Veteran Lock Back in Cali for 2026
Experienced No. 8 Jurie van Vuuren returns to California for the 2026 season after several impactful MLR campaigns. The South African forward brings proven production and physical presence to Legion as the squad continues strengthening for the season ahead.
South African back row forward Jurie van Vuuren returns to California after competing with RFCLA across the past two Major League Rugby seasons. The No. 8 now joins Legion, adding veteran experience and consistency to the squad heading into 2026.
Van Vuuren’s rugby journey began in South Africa, where he developed through Western Province pathways and represented the South African U20 side at the IRB Junior World Championship. He later featured for the Stormers and Western Province before moving on to the Southern Kings and Eastern Province Elephants, gaining valuable experience across top South African competitions.
He arrived in Major League Rugby in 2020 with the Utah Warriors, immediately becoming a key contributor. Across four seasons in Utah, van Vuuren earned 51 caps and became one of the league’s most reliable defensive forwards, ranking among MLR’s top tacklers while adding consistent ball-carrying production.
A 2023 trade brought him to Rugby ATL, which soon became Rugby FC LA, where he continued to make an impact before an Achilles injury limited much of his 2024 campaign. He returned to the lineup in 2025, starting all 13 matches and again proving his durability and defensive presence.
Van Vuuren’s MLR resume now includes 68 appearances, 60 starts, and more than 700 tackles, alongside recognition as an MLR Team of the Week selection in 2025. His ability to cover both lock and back row roles adds further value as Legion builds toward the 2026 season.
One of Major League Rugby’s most consistent defensive performers, van Vuuren now returns to California ready to help drive Legion forward in 2026.
