Rugby FC Los Angeles (RFCLA), previously known as Rugby ATL, is making its way to the West Coast to compete in Major League Rugby (MLR) starting next year. The team, which was based in Atlanta, will now call the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson their new home, a facility currently shared with LA Galaxy.
Excitement is in the air as RFCLA’s CEO, Pete Sickle, looks forward to bringing MLR back to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. Sickle expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with AEG, the widely renowned sports and entertainment company, to foster the growth of rugby within the community.
Originally founded in Atlanta in 2019, RFCLA recently underwent a change in ownership after the 2023 season. Despite facing some challenges, including breaching salary cap rules that resulted in the disqualification of their 2021 MLR Shield win, the team is preparing for a fresh start on the West Coast.
With speculation and rumors swirling about a Los Angeles-based team joining MLR in the 2024 season, RFCLA’s presence has now been confirmed. Southern California has long been recognized as a hotbed for emerging talent in US rugby, making it a fitting location for RFCLA’s relocation.
The team’s roster has already been announced and includes exceptional players in various positions. Fans can expect an exciting lineup as RFCLA gears up for their first game of the season, scheduled for March 1, 2024. The team will face off against the Utah Warriors at their new home in Los Angeles.
MLR fans and rugby enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the start of the season, anticipating the energy and impact RFCLA will bring to the West Coast. As RFCLA settles into its new home in Los Angeles, the team hopes to not only make their mark on the field but also inspire the growth and development of rugby within the local community.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on RFCLA as they embark on their West Coast journey in MLR. Forever Sports Online will be keeping a close eye on the team’s progress throughout the season. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as RFCLA ignites the rugby scene in Los Angeles.
