Major League Rugby Returns as Presenting Sponsor

Fort Lauderdale, FL — Major League Rugby (MLR), North America’s highest rugby competition, and the United States Rugby Foundation (USRF) announced today that MLR will continue as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 USRF Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The 2026 ceremony marks the fourth straight year of this values-aligned partnership, as both organizations continue their grassroots initiatives to grow the sport across the U.S.

This year’s event will be held on August 14 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, bringing together all parts of the rugby community to celebrate individuals who have made lasting impacts on the sport. With players, coaches, referees, administrators, medical personnel, and media personalities under one roof, the USRF will induct its 2026 Hall of Fame class and recognize its Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

The US Rugby Hall of Fame Class of 2026 showcases that pathway firsthand, featuring two members tied directly to the MLR family. The class includes MLR Co-President, New England Free Jacks co-founder, and former USA Eagles Sevens captain Alex Magleby, alongside Kevin “KB” Battle, former MLR Director of Youth Rugby Initiatives and franchise executive.

Through the partnership, MLR and USRF will release co-branded content highlighting USRF scholarship winners who have successfully joined the professional ranks, including New England scrumhalf Ethan McVeigh. In addition, the USRF will be actively promoting the 2026 MLR Championship in Chicago.

The partnership aligns the league with an active participant in developing the sport’s future stars. The 2026 MLR Championship in Chicago will feature robust youth participation—including a multi-discipline skills challenge and a USA Touch Rugby All-Star Game. Both entities plan to build off that model with a long-term vision of launching a joint youth rugby initiative at the 2027 MLR Championship.