DALLAS (September 22, 2020) — In advance of its fourth season, Major League Rugby today announced its 2021 season will start with matches on March 20, 2021 and will continue for 18 weeks of regular-season action. Thirteen teams spread across North America will be competing to make the MLR Playoffs. At the conclusion of the regular season, the MLR playoffs will be contested over two weeks of Eastern and Western Conference finals with the Championship Final to be held August 1.

“We are looking forward to Major League Rugby’s fourth season being a powerful return for professional rugby in North America,” said MLR Commissioner George Killebrew. “We’re confident that this season is going to be groundbreaking for MLR with the expansion to 13 teams and plans to ramp up the fan experience like never before. March 20 is going to be a great day when Major League Rugby returns.”

Like many major professional sports around the globe, due to the pandemic MLR adjusted its 2020 season schedule and turned its attention to ensuring the league would rebound with a strong showing in 2021. League and team officials have been diligently working to build strong rosters and enhance the fan experience for the upcoming season. Matches will be televised on CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports 2 among other national and local market platforms. The MLR Championship will be broadcast on CBS Television Network on Sunday, August 1.

In advance of the regular season, training camps for all MLR teams will begin February 15. There will be a variety of pre-season activities in each market as well as national media day where each team will provide standout players for national and international media availability.

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About MLR:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its fourth season and representing the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 13 teams in 2021, 12 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, and ESPN+, among other national and local market platforms. All matches are available on Facebook Live for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby