Historic Rugby Showcase Comes to Irvine on March 28
California Legion will launch the 2026 Major League Rugby season with a historic home opener at Championship Stadium at Great Park in Irvine. The event brings together every level of the sport for one unified match day.
Rugby in California reaches a new milestone on March 28 - For the first time in Southern California, youth, club, and professional rugby will all take place side by side at one venue.
Fans will experience a full day of rugby across three pitches, culminating in the Major League Rugby clash between California Legion and Anthem Rugby Carolina at 3 PM PT. The event highlights the complete pathway of the game, from youth development to the professional stage.
“This is more than just a game day — it’s a statement on our vision,” said California Legion CEO Adam Freier. “We are building something that truly represents California rugby from the ground up. That means honoring the clubs, players, and communities that came before us, aligning with them in a meaningful way, and creating real opportunities for the next generation. This is just the beginning of what we want to deliver across the state and into Northern California and ensuring this is the best for Eagles as we lean into the 2031 Rugby World Cup.”
Be a part of the California Legion's 2026 Rugby Tour kickoff right here in Orange County!
The SoCal Rugby Round will feature competitive matches across three pitches at Great Park. Youth matches, club semi finals, and the Major League Rugby main event will unfold throughout the day.
Match Schedule – March 28, Great Park, Irvine
The action kicks off across three pitches with the following confirmed and scheduled matchups:
Championship Stadium
11:00 a.m. — U18s Premier: Mustangs vs. Belmont Shore
12:30 p.m. — SoCal Semi Final 1: Belmont Shore vs. San Diego Old Aztecs
3:00 p.m. — MLR Main Event: California Legion vs. Anthem Rugby Carolina
Pitch 14 – The Great Park
11:30 a.m. — SoCal U16s Premier: SD Mustangs vs. Belmont Shore
1:00 p.m. — U18 Gold: SD Mustangs vs. Belmont Shore
Pitch 18 – The Great Park
11:30 a.m. — Division 2 SoCal Semi Final 2: Belmont Shore vs. TBD (Santa Barbara, Beach Cities, or San Fernando)
1:00 p.m. — Division 1 SoCal Semi Final 2: OMBAC Rugby vs. Eagle Rock
“To have all of these matches in one area is incredibly important and unique. It has never been done before,” Freier said. “This is how we grow the game. We bring everyone together and shine a light on the full rugby ecosystem.”
The event reflects California Legion’s long term vision to strengthen ties with local clubs and build a stronger rugby pathway across the state.
“SoCal Youth Rugby is excited and proud to align with the California Legion for their home opener on March 28 at Great Park in Irvine,” said Tom Judge, President of SoCal Youth Rugby. “It’s a special day for rugby in our region, bringing together the full pathway of the game, youth, adult, and professional, all in one place in Orange County. It’s this combined celebration of the players, clubs, and community that make Southern California one of the strongest rugby regions in the country for all ages.”
The collaboration extends across the broader rugby ecosystem with support from the Southern California Rugby Football Union.
“Southern California Rugby Football Union is proud to partner with CA Legion for their home opener on March 28,” said SCRFU President Patrick “Rhino” Rashidian. “This marquee event takes place in the heart of SoCal at Great Park in Irvine. It unites the full rugby pathway from youth to pro and shows why Southern California remains a premier powerhouse for the game. We thank the Legion for making the effort to bring the rugby community together, and what better way to start this partnership.”
The March 28 event also launches California Legion’s statewide stadium tour. The initiative will bring professional rugby to communities across the state while strengthening connections with grassroots programs.
“This is about offering a place to perform and get better,” Freier said. “We want to create visibility, opportunity, and inspiration for players at every level. If you are a young athlete in California, you should see a clear path from your local club to professional rugby and even representing your country.”
Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early and be part of this historic moment for California rugby.
The California Legion kickoff is set for 3 PM PT at Championship Stadium at Great Park in Irvine.
