Major League Rugby is a Quiet Success. Now Can It Become Relevant?

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Major League Rugby is without question the best US sports league most people aren’t watching. It does all the basic things so many startup sports leagues fail to do well. It is not an NFL or NBA-level product, but it is just as good as any of those other secondary sports vying for the public’s attention. Honestly, it is better than most.
But getting to this point is like reaching the base camp at Mount Everest. MLR has already traversed significant heights and now the hard part truly starts. Can it become profitable and carve out a niche in a crowded American sports landscape?
History shows us that failure is the most likely outcome. However, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. This is a league with a grounded approach and a holistic view of the bigger picture. It won’t guarantee success but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
Visibility is always a challenge for new sports leagues. It is one Major League Rugby has solved. There are a fair few games on Fox Sports 1 and 2. Some local stations carry games for the hometown teams. And just about everything else is free through MLR’s The Rugby Network streaming service.
Attendance is either a glass half full or glass half empty proposition depending on how you look at it. Raw numbers and averages aren’t going to blow anyone away. You’re looking at around 2,500 to 4,000 people per game most weeks with the odd spike or value mixed in there.
Many MLR stadiums have around 4-5000 seats and don’t even sell out most weeks. You could easily think that’s bad. On the other hand, if I told you 3,000 or so people were turning up to watch rugby union matches in America, you may also be kind of surprised.
This brings me to one of the more puzzling things about rugby union stateside. It’s somehow both a known commodity and yet not known at all. Union has a rich collegiate tradition in America. It is played all over, and most of the time, it is club level or thereabouts, meaning it is the students running the show by and large.
MLR has had its fair share of success. There are also just as many challenges that may stop it from becoming relevant.
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[@AHomelessShoe]

I hope MLR can keep growing. It's honestly the most enjoyable league/sport to me right now.

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

Love the MLR content. I’m a RFCLA season seat holder and our last game was yesterday. I have a VIP season seat which is only $100 a game and I’m on the field. After the game yesterday I hung out with both RFCLA and NOLA players. Rugby players are very humble and approachable. It’s rare they’re in the news for negative reasons like NFL players. The NFL has moved to a pass heavy style of play. Those yearning for the running game would love Rugby. It’s completely foreign in American sports for teams to break bread together after competing. A few things that make Rugby great is the constant flow of action. There’s only 2 water breaks at the 20th and 60th minutes to hydrate. No timeouts or commercials. Players aren’t yapping at each at such a high degree compared to other sports. Players have to play both sides of the ball. The men’s players show an enormous amount of pride and respect during the national anthem. MLR is my fav league in the world. A lot of games are free on The Rugby Network or on FS2.

[@tylermcclure897]

I’m a recovering rigger so want this to grow so much. Rugby is the sport Americans don’t know they miss!,

[@colinrichards7841]

Thank you for talking about MLR. I’m a Nola Gold season ticket holder and I really think this league could be the next MLS

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

Good luck in playoffs. I was hanging with your boys yesterday.

[@alanfox691]

I think potentially M.L.R. could be much bigger than M.L.S as it is more similar to what you Americans call football. I am a massive N.F.L. fan from Scotland I follow Pittsburgh Steelers & in Rugby Union Glasgow warriors & Toulouse. I had family that lived in Toulouse for 6 years from the mind 90's to early 00's that is why I follow Toulouse aswell. M.L.R wise Seattle Seawolves I like Seattle similar wether to Scotland. It would be good if Pittsburgh got an M.L.R team.

[@Aswaguespack]

I agree!!

[@FrekPret]

From South Africa: May this lovely sport grow and grow in your country. Rugby is far more than "just a game", it actually builds character and unites people across the board. On and around the pitch we tend to become murderous but after the match the ties of friendship grow ever stronger! Best of luck to you!

[@Celta88]

This is probably the best analysis of MLR in a video essay I’ve ever seen. Does a great job of balancing the things MLR did right with the reality that things outside of their direct control can interrupt progress. The league has had some costly self inflicted mistakes but on the whole they’ve played it pretty clean and set themselves up for success. Now they need those outside things to fall their way, and with a bit of luck a self sustaining rugby union league in America is on its way

[@alastairross9169]

I watch quite a bit of MLR , I'm Scottish and I can honestly say you are on the right way ! Alba gu brah 💪🏻

[@conorleonard1699]

No one can ever accuse Super Rugby of being smart

[@ryanfreeman8097]

apart from when they nailed it the first time

[@jacquesventer3170]

Super 12 was the peak, but as soon as they brought in the conferences it went downhill

[@rowangovender1895]

As a South African, I use to watch every Super 12 game that I could on the weekends.

[@hankgoldenshaft]

Yeah Super 12 was great

[@hankgoldenshaft]

I’m a fan of MLR, the games are great, and the skill level really surprised me the first time I watched it

[@justinjohnson7515]

One thing about your point on college students not having rugby after college. Their is actually a very well established men’s club league run by USA rugby. It has D1-4 level clubs and even hosted a national championship game in Houston for D1-3 this year.

[@tsherwood2112]

Yeah, D1-D3 are very competitive and have annual national championships that the best teams can qualify for (by winning their region of their level and then beating another region's champ in a qualifier). I play for a D2 club and it's way more competitive than any other amateur sport I've seen

[@Gangai263]

Yeahh idk after I played collegiate rugby (D2 program 😮‍💨) it was very apparent that there’s club rugby in almost every major-mid sized US city. Idk what bros talking about.

