | May 29, 2024
The 2024 Major League Rugby (MLR) season has been full of exciting developments, and week 13 was no exception. As rugby enthusiasts eagerly follow the action on and off the pitch, here are five key takeaways from the latest round of matches.
The Miami Sharks’ dramatic victory over the reigning champions, the New England Free Jacks, has thrown the Eastern Conference race wide open. Tomas Casares’ late try sealed a 15-13 win for the Florida club, leaving the division delicately poised. New England top the standings by a single point, with the surging NOLA Gold and the ever-present Chicago Hounds in close pursuit. Miami have now joined the playoff contenders, sitting just four points behind Old Glory DC in the race for the postseason.
In the Western Conference, the Seattle Seawolves snapped their losing streak with a narrow 26-24 triumph over Old Glory DC. Despite the absence of several key players, including captain Riekert Hattingh and vice-captain Charles Elton, the two-time champions showcased their resilience to consolidate their second-place position, trailing the league-leading Houston SaberCats.
The rugby world was abuzz with the news of pop superstar Demi Lovato posing in a Chicago Hounds jersey. The Hounds, co-owned by renowned restaurateur Art Smith, have been making headlines both on and off the field, including their innovative “doghouse” sin bin. Imagine the potential for a collaboration between Louis Rees-Zammit and Taylor Swift!
The San Diego Legion emphatically responded to their poor start, scoring 20 unanswered second-half points to defeat RFC Los Angeles 27-19 and lift the Cali Cup. Olympic gold medalist Semi Kunatani’s two first-half tries for LA were not enough, as the Legion, led by Matt Giteau, showcased their ruthless determination.
As the season progresses, the release of the highly anticipated city-inspired jerseys has added to the excitement. From Utah’s red rock-inspired design to New England’s dark blue flannel and Miami’s palm tree-themed kit, the unique and visually stunning creations are sure to be in high demand among rugby fans.
With the Eastern Conference race heating up, the Western Conference shaping up, and the off-field buzz surrounding the league, the 2024 MLR season promises to deliver more thrills and surprises as it heads towards a thrilling conclusion.
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