Anthem RC vs. California Legion — Season Opener Preview

A new era begins in Orange County

MATCH DETAILS

A New Era Begins

The 2026 MLR season starts here. Anthem RC travel to Southern California on Saturday to face the California Legion in a match that represents a fresh start for both sides. The Legion are a brand-new franchise, formed from last summer’s merger of San Diego Legion and Rugby FC Los Angeles. Anthem, meanwhile, arrive with a transformed roster and a renewed sense of purpose under head coach Agustin ‘Cuca’ Cavalieri. With no prior meetings between these two teams and everything still to play for, Saturday’s opener is about setting the tone for the season ahead.

Know The Opponent

Despite not having played a competitive match together, the California Legion have assembled a roster that demands respect. 2025 MLR Back of the Year Gonzalo Bertranou orchestrates from scrum-half, former World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Joe Taufete’e anchors the set piece, and multiple All-MLR center Billy Meakes provides proven quality in midfield. Head coach Stephen Hoiles, an ex-Wallaby, guided RFCLA to a finals appearance last season and brings a philosophy built around keeping the ball alive. Cuca acknowledges the threat they pose, highlighting their front row upgrades and a stronger scrum this year. This is a side built to compete from day one.

The Squad

Cavalieri has named a 23-man squad brimming with international pedigree and emerging domestic talent. Nine senior USA Eagles feature in the matchday selection, alongside three players capped at U20/U23 level, and four more who have represented England, Argentina, Ireland, and Australia at age-grade level. The competition for places has been fierce throughout preseason, and the final 23 reflects a squad that has been pushed hard from within.

In the engine room, Will Sherman — the U23 vice captain whose preseason form has been impossible to ignore — partners former England U20s lock James Scott at 4 and 5. The selection of 2021 MLR Forward of the Year Johan Momsen at blindside flanker signals a physical intent from Cuca, deploying a lock’s physicality at 6 in the mold of England’s Courtney Lawes or Ollie Chessum. Behind the pack, Luke Carty directs proceedings at fly-half, with Tom Pittman at inside center — compact for a 12, but with fly-half experience that points to a backline built for speed and fast distribution. Jordan Trainor, widely regarded as the best fullback in the league last season, completes the picture from the back.

Players to Watch

Conner Mooneyham — The electric winger’s return from injury is one of the biggest storylines heading into the opener. Mooneyham has been tearing through preseason to the point where Cuca admits the coaching staff “actually need to rein him in.” That energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and his inclusion in the 23 confirms he’s ready to go on Saturday.

Will Sherman & Campbell Robb — Two names that embody the pathway this club is building. Sherman’s intensity reminds Cuca of Sam Golla — “He is obsessed — with playing for the Eagles, and the game as a whole,” the coach says. Robb, who toured South Africa with the U23s last year, was another who surprised Cuca with how well prepared he arrived in preseason. Both have earned their places in the run-on side.

Zion Going — The scrum-half carries a famous rugby name as the grandson of All Black legend Sid Going. US-eligible but uncapped, Going’s selection at 9 perfectly encapsulates the Anthem RC mission: rugby heritage meeting American ambition.

From the Coach

Cavalieri has been clear about the identity he’s building in Charlotte. With almost 70% of the roster turning over, this is a team defined by its forward momentum, not its past.

“We have a new identity and a new vision. The new players know what this club needs, but we don’t want them worrying about losses from the past. Build culture, habits and values — the leaders have all bought into this.”

On the field, Cuca wants his side to be “unrelenting” — fast off the ball, connected, and applying pressure on both sides of the ball. It’s a mentality that fits a squad with something to prove, led by experienced heads like Sam Golla, Johan Momsen, and Jordan Trainor.

The Bigger Picture

As GM Mark Carney puts it, what Anthem RC does benefits the whole game in the US — from high school to professional level — showing a pathway to the sport in this country. This isn’t just a team chasing wins; it’s a program building something bigger. Saturday in Irvine is the first chance to show the league exactly who Anthem RC are in 2026.

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