[@slamtilt01]

You can also see the huge amount of progress the Eagles 🦅 have made in the Sevens competition. Coming in 4th overall this past season and getting a podium finish in LA and Hong Kong.

[@YSCRugby]

You must be referencing the women who are doing very well. The men are struggling and barely survived relegation out HSBC SVNS.

[@sloewensteady]

Whoa. I was blown away by your analysis of MLR. Superb insight that I hope to see more of in the future! Subbed :)

[@sloewensteady]

Also, diehard Houston Sabercats fan here... lol

[@metalcrip89]

MLR needs weekly national broadcast networks .

[@LazarusSlade]

Yes!

[@justinjohnson7515]

They have a deal with fox to play 1 game every week on FS1. However the games sometimes get there air space taken up if another sport has a better contract. This happened week one when the cut from a Sabercats game mid way to finish a NRL game. Then returned for the last 5 minutes of the Sabercats game.

[@metalcrip89]

@@justinjohnson7515 they would be better the CW they just got NXT wwe, NASCAR, college football and golf

[@justinjohnson7515]

As long as the don’t fold to a subscription service model it will be hard to get much traction until the World Cup. It also helps that a form of rugby has been shown on fox for many years making it slightly more familiar to that audience.

[@Aswaguespack]

IF and When MLR can get a network deal to put Rugby on TV Networks to reach a larger audience then MLR will explode. I’m not referring to FS1 or FS2, but a traditional sports programming like NBC, CBS, ABC etc.

[@Villafarrell]

Murray Hewitt is a perfect encapsulation of traditional rugby marketing lol😂😂 Excellent video!! Loved the MLS comparison, made me realize how important MLR is now, before RWC in 2031

[@brodericki4281]

Dude you are nailing a USA perspective on the global game. Love how invested you are in rugby. Its really encouraging as an Australian where rugby is in our proud sporting history for the little nation who could. But its dieing a slow death the NRL and AFL. Glad to see some rugby hype men are still around ❤❤❤

[@aluncurtis6124]

One of very few sports where any body type can succeed. Good luck, MLR.

[@malibongwe93]

Regarding attendance, there are teams like New England and Houston who have a higher average attendance than some pro European teams in the URC and Italy's Serie A. Not great by any means, but definitely a positive sign.

[@KissellMissile]

The bar for rugby attendance outside of France and South Africa is very low. Many Super Rugby and URC teams that are very successful get only 10k fans.

[@faigameati]

Look at Europe rugby like Leinster and tolouse final is big

[@RadioactiveRasp]

Solid work! Been a new fan since the league started and very hopeful to see it expand in years to come

[@goheemag]

There is actually a pretty big Senior Club system in the USA for playing after college with 4 levels of play. The college system is sort of a convoluted mess in comparison with 2 separate governing bodies.

[@DouglasLyons-yg3lv]

A couple comments. First, there are hundreds of clubs in the U.S. it is easy to find a team if that’s your desire. With regards to MLR attendance; it is uneven across the league but some teams (FreeJacks, Seawolves, Legion, Warriors) have done really well. I believe a couple of teams have begun to turn a small profit. And it does appear that most teams are creative in lining up sponsors to help with cash flow. In the long run, there has to be more Americans or at least USA eligible talent on display. It has to be expensive to bring people in from all over the world, and our youth need to see there are opportunities.

[@TheLickalittle]

Solidd video. Enjoying your content quite a bit.

[@MoosefeetProductions]

Love the rugby coverage!

[@ds-cx5yo]

Great video :) I’ve been falling in love with MLR as a UK rugby fan. Fills me with hope for the future of the sport. Go free jacks!!

[@mastersamrayy10]

Fans of rugby all around the world should invest their money into a chosen MLR team. My MLR team is San Diego Legion and MLR is growing year by year. Go Legion! 🏉

[@ezralittleton2481]

its also going to be difficult to develop talent when the NFL will always be able to poach top talent, we see NFL scouts here in NZ its a threat to our game

[@APTapes]

I was stunned to find out MLR existed just a few years ago. Since then, I've been cheering on my New England Free Jacks all the way! I've loved rugby for years before MLR was established, and I really want to see the sport grow in the USA. We need an alternative to football around here!

[@VelvetRiot-hz5mp]

Impressive. The teams even have uniforms.

[@WannaBuyAGate]

Really hoping we can get the Toronto team back one day. The weather makes scheduling awkward but the energy was there

[@puffthedragon9542]

It’s the only sport I can sit down and enjoy. Not a lot of commercials, fast paced, and really community based. If only the anthem could win a game now 😂

[@supersasukemaniac]

That could take awhile since Anthem is largely just a development team for the USA Eagles national team.

[@russe19642]

You need a army vs army annual game, just keep it cheap, plenty of beer and they'll come

[@TheJoelef]

They need to build more rugby specific stadiums

[@lu-cardowashinggreen1278]

The small stadiums are perfect for rugby, the problem is the mlr don't have a grassroots level where the community can go out and support their team. This is the difference between the good and the best rugby nations

[@acadoe]

This was a good watch. It sounds quite promising. I do think you make a good point, after the WC, there is gonna be a major boost to the MLR.

[@nikolaismith2734]

If Super Rugby offered a team slot for an American side have you thought about using MLR as a feeder to that side like we use the NPC. It would add another level of competition for US players and expose them to better sides. I'm only guessing but presumably that would strengthen the national side.

