Legion Announce Starting XV vs New England Free Jacks

Legion enters the weekend sitting 2nd in Major League Rugby and looking to continue its push toward the postseason. A major road challenge awaits against the reigning MLR champions.

The two sides met earlier this season in San Diego, where Legion delivered one of its strongest performances of the year in a 43-5 victory over the Free Jacks.

Jason Damm Captains the side, with Gonzalo Bertranou and Billy Meakes named Vice Captains.

There is movement in the lineup this week. Declan Leaney earns his first appearance in the starting XV for California Legion, stepping into the front row for Round 7.

Out wide, Corbin Smith gets the call at No. 14 after making a major impression in his debut appearance against the Seattle Seawolves earlier this season.

California Legion Starting XV – Round 7 vs. New England Free Jacks LIVE on ESPN+

1. Declan Leaney

2. Joe Taufete’e

3. Tonga Kofe

4. Keni Nasoqeqe

5. Jason Damm (C)

6. Lance Williams

7. Ed Timpson

8. Ben Houston

9. Gonzalo Bertranou (VC)

10. Coby Miln

11. Ryan James

12. Billy Meakes (VC)

13. Cassh Maluia

14. Corbin Smith

15. Rory van Vugt

Watch the match live on ESPN+

Reserves

16. Alex Lopeti

17. Fred Apulu

18. Justus Tavai

19. Ronan Murphy

20. Chase Jones

21. Cole Semu

22. Tas Smith

23. Steffan Crimp

Tune in to watch the full squad compete in New England!

Legion looks to carry momentum east and deliver another strong road performance.

Match Details

• California Legion vs. New England Free Jacks
• LIVE on ESPN +
• Saturday, May 9, 2026
• Veterans Memorial Stadium, Quincy, MA
• Kickoff: 1:00 PM PT

Broadcast

New England Free Jacks vs California Legion | 1:00 PM PT

US TV: ESPN+

And Monumental Sports Network

Canada: Premier Sports | GameTV

UK & Ireland: Premier Sports

New Zealand: Sky Sports

Sub-Saharan Africa: ESPN

Latin America: ESPN

Asia*: Premier Sports

*HK, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali