Another twist is coming to Major League Rugby in what has already been an eventful offseason. The league is set to add a 12th team for the 2024 campaign based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Unlike the other 11 teams, its primary purpose will be to develop US-eligible players with an eye towards both short-term qualification for the 2027 World Cup and the long-term improvement of the Eagles as a competitive entity heading towards RWC 2031 which will be hosted by the United States.
its primary purpose will be to develop US-eligible players
So they won’t recruit international players unless they are eligible for the Eagles? Weird self-limitation. I wonder what the reason was; investors wanted a “made in America” type team?
It also said they expect to only field 6 US players on match day. Maybe with the intent that they all play the whole match instead being subbed in late. Whole thing is just way out of left field. I hope it pays off.
Teams will be split into East and West conferences with Chicago and NOLA joining the East and the two Texan teams joining the West. It’s unclear at this stage how the conference system will affect playoff qualification.
This has been the absolute craziest off-season.