[@krakrex780]

They really need to do the Japan league 1 thing and put a big quota on foreign players to build our national team. Also Philly needs a team. We supported the hell out of the CRCs in Philly. We have a huge rugby culture here we also have a fantastic stadium for it.

[@KissellMissile]

Japan is proving that bringing in tons of older foreign players on giant salaries does not support the long term growth of the league or the national team. MLR could leverage fringe players from Oceania who want to play in their off-season though, but really we need to become the destination for players from North and South America.

[@leighreganarblaster9852]

Ruby league and ruby union are two different sports and have two different world cups

[@jasonh7085]

⁠@@leighreganarblaster9852you’re right, but the Japanese Rugby Union competition is called Japan Rugby League One. Go figure. See also: France, who calls their Rugby Union competition pyramid the Ligue Nationale de Rugby, or (French) National Rugby League

[@Celta88]

⁠@@leighreganarblaster9852Japan Rugby League One is the name of the Japanese domestic union comp. It uses “league” the same way Major “League” Rugby does, where it’s established as a closed competition instead of using the league code.

[@supersasukemaniac]

​​@@jasonh7085 that's actually less confusing since the French Rugby League teams play in the English Rugby League system.

[@rittherugger160]

I started playing in '72 in the USA. There was/is club rugby thriving in the US., but it's amature. You actually have to pay to play but you can continue to play after college. Most graduates will end up working in moderate sized cities most of which do have a local club. The problem is HEALTHCARE. Without that even minor injuries can become problematic.

[@blakegomez1216]

Ik this isn’t a US league but Japan rugby league one is INSANE to watch.

[@user-bi8wp6wy3l]

Japan play rugby union it is not part of the world rugby league so why are they callling it that ?

[@Shoottm]

It would be so great if it succeeds, there is so much international rugby going on and if they can join in it will just add to the sport!

[@bamesbamesbames]

Rugby is huge in the Pacific Northwest because you can play in the rain

[@ShamwariYako]

Ah the thought of Murray from FOTC promoting Super Rugby is the best explanation I have heard for their advertising!

[@Fatblue246]

i was an ironworkers fan, was sad to see them go. was a big fan

[@Cj-nm2gg]

Nice content

[@supersasukemaniac]

MLR was actually primed to succeed from day one. Before it's first kick-off they had the shadows of the failure of PRO and the failure to launch of NRFL hanging over their head. they held their first season and it was a success,so much so that founding members the Houston SaberCats,started planning their own stadium. Yes there have been massive issues along the way. To note, Austin Elite pissing off the local clubs, originally they where supposed to be a pro unit made up of both Austin Huns and Austin Barbarians players, that plan feel through a week before kick off,due to Elite's ownership. Horrible ownership, like Gilchrist. and, as rare as it is overall, clubs dropping out of the competition or outright folding.

[@ShamwariYako]

I fully plan on coming to the US for that World Cup. If you can start attracting your top athletes away from NFL, the Eagles will be a real competitor

[@BrandanTheBroker]

Been getting into rugby, now wondering when we're going to get a pro softball league off the ground

[@davebased5919]

Yes

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

Go watch Major League Rugby. It’s the best. Great vid 🏉🇺🇸💪🏻

[@thetouchback]

Much appreciated. I saw you met Buzz Rothfield when the NRL was in Vegas and was definitely jealous!

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

@@thetouchback haha. I told him he’s loved in America and we’d put him on Mt. Rushmore. He was feelimg the love. I stayed in same hotel as players and coaches. I told Reece Walsh he’d be huge in America. I told Paul Gallen it was amazing meeting him and stared at me and didn’t say a word! I did quick vid with Sam Thaiday and he’s a total sweetheart. I won’t miss that weekend as long as I’m alive. You should do a vid on Super League. I follow as much or more than NRL. Lots of history there. Love your work.

[@thetouchback]

I meant to do a Super League video, but the season passed me. The Toronto Wolfpack story is also on my to do list.

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

@@thetouchback I did the commentary for California Rugby League and now Pacific Coast Rugby League. A few years ago in Bakersfield David Argyle came to one of the games. After the game I got obliterated in his presence. He was really awesome. He told me some of the stories about the players I remembered yet I can’t remember it now. I’m off the sauce. Super League is a phenomenal league. The Aussie NRL fans who look down on it I think or more annoying than Union fans who hate League. If you do a Super League vid I’ll defo throw you some more dough. Please.

[@Hieronymous-gm3vz]

@@thetouchback Note that Rugby Union and Rugby League are two completely separate sports. NRL plays the sport known as Rugby League, while Major League Rugby plays the sport called Rugby Union. If you don't know the differences between Rugby Union and Rugby League, check out the KZbin Video "Ninh Explains The Differences Between Rugby Union and Rugby League".

[@neill392]

To be a success, it has to have its own supply chain of talent. Unfortunately, the league took the short-cut of opening up to easily to overseas players. It's become a retirement home for overseas players and those who can't cut it in the established leagues.

[@laohu5511]

100% on the mark.

