California Legion


The California Legion is a professional rugby union team that compete in the Major League Rugby. The team is based in Southern California, United States and was established in July 2025 following a merger between two former Southern Californian MLR teams: San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles. Its inaugural season is scheduled to be in the 2026 Major League Rugby.

Background

During the months after the 2025 Major League Rugby season four teams from across the league had merged or disbanded. Beginning with the July 30 announcement of a merger between San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles of Southern California, the same day New Orleans Gold announced it would not take part in the 2026 season. Less than two months later, in September 2025 another MLR franchise, the Houston Sabercats, also announced they would not be taking part in the 2026 season.
The San Diego Legion, for which the California Legion's logo is based on, were a foundation team for the Major League Rugby. During their tenure they achieved one conference title, and made two Championship Final appearances. The Rugby Football Club Los Angeles was established in late 2023 after being relocated from Atlanta.

Players and personnel

Current squad

The California Legion squad for the 2026 Major League Rugby season is:
  • Senior 15s internationally capped players are listed in bold.
  • * denotes players qualified to play for the on dual nationality or residency grounds.
  • ** denotes non-American players playing as domestic players.

    Head coach

  • Stephen Hoiles

    Technical staff

The team's technical staff is as follows: