MATCH WEEK 10: ANTHEM RC vs. CALIFORNIA LEGION

Sunday, May 31 2026 | 4PM ET | American Legion Memorial Stadium – Charlotte, NC

WATCH: ESPN+ | WCCB 18.1

Written by Dan Brooks

This is it. The last home game of the season, and a must-win if Anthem Rugby Carolina want to keep their playoff hopes alive. California Legion are the visitors at American Legion Memorial Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and if the occasion needs any extra spice, consider the history: it was against this same California side, back in Week 1, that Anthem claimed their first ever franchise victory, 39-26 on the road. The players haven’t forgotten that feeling, and they’re ready to do it again.

California sit second in the table on 24 points and are a dangerous outfit, capable of playing from anywhere on the field. They like to quick tap, exploit space, and stretch defenses with width and pace. But they are beatable, as Anthem proved in March, and as their four losses this season confirm. The challenge for Anthem is clear: defensive discipline, no piggyback penalties, and take points when they’re on offer. The coaching staff have been drilling those lessons all week after last Saturday’s frustration against New England, and the squad is fired up.

Payton Telea-Ilalio misses out again due to injury, but otherwise, the team is largely unchanged. Anthem need a minimum four-point win and will be chasing the bonus point to put pressure on New England and Old Glory DC heading into the final round. Bring the noise, bring the energy, and let’s send this team into the last week of the season with everything to play for.

Stay tuned throughout the week for more roster, matchup and match day information to come.