Sports stats



MLR Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby Comes to Charlotte in a Groundbreaking Partnership

January 19, 2024 - Major League Rugby (MLR) News Release


DALLAS, TX - Major League Rugby (MLR), which represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America, is pleased to officially announce the awarding of an expansion team to Charlotte, N.C. that will join competition for the 2024 season. Anthem Rugby Carolina (RC) will play its home matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

MLR is focused on growth of rugby in the U.S. and driving a positive, innovative evolution for the game. Defined by a series of new partnerships and strategic expansions that will bring the game to more people across the country, MLR's latest initiative with World Rugby and USA Rugby has the potential to be a transformative moment for the sport in the U.S., all leading to North America hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2031.

This new club is the result of an innovative, comprehensive partnership between the league, World Rugby and USA Rugby, and it represents a significant investment in the growth and development of the game in the U.S. Charlotte was selected because of the vibrant rugby culture that already exists in the community, as well as the existing infrastructure in place from USA Rugby.

Anthem RC, through the relationship with World Rugby and USA Rugby, is focused on enhancing the development pipeline for American players and the USA Eagles, the national men's rugby team of the U.S, in advance of qualifying for the 2031 Rugby World Cup in 2027.

"The new club is a gamechanger for American rugby. Anthem RC is an innovative partnership to drive growth and build on the outstanding foundation our teams have forged during the past seven years. There's no better city than Charlotte to serve as its host," said Nic Benson, Commissioner of MLR. "Charlotte is one of the best sports cities in the country, with a passionate fan base for everything from basketball to soccer, and we're thrilled to be able to bring home its first professional rugby franchise. There already is a great rugby community in Charlotte, and I'm excited to introduce this sport to new fans across the Carolinas."

USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young added, "This remarkable collaboration between MLR, USA Rugby and World Rugby is an inspiring example of progress we can look forward to as rugby in America begins a new trajectory. Anthem RC provides a truly unique opportunity to partner with MLR in expanding the American rugby landscape to the Carolinas with a rich rugby history, while continuing to bolster the league as a key pathway for the USA Men's Eagles. The level of teamwork that has occurred across all parties to bring this project to life is unprecedented and we're thrilled to see it on a rugby pitch in Charlotte this year."

The club's inaugural roster features players from various MLR teams who are eligible to participate on behalf of the U.S. in international competition. The addition of Anthem RC also brings back the two-conference approach the league has relied on the past few seasons.

Anthem RC embraces the concept of rising stars throughout its brand, symbolic of the efforts of the new club to invest and grow American rugby. Inspired by the U.S. national anthem, it also features distinct connections to the Charlotte community by drawing from its rich military heritage and incorporating a recognizable color palette that draws from the smoky tones of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more information on the team, schedule and tickets go to anthemrc.com.



Major League Rugby Stories from January 19, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central