Match Week 1: Anthem RC @ California Legion

MLR 2026 Season Opener — Saturday, March 28 | 6:00 p.m. ET

Anthem RC heads west this Saturday to open the 2026 MLR season against the California Legion, a franchise born from last summer’s merger of San Diego Legion and Rugby FC Los Angeles. Despite not having played a competitive match together, the assembled strength of this new-look Legion, featuring 2025 MLR Back of the Year Gonzalo Bertranou, former World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Joe Taufete’e, and multiple All-MLR center Billy Meakes — will pose a challenge, but one this Anthem squad feels ready to meet.

Coach ‘Cuca’ Cavalieri has assembled a roster with the depth to match anyone in the league this season. In the returning core, Conner Mooneyham’s electric pace on the wing and USA Eagle playmaker Luke Carty provide a spine capable of hurting any side. Former England U20s lock James Scott, arguably the best in his position in the league over the past two seasons, headlines 20 new arrivals alongside super rugby-experienced outside back Jordan Trainor and 2021 MLR ‘Forward of the Year’ Johan Momsen. With 10 capped Eagles and a number of overseas players in the squad, Cuca has a wealth of talent from which to select his match day squad, and competition for every jersey is fierce.

This is the most internationally experienced roster in Anthem’s three year history, and Saturday will present the perfect stage in California to show just how far this program has come.

Stay tuned throughout the week for more roster, matchup and watch party information to come.