The lights are bright and the stakes are high as Major League Rugby’s 2026 season explodes into action with a marquee matchup that has all the ingredients for fireworks.
The Seattle Seawolves, MLR’s last remaining original franchise and the league’s founding champions, welcome Old Glory DC to Starfire Sports Complex on Friday night in a clash that could set the tone for both teams’ championship aspirations.
Both clubs are coming off disappointing first-round playoff exits in 2025, leaving players and fans alike hungry for redemption. For Seattle, playing at home means everything – the Starfire faithful have witnessed some of rugby’s most electric moments, and this season opener promises to add another chapter to that legacy.
Old Glory DC arrives in the Pacific Northwest with something to prove. The nation’s capital club has been building momentum since joining MLR, and a statement win against rugby royalty would announce their arrival as true title contenders.
For American rugby fans, this isn’t just another game – it’s a showcase of how far our domestic league has come. With both teams featuring a blend of international stars and homegrown American talent, Friday’s kickoff represents the evolution of rugby in the United States.
Original story via Americas Rugby News. Read more