California Legion Announce Starting XV vs Anthem Rugby Carolina
The California Legion have named their Starting XV for the 2026 Major League Rugby season opener against Anthem Rugby Carolina on Saturday, March 28 at Championship Stadium at Great Park in Irvine, California. Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM PT as Legion opens its statewide tour in front of a home crowd in Orange County.
This match anchors the SoCal Rugby Showdown, a full day built around the entire rugby pathway. Youth, club, and professional matches will run across three pitches, bringing the Southern California rugby community together in one venue. The day builds toward the Legion’s season opener and sets the tone for 2026.
California Legion Starting XV – Round 1 vs. Anthem Rugby Carolina
1. Ma’ake Muti
2. Joe Taufete’e
3. Tonga Kofe
4. Keni Nasoqeqe
5. Jason Damm (C)
6. Lance Williams
7. Christian Poidevin
8. Ben Houston
9. Gonzalo Bertranou (VC)
10. Coby Miln
11. Ryan James
12. Nick Chan
13. Cole Semu
14. Joe Mano
15. Steffan Crimp
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Reserves
16. Ben Sugars
17. Fred Apulu
18. Michael Scott
19. Justus Tavai
20. Chase Jones
21. Ed Timpson
22. Tas Smith
23. Cassh Maluia
Watch the full squad compete in the 2026 MLR opener.
With a strong mix of key veterans and new additions, Legion enters Round 1 with a group that already understands how it wants to play. Several players have worked within the system before, which has helped integrate new arrivals and build cohesion quickly.
Head Coach Steven Hoiles said the familiarity within the squad has played a key role in preparation, while also acknowledging the challenge ahead.
“There’s a lot of guys I’ve coached before, whether at RFCLA, the Giltinis, or in club rugby, so they understand how we want to play and have helped bring the new guys along. I feel like we’re ready. Anthem will be fired up, they’ve recruited well, and it should be a tough game in round one.
It’s also special to represent the whole state of California. We’ve made a real effort to reflect that, not just LA or San Diego. We’ve got players from across the state, including St. Mary’s and Northern California, and that’s been a big focus for us.
We haven’t had a trial match, so there’s some uncertainty, but we’ve worked hard to make sure we’re ready for the intensity and physicality from the start.”
The opener presents an early test against Anthem Rugby Carolina and a chance to set the tone from the first whistle.
Match Details
- California Legion vs. Anthem Rugby Carolina
- Saturday, March 28, 2026
- Championship Stadium, Great Park, Irvine, CA
- Kickoff: 3:00 PM PT
