Major League Rugby: Five takeaways as Ma’a Nonu ‘honoured’ to take new role while ex-Edinburgh back the ‘clear difference’ for Old Glory DC
Ma'a Nonu in action for San Diego Legion and Damian Hoyland for Old Glory DC (image credit Griff Lacey and Caitlin Noone)
As of this weekend we are officially a third of the way through the 2025 Major League Rugby (MLR) regular season.
It was one to remember as Anthem RC came within a hair’s-breadth of victory, Old Glory DC beat the back-to-back champions and Ma’a Nonu completed a move to the boardroom.
So without further ado, here are five more takeaways from Week 6 of the 2025 MLR season.
Nonu joins Legion ownership group
Even before a ball was kicked came news that Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Nonu had rejoined the San Diego Legion, but this time as an owner.
The 43-year-old, who is currently playing for Toulon, had two stints with the Southern California club between 2020 and 2024.
Never managing to help the team to domestic success on the field, he is now hoping to do so from the boardroom.
In their press release San Diego expressed that not only will Nonu’s notoriety help the team, but his involvement is also expected to have a “far reaching impact on MLR as a whole, elevate the league’s profile, attracting more global talent and further investment” in the sport.
Nonu said: “I’m honoured to take this next step with the San Diego Legion. This club and its fans have meant a great deal to me during my time as a player. I believe in the vision of growing rugby in the United States, and I’m excited to contribute to the future of the Legion both on and off the field.”
The week was made all the sweeter as San Diego maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 31-12 win over the Miami Sharks at Torero Stadium.
Anthem heartbreak reaches new heights
Anthem RC perhaps came the closest they ever had to a first win with this 46-45 loss to the Houston SaberCats.
It was a 79th minute penalty from Houston’s Davy Coetzer that snatched Anthem dreams away after the teams went blow-for-blow in North Carolina.
In total 14 tries were scored by the two teams, over 600 metres were carried and the gainline was crossed just shy of 100 times. Seriously.
Pure entertainment for the neutral, it was panic attack-inducing stuff on the pitch for anyone who supports either of the teams.
Honestly, where do you even start with this?
It is a game that Houston will reflect on and think they should have put to bed sooner.
If anything Pote Human’s team were too relaxed in their approach, were stunned by their hosts in some sense and gave away 15 penalties to boot.
Ultimately digging deep to win the clash will act as some tonic to the SaberCats, who host San Diego Legion in a week’s time.
So far as Anthem are concerned, they will be shattered. Getting so close to a famous win is hard enough, but then having to turn around to go again is a different matter.
Anthem travel to a Seattle Seawolves team who lost at home 30-27 to the Utah Warriors. You never know…
Emmanuel Albert first Draftee to hit 50 appearances
In the wake of their stunning win there was another reason for the SaberCats to celebrate.
At full-time it was confirmed that Emmanuel Albert had become the first Draft Pick to make 50 appearances in the league.
Picked second overall in the 2021 MLR Collegiate Draft by Houston from Lindenwood University, the forward has gone about his business quietly as the likes of Tavite Lopeti, Conner Mooneyham, Sam Golla and Erich Storti have achieved Test match honours.
Developing under Human the Sholz Award (given to the best men’s collegiate player) winner has become a smart operator in the pack, unfazed by whatever task is at hand.
New England look a shadow of former selves
After five games, two-time champions the New England Free Jacks have two wins to their name.
In previous years the team have looked unflappable at times, but over the weekend succumbed to a 28-14 loss to Eastern Conference rivals, Old Glory DC.
Simon Cross’ team registered tries through Steff Hughes, Axel Muller, KoiKoi Nelligan and even a Jason Robertson drop goal to put themselves out of sight of the reigning champions.
A quick look at the stats and nothing screams in your face why DC had the better of things to such a degree.
Marcus Smith makes positional declaration on visit to Messi’s Miami home
New England’s Wian Conradie crossed the gainline more than anyone else, carried the ball more or made more tackles, things just did not stick.
If you had to name one clear difference between the two teams it would be Damian Hoyland.
The ex-Edinburgh back is enjoying himself in the American capital and made 128 metres, beat nine defenders and even made 12 carries.
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference the NOLA Gold succumbed to a 31-24 loss to Rugby Football Club Los Angeles.
Huge slate of fixtures confirmed this summer
In the middle of last week USA Rugby confirmed six fixtures for its Men’s and Women’s Eagles this year.
For so long deprived of regular opportunities to host their teams on home soil, these fixtures will help the teams prepare for Rugby World Cup qualification and the Women’s Rugby World Cup this year.
The announcement is part of the USA and World Rugby’s joint drive to enhance the visibility of rugby in the country and get more people watching the sport long term before the nation hosts the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups.
The Women’s Eagles will host Japan on Saturday, April 26 as part of a double header with Rugby FCLA and San Diego Legion’s MLR fixture, before hosting Canada a week later in Kansas City, Missouri, and kick-starting their Pacific Four Series.
In early July the Men’s Eagles will host the Netherlands and Spain over consecutive weekends at American Legion Memorial Stadium.
The Series will conclude with the Men’s and Women’s Eagles taking part in a double header at Washington DC’s Audi Field, with the men hosting England and the women taking on Fiji.
Both will then embark upon different journeys. The Women’s Eagles will travel to England for their World Cup campaign, while Scott Lawrence’s team prepare for a Pacific Nations Cup on home soil and the chance to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren: “This marks a special year for USA Rugby with the initial announcement of our home events series. We’re thrilled to bring the Men’s and Women’s Eagles to fans coast-to-coast, in the largest slate of home matches since 2019. With Rugby World Cup stakes on the line for both teams, rugby fans can expect the very best rugby in stadiums this year.”