[@hitchikerspie]

USA reigning Olympic rugby champions since 1924

[@bball767]

The Sunwolves didn't fail, it was a sensible parting of ways when time was ready. They were made to develop their national team. They had good home crowds, but were terrible away - so the established teams wanted payment from them to keep them around. They didnt want to do that and would prefer to spend the money in their own league

[@leighreganarblaster9852]

4,000 to 5,000 attendees in USA rugby league is very good because average attendance in Australia for weekend around 10,000 when Australian rules football get around 69,000 attendance per weekend

[@jasonh7085]

Barring the NRL, roughly 10,000 seems to be a pretty solid crowd at a rugby match in either code of rugby, so the MLR isn’t doing too badly

[@user-bi8wp6wy3l]

Try googling what is the most watched sport in Australia you may be surprsed. The NRL took 2 games to Las Vegas earlier this year and drew 40,746 and they are going to be back there again for the next 4 years. There has been talk about adding a game between 2 English Superleague teams and maybe even an NRLW game (women) to the spectacle. In Australia we dont call rugby league rugby we just call it league - rugby is what we would call the far less popular game played by poor little rich kids.

[@tonyarmbrust]

There's no reason MLS can be on network TV every weekend. ABC was broadcasting a PLL (lacrosse) game this past weekend. The only problem would be commercial breaks. Rugby has uninterrupted play, like soccer. Also, shoutout to the CWU Wildcats, my alma mater and one of the best small-college teams out there.

[@thetouchback]

That CWU pic was no accident. When I saw they moved up and were really good these days, I had to get them in there. I still remember playing club soccer for UofI over in E-Burg.

[@ermenelroy5607]

I really think mlr trying out drafts and end of season was a good a idea. Since it highlights some of the top rugby school in the U.S and makes another marketable event outside the season.

[@thetouchback]

I didn't mention the draft but I think there is a lot of potential with it moving forward assuming they can do it right.

[@GeoffKimo]

The 4000-5000 fans is perfect for partnering with USL Championship or League One teams and playing in their soccer-specific stadiums!! There are synergies is shared infrastructure and revenue. Why hasn't this happened yet? Can the MLR schedule work with the soccer season?

[@danielmills2422]

Could there be a discussion about rugby league in America & Canada please? There’s a league that needs discussing & teams as the Toronto Wolfpack player in England & the now disbanded Ottawa Aces

[@KissellMissile]

There has been league teams here for a decaxe, but it never took off and the Wolf pack have folded. I don't see League ever taking off here.

[@thetouchback]

I'm now trying to make sense of what the Roosters are doing in LA. Also, I have the framework for a video called "How I'd Make Rugby League Work in America" but working on it makes me kind of sad because I know it will never happen.

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

@@thetouchbackPacific Coast Rugby League has several teams in NorCal and So Cal. We just had a game this weekend in San Diego. LA Mongrel vs SD Barracudas. I’m becoming a League referee so I shadowed the main guy. It ended in draw and it was great footy. We also had a woman’s game. There’s hope.

[@gothestags09]

You can keep your grubby hands off Japan, that's how Super Rugby will survive, somehow the Japanese will agree to something and align with NZ and Australia. Rugby Americas on the other hand, I'm all for that. Separate South America and North America leagues with a built in cup competition like Europe would be great. Actually, I want that for the Pacific as well. Hell, it'd even be great if Argentina left the rugby championship for Americas, and building off the 2031 world cup and the MLR work before that there's the possible situation of the Six Nations, Rugby Championship (Japan replaces Argentina and Fiji also comes in) and Rugby Americas leading to three distinct rugby regions in the world, and ideally all relatively similar in strength

[@Shendersonsports3003]

The MLR and the MLS are smart because they don't compete with rivalling leagues for playing standards. It's all about how attractive they can be as a brand to viewers and customers, which is something I really respect about American sports. They know how to make us watch eventually

[@daaichommie708]

I've said it for years. The USA has everything they need to become a Rugby powerhouse. They have the demographic, the player pool size and the financial backing to pump out quality. Unfortunately, it means competing with American Football so it's tough to garner huge interest and investment. I don't think it will ever happen, but IF they really wanted to, it could. Unlike other sports, you don't necessarily have had to be playing rugby from an early age to be good at it. As long as you have good hand eye co-ordination (and be of sufficient size) you can pick it up very quickly.

[@lancehenwood5209]

How will massive $'s being put in by NFL to new Olympic sport Flag Football effect getting youth into playing rugby?

[@davebased5919]

W

[@antoineantoine4730]

Really interesting video regarding rugby development in America. However, from my point of view, super rugby and MLR would have mutual interest of the creation of super rugby team in Hawaii, it would be the good cultural mix between Pacific and US. Today from what I know (and I don't know everything) there is no big team from big league in Hawaii? So why there would be a team in MLR which is at the moment a "minor" league?

[@hawks6973]

There was actually a serious bid to get a Hawaii team into MLR a couple of years ago, but the travel expenses scuppered it.

[@LazarusSlade]

What the L.A. Giltinis did in their inaugural season was glorious! I don't know why the league couldn't just kick Gilchrist to the curb and have newr ownership take over!

[@thetouchback]

I will never understand that either. New owner. New Name. That seemed like the easiest solution.

[@hawks6973]

@@thetouchback You need to find the new owner though. And based on rumors, maybe both Gilchrist teams were too much of a financial risk to attract a buyer. But LA has a new team now, so it worked out. Plus, the way that whole thing worked out, my Seattle Seawolves were able to eliminate the SD Legion from the playoffs three weeks in a row!

[@LomuHabana]

US soccer gets a second chance with the World Cup 2026. That might be the deciding turning point, cause now the MLS is a well established league with some famous players playing there.

