RFCLA and San Diego Legion Unite to Form “The California Legion”

San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles (RFCLA) will unite to create The California

Legion, a newly formed professional rugby team that will compete in the 2026 Major League Rugby

season.

The California Legion will maintain a strong presence in Southern California and will host matches

across San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County, solidifying the new club’s vision of becoming a

representative of professional rugby in California.

“This new team will build and connect rugby communities to elevate the game in Southern

California,” said MLR CEO Nic Benson. “We look forward to working with new ownership groups to

align, grow rugby statewide.”

The unveiling of the new franchise marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to create complete

alignment across all levels of the sport in California.

“With California having the most registered rugby players in the United States, our eSorts need to

extend beyond the 80 minutes on match day,” said newly appointed California Legion CEO, Adam

Freier. “It’s about attracting new fans, creating clear pathways, and supporting our vibrant and

passionate rugby community, while building on the incredible legacy already created by the Legion

Community Foundation, and expanding it across California, and pushing forward with purpose. ”

“Our vision is for every young rugby player in California to know there is a clear path to pursue their

sport from youth to pro and that path begins with structure, support, and alignment at every stage

across the state.”

The Legion Community Foundation will prioritize tactical initiatives like establishing Flag Rugby

leagues in regions where school leadership supports CIF-sanctioned play, designed to not only

grow participation but to build sustainable pathways for young players into high school, collegiate,

and eventually MLR, USA Eagles and beyond.

The Foundation will transition from a general community engagement model to a targeted, impact-

driven strategy. Its focus will include expanding boys’ and girls’ high school rugby, advancing men’s

and women’s community college rugby, supporting the elevation of women’s rugby to NCAA

Championship status, and launching an annual California Youth Rugby Summit beginning in 2026 -

all guided by a statewide development agenda aimed at achieving long-term structural change in

youth and collegiate rugby.