NEWS

Major League Rugby Set to Be a Game Changer

Head Coach Justin Fitzpatrick looks on during the Feb. 24th pre-season match: Houston SaberCats vs. NOLA Gold. 

HOUSTON — A rugby revolution is taking place in the United States where it is hoped the launch of a new professional league will unlock the potential of the game in the world’s biggest sports market, former Ireland international Justin Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick is coach of the Houston SaberCats, one of seven sides competing in the inaugural season of Major League Rugby (MLR) that kicked off last month, the latest attempt by the 15-man game to gain traction in North America.

“The potential in this market is huge and rugby has been the fastest growing sport in the U.S. in the past five years,” Fitzpatrick told Reuters. “Major League Rugby is the logical step in unlocking that potential and already we are seeing a tremendous response to the competition.