[@ilove100times]

and still with messi playing for miami the game lags behind nba nfl and baseball... truth is rugby aint gonna make any difference even if lomu played in a American rugby league

[@LomuHabana]

@@ilove100times you thought a dated Messi would bring the game/league close to the traditional big American sports? There is much more needed than that. Fact of the matter is that, the popularity of soccer is increasing rapidly, partly thanks to players like Messi in the league. It will take a lot more time for the MLS/soccer to really rival competitions like the NFL or MLB, because the MLS is still sh*t and the national team is average at best (even though there is some very good talent especially in the forward line). The WC2026 can be an important piece in that mission. Yeah, I don’t believe that Union (or league for that matter) will gain significant foothold in (North) America either. But that doesn’t mean it can’t grow and be a solid niche sport. If the US pours more money into the MLR, and with the WC, who knows. They could do it like Japan, lour elite players from countries like RSA and NZ into the MLR with big salaries and in that way improve the sport, even though the sport will very likely never be mainstream.

[@ilove100times]

@@LomuHabana thats my point.. no player is bigger than messi.. plus they had a world cup in america.. and still Americans follow there traditional sports.. like Aussies follow afl

[@ilove100times]

@@LomuHabana what will happen.. i think is what happen in Melbourne.. some clubs will soon fold.. and like Melbourne no one noticed it lol

[@LomuHabana]

@@ilove100times Messi is big in name but not in his prime, Mbappé playing in the MLS would be bigger since he is in his prime. Why wouldn’t they? Why would they all turn away from their sports which have a long history and tradition and are a significant part of American culture and turn to a another sport just because of some big names (past their prime) are playing in the league? Doesn’t make sense at all. The MLS is very successful in growing the (interest in the) sport. Believing soccer would turn into America’s prime sport overnight because of some date big names is, respectfully, crazy. No one expected that. MLR is, as pointed out in the video, a quite stable competition. The Rebels being removed from super Rugby, well that is a different story and is exactly due to the lack of effort from Australia to keep Rugby Union alive. More teams might follow. If Canberra gets its own AFL team then the Brumbies will probably lose a large chunk of their already small supporter base. The Waratahs are losing more and more followers. Australia (including officials) just doesn’t care about Rugby Union anymore and no one is willing to change that.

[@davebased5919]

Win

[@declansb641]

can MLR please start a team in Melbourne

[@AshMckay123]

Melbourne, Aus? 😂

[@declansb641]

@@AshMckay123 yes, our only professional rugby is women's

[@AshMckay123]

@@declansb641 🤣🤣🤣

[@g_rec_attempt6782]

I think it's all a question of promotion and the correct promotion. For many americans, it's a competitor to A. Football. The MLR needs to really push the parallel but also the difference and trying to make it an "american" sport. I.m.o. Nefree Jacks have done it the best sofar.

[@Scyon13]

MLR needs a Caitlin Clark

[@LazarusSlade]

No. It needs a national broadcaster! Not cable, but open t.v.!

[@YSCRugby]

They do. Her name is Ilona Maher.

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

You don't really get a Caitlin Clark in rugby. One outstanding player won't help you. You need 15 world class players.

[@Scyon13]

@@chesterdonnelly1212 for publicity sakes, not necessarily a female either just someone that's going to generate media attention

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

@@Scyon13 I get where you're coming from but the only way rugby and MLR is going to become mainstream popular will be if the USMNT becomes good and competitive, and that is not expected to happen any time soon. It can continue as a modestly popular minor sports league though, and improve and gain popularity gradually.

[@ThePerks2010]

Won't turn your kids into vegetables like NFL, it's only going to get more popular once more parents realise that.

[@666kingdrummer]

I switched to Rugby for a lot of the same reasons I quit Baseball for Cricket. I can't stand the NFL anymore and their bullshit. The amount of rule changes and equipment changes in the name of "Safety" is seriously ruining the game, to the point that it looks nothing like it did just 5 years ago. Then there's the delving into politics, the greedy ownership that keeps wanting more and more public money for stadiums that they don't actually need, The Washington Redskins name controversy, Refs that get worse every year, a disciplinary board that are more inconsistent than the Refs, the players being foolish egotistical hypocrites, and you have a ticking timebomb just waiting to blow. Also, I was never a believer in the "the games are fixed" conspiracy theories, But after that Superbowl between the Rams and Bengals, I was a believer, That game was rigged. But even more irritating are NFL fans themselves. They have some of the worst cases of 'Battered Wife Syndrome' I've ever seen. No matter how many times the NFL screws them over or makes it painfully obvious that they don't care about them, they keep coming back. After every Superbowl, there's a ton of people that complain about how the season went and how fed up they are, but yet every Autumn, where are these people? Sitting on their couch watching the game. If you truly are that fed up, than stand on principal, and just leave, like I did. Reject Football, Embrace Rugby.

[@Fatblue246]

this is very much a grass is greener mentality that isn’t accurate to reality. Rugby has also undergone rules changes in the name of safety, and there’s been a myriad of controversies in the rugby world in terms of leagues etc. Anyone who has actually been watching for a while would tell you this. Sports in general are moving in a direction towards more safety, that’s just the world we live in today.

[@666kingdrummer]

​@@Fatblue246 No, not really. No one is saying Safety isn't important, in fact in the Rugby world, its very important because they don't have any protection, so from that stand point its justified. The problem is that the NFL's new "Safety" protocols are a band-aid on a much bigger issue. Allowing the players to wear those Guardian Caps (Literally a helmet for a helmet) during games isn't going to eliminate CTE, and the NFL know it. They just want them so they can use it as an alibi in court if they ever get sued (again).

[@LazarusSlade]

Ugh! Cricket! Are u gay!?

[@rowangovender1895]

Glad to hear, that you are taking up Rugby and Cricket as sports to follow. You will never go wrong with the two.

[@hawks6973]

@@Fatblue246 It's sad really, because everythiung Kingdrummer said about the NFL is correct and Rugby has a fantastic opportunity to pick up disgruntled NFL fans but WR is blowing it with the same sort of nonsense. The tackle law changes, do they realize the tackler has a head too? And making him stick it down near hips, thighs and knees is a good way to give him a far worse concussion that the ballcarrier?

[@warmonger8799]

[@potterwalter]

I had trouble getting into the rugby network this year otherwise I would watch. The NY team left, so I cant go to any games. It doesn't matter too much. The URC is good on florugby and peacock had the world cup and 6 nations. I think the sabercats and seawolves and freejacks are the best. I think they are losing money. I don't care if Japan or another country take it over. Maybe it would be better that way.

[@c.simmons2147]

LOL More like FBS vs NAIA.

[@ezralittleton2481]

Rugby really does need the USA competing at an international level for the game itself to progress. Im from New Zealand and this is our game but without the worlds no1 country in the mix for the appeal of the international game, we will always be coming second to soccer for no 1 sport in the world. I would love to see the USA national tem rank inside the top 8 concistently in the next decade. MLR fan from NZ

[@richardscanlan3419]

And,if MLR is a commercial success,it will look for overseas players to fill their ranks.And in the case of NZ,even more players potentially lost overseas.As if the player drain isn't bad enough now. Be careful what you wish for....

[@hawks6973]

@@richardscanlan3419 MLR already has overseas players. There's a cap of 10 non-USA eligible per team on the match-day 23.

[@richardscanlan3419]

@@hawks6973 why am I not surprised?

[@hawks6973]

​@@richardscanlan3419 I think a lot of guys play MLR and Mitre Cup both, since the seasons are offset. Gives them a chance to make a little extra money playing rugby. Plus there are the retirees, like Ma'a Nonu who probably don't need the money but like the idea of helping to launch a new competition.

[@richardscanlan3419]

@@hawks6973 makes sense. Not knocking players that want to make money - after all,their time in the game is short. It's just the endless drain is bad for our rugby.

[@markhernandez8623]

As an NRL loving Sydneysider, who could never quite get into Union, coz, on this side of The Great Dividing, it's a game for Toffs; and who also enjoys a snigger that these same Toffs are, ironically (I mean, these are our leaders, and Captains of Industry for farks sake) the ones mishandling its future; I can't help but wish the MLR all the very best of luck! I mean, who doesn't like a scrappy underdog?

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

That really does seem like an issue specific to Australia and maybe even more specific to Sydney.

[@user-bi8wp6wy3l]

@@chesterdonnelly1212 maybe its sepcific to Australia not only in Sydney try googling what is the most watched sport in Australia ?

[@Gallalad1]

I hope you’re right. But I also think MLR should either say “we’re done with Canada” and commit to never expand there so Canada can do its own thing or if they do wanna go back don’t go near the fair weather fans of Toronto. Go to Vancouver where there’s already a big rugby culture and spread east.

[@frontierlandfrank5314]

Pulling in Canada is only a benefit. The player pool in the US is already too watered down.

[@AshMckay123]

Agree, Vancouver has a good rugby following.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

It isn't up to the league. It depends if there is an owner willing to put a viable bid. If there was one you'd bet your ass there would be franchises in Vancouver and San Fransisco the hotbeads of North American rugby.

[@thetouchback]

I think a big issue with San Francisco is that there isn't really any place to play. Kezar has 10,000 seats, but the running track is a buzzkill. Cox and Boxer probably lack the basic facilities to be profitable. Stanford Stadium is too large and too far away in Palo Alto.

[@hawks6973]

@@thetouchback Good point about SF. I think trouble finding a place to play was a big factor in the Ironworkers failing.

[@seanrichards5155]

The broadcasts MUST improve the sounds in the stadiums coming from fans! Talking over the referee.. bad. Talking over the chants and cheering of fans in favor of a faceless talking heads.. bad! Broadcasts should show how much fun fans in the stadiums are having!

[@hawks6973]

Especially the fans that show up to the game in armor :)

[@leighreganarblaster9852]

Is game taking is not ruby league is ruby union because the field Markins, how the pack and fell the scrum and the pts for a try, conversion , penalty and field field gaols. If they line outs in MLR is not ruby league is ruby union. If the the case is should call MUR or Major Union Ruby

[@mastersamrayy10]

No. Major ‘League’ Rugby fits well in the USA because it stands alongside Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. Rugby is only known as Rugby to Americans. None of this two codes nonsense. Rugby has been played in American colleges since the 1870’s. Cope harder.

[@MrMonaMona-l5z]

I would like to bring some boys from South Africa ,with a keenness to ply their trade in the States , over for trials. Any suggestions on how to get them try outs?

[@hawks6973]

There are already quite a few South Africans playing in MLR (Jessie Kriel's brother Dan plays for the Seattle Seawolves, for instance).

