Legion win big at 2025 MLR Draft

The California Legion made history at the 2025 Major League Rugby Draft, stepping up to the podium for the very first time and making an immediate splash with the fifth overall pick. Their inaugural selection? Oscar Treacy - The electrifying back out of Central Washington University.

When the Legion stepped up to the podium with the fifth overall pick, they made one of the biggest splashes of the draft, selecting Oscar Treacy out of Central Washington University as the first signing in the new entity’s history.

For rugby fans across the country, the name Treacy is already buzzing. The Australian-born, American-qualified back was just crowned USA College Rugby Player of the Year, capturing the prestigious Rudy Scholz Award in 2025.

With two brothers already on professional scouting lists in New Zealand, rugby runs in his veins. His brother Xavier Treacy was a homegrown Melbourne Rebels project, a consistent Rebels Academy selection throughout his teens, and most recently featured in the New Zealand U20s.

But for Oscar, it’s his electric pace and game-breaking instincts as a U23 Sevens player that have made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation. With strong interest from several MLR teams leading up to draft day, many fans are already calling him the “steal of the draft.”

The energy in the draft room didn’t stop there. With the eighth pick, the Legion turned to American-qualified talent Ieremia Ieremia, a standout back-rower from Cal.

Originally recruited to play college football as a defensive lineman, Ieremia was named Most Valuable Defensive Lineman at the SoCal National Preps Showcase and impressed at several other football camps. A former St. John Bosco High School standout and Bay Area native with New Zealand roots, Ieremia now brings his athletic background to rugby, where he has thrived.

Known for never backing down from contact, he adds grit and power to the Legion pack—the kind of player who can swing the momentum of a game with one thunderous tackle or turnover.

The Legion stayed close to home again with the 13th pick, selecting Joshua Cox from UCLA. Born in South Africa but American-qualified, Cox already knows what it means to wear Legion colors. In 2025, he spent part of the MLR season interning with RFCLA, gaining valuable professional experience.

At UCLA, he shined as one of their most dangerous playmakers, equally capable of unlocking defenses from fullback or fly-half. His signing isn’t just about today—it’s about the future. The Legion believe Cox can grow into a key figure by 2027, giving fans the chance to follow his journey from promising rookie to professional star.

With their 22nd pick, the Legion looked north and selected Canadian rising star Grant Meadows from Brock University in Ontario. Already capped at the U20 international level, Meadows honed his craft in New Zealand, earning a rugby education that shows every time he takes the field.

Strong, skilled, and hungry, he’s the type of forward who brings intensity with every carry. While visa details still need to be finalized, the Legion view Meadows as a long-term building block, with an eye firmly on the future.

For CEO Adam Freier, this draft class represents far more than four new names on a roster—it’s a statement of intent.

“Adding these players reinforces our commitment to bringing elite young talent into the Legion family and they all have an incredible opportunity,” Freier said. “Each player has the ability to contribute to our success while growing the game in California and beyond.

"Having spoken with each of them alongside our coaches, we know we’ve not only recruited exceptional athletes - it's clear we’ve welcomed great young men. They’re grateful, respectful, and eager to get to work representing this great state of California.”

"For fans, the message is clear: the Legion aren’t just preparing for the next match—they’re building something bigger - This draft class is the latest step in a journey to create a team that represents California’s passion for rugby - one that blends international pedigree with the homegrown pride and passion of our Rugby communities state wide.

“We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to announcing a strong blend of the best San Diego Legion, RFCLA, and MLR talent ahead of the 2026 MLR season, and our quest for the shield.”