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California Legion - Rugby Heroes returns in 2026!

We're proud to announce that California Legion is provides an opportunity to recognize a local 'Rugby Hero' at each California Legion home game this coming season. A 'Rugby Hero' is someone who has made a profound contribution to the community we hold dear to our hearts across California. Nominate your 'Rugby Hero' below.

Nominate your 'Rugby Hero' here!

Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute proudly recognized Johnny Pua from Belmont Shores Rugby Club as the first recipient of the RFCLA Rugby Heroes Award. Johnny has had a storied journey with Belmont Shores Rugby Club; in growing its grassroots program from 50 players, to now over 500. Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute thanks John for introducing rugby to thousands of kids, teenagers, and adults, who have greatly benefited from his passion and commitment to the sport.

Thank you Chris Habermehl, from Cedars Sinai Institute Kerlan-Jobe Institute, for presenting our team-signed ball to Evelin Avila, our Local Hero winner at our home match this weekend. Thank you Evelin for your support and dedication to the San Fernando Valley Women’s Rugby Club.

Thank you Dr. Carlos Uquillas, from Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, and Pete Sickle, founder and CEO of RFCLA, for recognizing our RFCLA local rugby hero at our home match this weekend. Congratulations John Maust from Pasadena Mens Rugby for your great contributions to the Southern California rugby community and thank you Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute for presenting this program.

Thank you to Robert Alvarado, Director of Business Development at Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, and Pete Sickle, CEO and founder of RFCLA, for helping us recognize our most recent rugby hero at Sunday’s match! The recipient of this prestigious award was Harrison Herndon, the founder of Rugby LA. Harrison has been pivotal in introducing rugby to more than 20,000 kids and 300 schools, providing equitable access to all Angelenos.

Thank you to Dr. Andrew Posner and Dr. Alireza Nazemi of Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute, and Pete Sickle, CEO and founder of RFCLA, for helping us recognize our most recent rugby hero at Sunday’s match! Cedars Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute is proud to announce Eric Anderson from Rebellion Rugby as the recipient of the Kerlan Jobe Rugby Heroes Award for his excellent contributions to the Southern California rugby community. Eric serves as the Director of Advancement for Rugby LA and is in his 7th year as President and CEO of Rebellion Rugby, the country’s most recognized amateur inclusive rugby program. RFCLA and Cedars Sinai Kerlan Jobe congratulate Eric and all of Rebellion Rugby for representing LA in the 2024 Bingham Cup in Rome. Rugby is for everyone, and we are proud to support the Rebellion during Pride Season!

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California Legion Rugby

Founded in 2025, California Legion Rugby is California’s only professional rugby team as part of Major League Rugby. The Legion aims to develop leaders and citizens in the community and champions on the pitch.

Major League Rugby is the premier rugby league in the United States.

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Rugby Heroes

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California Legion Rugby

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