[@MrMonaMona-l5z]

One of the more established guys. I was referring to guys who've recently broken into the academy sides, for example. Brendan Rams was in my highschool but cannot seem to get hold of him

[@hawks6973]

@@MrMonaMona-l5z I think most of the South Africans in the MLR are at least somewhat established. In addition to Dan Kriel, Seattle also has Jean Droste, Rhyno Herbst, JP Smith, Riekert Hattingh (son of Drikus), Jade Stighling and Duncan Matthews. A lot of connections with the Lions and Blue Bulls. Houston has quite a few Saffers too (Pote Human is their head coach and Heyneke Meyer is their DoR). I suspect MLR clubs prowl the academies quite heavily, your best bet would probably be through there. MLR does have a foreign player cap - each club can have 10 non-Eagle eligible players on the match day 23.

[@mastersamrayy10]

The Dutch Afrikaners should go and help out the Netherlands rugby to be competitive. It is surprising you guys have not yet done that when most of you desire to play in an expanded Six Nations tournament. Well, make Netherlands competitive by having Afrikaners with Dutch ancestry and you will be part of the Six Nations. Please do it now (send thousands of Dutch Afrikaners to play for the Netherlands national team).

[@Hectorheroic]

Is Major League Rugby rugby league or rugby union? Really confusing competition name.

[@mastersamrayy10]

It’s Rugby Union. Major League’ Rugby is used because there is Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. League is what Americans understand it as a professional competition in the USA. Rugby (Union) has been played in America since 1875.

[@gregoryparkes-skelly8288]

There are men's and womens league post College.

[@callanadamwilliams8200]

From a Non American Rugby fan perspective the league really hasn't helped the national team. The US national team has actually gotten worse despite being exposed to higher caliber international players. Its really lacking when compared to say the Japanese League which has consistantly high attendance and growth in the last few years.

[@thetouchback]

That's true but it is not like the growth of MLS has made the USMNT any more competitive.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

That's more down to the player pooo at the moment. The league is vital to the future of American rugby.

[@hawks6973]

I think the problems with the Eagles are almost all due to USA Rugby's financial bungles and the serious lack of matches for the national team from 2019 - 2022. COVID of course didn't help, but the team that failed to qualify for the 2023 RWC just didn't have enough time together. The games next month against Romania and Scotland should give some idea if Scott Lawrence has things headed in the right direction.

[@Marylandbrony]

No, Houston will have a "movement" where they deem the city's name is racist and rename themselves to be San Jose. Kinda like what Austin had a while back.

[@Eurynomos326]

Watching yankees get in to cricket and rugby is one of my new fave things. Please come play international sport with the rest of the world, stop fencing yourself off in your own local leagues.

[@thetouchback]

It's so odd because I've met many Brits, Aussies, and Kiwis who know American sports. Yet, for some reason, a lot of Americans refuse to explore the true wide world of sports.

[@elz25]

Hey @The Touchback can you make a video of NZ domestic competition Bunnings NPC and your views on the Governance of NZRU

[@pabloneizion2592]

Can I ask, why is it called MLR if it's rugby union, not rugby league

[@hawks6973]

American sports audiences are used to professional competitions being called leagues. Major League Baseball is the granddaddy of pro sports here (1875) but there's also Major League Soccer, the National Football League and the National Hockey League. Major League Rugby is just borrowing the marketing power of the phrase "Major League" to imply the top professional (domestic) competition. The idea that "League" and "Union" would denote different games is - literally - a foreign concept to Americans :) Not many Americans even know what Rugby League is, so it doesn't confuse us.

[@guyfaux3978]

Three teams were expelled from the Gallagher Premiership, the Melbourne Rebels are broker than hell and are being expelled in AUS, so Rugby Union has problems even in countries where they're more popular than the USA. The sport worldwide, as a franchise pro league, is only about as old as the MLS and faltering to some degree. And just to show that rugby never misses the opportunity to miss an opportunity, the Raptors, a team in Denver, now play in the South American competition after having left MLR. Wassupwitdat?

[@KissellMissile]

They left of their own free will due to MLR pushing for too many foreign players. They want to be an academy for US born players.

[@kelzuya]

"Product" 🤮🤮

[@bhekemsenidladla3202]

If the NFL is still a thing rugby won't prosper in the US

[@honahwikeepa2115]

I tune in from New Zealand 🇳🇿. Some of these guys could play 2nd division provincial rugby in NZ. It would revolutionise their thinking game. I played against Tri-Counties (California) in NZ. My brother toured the USA in 1977. Played 5 won 5. The NZ mentality towards Rugby is a war mentality. You must win. To do this you must dominate and intimidate your opponent for 90 minutes. NZ are second to none. American's coming to NZ will have this effect. You'll learn haka and own it. You'll take it home to the USA as your Poutokomanwa (staff).

[@robmclean4352]

"MLR does so many of the little things great" Like, what? Naming their teams after (imaginary) mixed drinks...?

[@LazarusSlade]

Don't you fucking dare to talk about my Giltinis. Yes the name was gay as hell, we all hated it! But what they did in their inaugural season by lifting the shield is something no other team could do!

[@robmclean4352]

@@LazarusSlade And then were kicked out of the league for violating the salary cap! (Actually, why does MLR have a salary cap in the first place...?)

[@LazarusSlade]

@@robmclean4352 Wrong! Austin Gilgronis were kicked out for violating salary rules! The owner wanted to use the Giltinis as a bargaining chip and the league decided to disband both teams since Gilchrist owned both teams. Get your facts right clown! I bet you don't even know how an Australian was able to own two teams in the MLR!? Yeah buddy, no one was an angel in this situation!

[@hawks6973]

@@LazarusSlade Of course I have to hate the Gilitinis because I'm a Seawolves season ticket holder from the beginning... but I secretly would love to have one of those white Giltini jerseys, those were awesome.

[@KissellMissile]

I am a long time rugby player, but I don't watch largely because the announcers are both terrible, and focused on explaining the game to new watchers. When ESPN helped make European soccer big, they brought over top notch announcers to make the experience better even for casuals. MLR better do the same.

[@thetouchback]

ESPN let Tommy Symth call Champions League for years. Fox forced Gus Johnson onto soccer fans. MLR announcers aren't nearly that bad by comparison.

[@PCSPounder]

MLS announcers didn’t do anything to grow American soccer. Plus Alexi Lalas needs to be banned. Location, real supporters… that did way more. Thing is, Utah Warriors have some intense fans, but the location on the hillside (the Real Salt Lake academy stadium) detracts from potentially filling the place. I’d be trying to secure the soon-to-be-old ballpark in the city.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

To be honest the quality of commentator's isn't very good in other countries.

[@frontierlandfrank5314]

Super rugby is a sinking ship. They’re just reaching for anything to keep them relevant at this point.

[@chesterdonnelly1212]

Very nice positive video. But I don't think MLR is going to be the next big sports league. The next big sports league will be the WNBA. This is because it is the undisputed number one women's basketball league and because new players like Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink are making it more attractive to the public. It is no longer just for angry lesbians, although the lesbians are now even angrier than ever.

[@ilove100times]

wont grow simplly due to one thing.. Australia.. it aint working there and you got nfl mlb and nba to hockey.. and rugby in austrilia actually has a platform

[@ds-cx5yo]

Think Australian rugby fans are overly pessimistic but don’t see the big picture. French rugby keeps reaching new heights, professionalising lower leagues. Japanese rugby is kicking on very well and growing. More and more South Africans falling in love with the sport across the racial divide. Professional leagues beginning to look sustainable in South America and US. It’s a few of the rugby unions like rugby Australia and welsh rugby that are managing to choke the sport in their respective countries with poor management.

[@ilove100times]

@@ds-cx5yo to be honest.. it's still the same countries for like the past 20 years.. true progress is like soccer and basketball just look how the game grown in the USA.. while sadly rugby is slowly dying in Australia, Samoa and even Tonga where nrl is even getting more views than the super rugby

[@ilove100times]

@@ds-cx5yo I would even add that if.. the NRL was to expand in NZ.. you could actually see union play second fiddle.. to rugby league.. thats how bad the professional code is NZ..

[@jonathonwhitiora8102]

@@ilove100times SUPER RUGBY IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IS A SINKING SHIP GOOD RIDDENS GO BACK TO THE PROVINCES OR NPC SIDES IM A STRONG SUPPORTER OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY PROFESSIONAL DEMESTIC RUGBY NEEDS TO HAPPEN BACK IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND RUGBY STAT

[@user-bi8wp6wy3l]

Rugby union in Australia has been around for more than 150 years they have won 2 rugby world cups,held at least 2 and about to become 3 . Both the men and womens sides reguarly win 7s tournaments the women even won a gold medal at the olympics but the game is still losing ground in Australia to sports such as the NRL, the AFL and the BBL (cricket). The womens NRLW and AFLW would easily outdraw mens club rugby. I doubt the game in the US would benefit from piggy backing on either Super rugby or the ARL both have been poorly managed and are dying in terms of their popularity. The ARU is battling to find a broadcaster willing to buy the rights even at a fraction of what they are paying for the NRL and AFL who continually set new records.

[@gideonporter537]

Here in the South (Southern Hemisphere, not your one lol) TRIBALISM is what separates the success of the Australia-New Zealand Rugby League (NRL) competition from the lack-lustre (crowd parochiality-wise) Super Rugby (Union) competitions. Rabidly fanatic rugby league supporters (especially the NZ Warriors, Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos) dress up like comiccon characters and scream their heads off win, lose or draw - and come back for more the follopwing week. I have to admit the United Kingdom soccer/football fans are even more tribal and rabid. Or, just look at how Ryan Reynolds made Wrexham a global hit. For starters, THAT'S what MLR needs (at a local level) to rapidly grow the sport's popularity. MLR USA even needs to support the best supporters - especially the top 4 clubs. THEN you need super-exciting commentators,who are articulate, knowledgeable and funny (at times, not too much funnies). And finally, you need to make all players take media classes (especially the coaches and captains), and front up to the media and tell them straight how it is..... fans will love it - coaches not so much. Oterwide MLR looks great - and I'm a diehard All Blacks fan in NZ!

[@jacquie212]

8:43 “MRL” is back? Call it teething issues, but misspelling MLR is amateur. It was honestly a horrible app at first, but it is getting better.

[@iluvmusicqwe]

🤓

[@mrlemondude2944]

if your're looking for a good rugby league, league then the nrl might be good for you

[@glenmale1748]

I almost hope it doesn't take off in the States. I can do without the trash-talking, the stupid pre-game entertainment, the disrespect for officials and opponents... all things rugby is renowned for lacking. Camaraderie and respect are the game's hallmarks. Also, the stupid commentators talking about deeefense and offence, the red zone and yardage. Rugby is exclusively metric... it's all measured in metres.

[@keithpodhradsky1314]

I'd rather see league rugby, but this is fine. Glad to have the Hounds. We need a national haka.

[@patrickjohnson1309]

Rugby union is shit!! Rugby league is 100 times harder and better!!

[@samueldowd8408]

Shame its union 💀

[@mastersamrayy10]

Cope 😂