MLR Championship: Legion Announce Starting XV vs Chicago Hounds

California Legion has named its Starting XV for the 2026 Major League Rugby Championship against the Chicago Hounds, set for Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT, with the MLR Shield on the line.

Just one week after earning a hard-fought semifinal victory over the Seattle Seawolves, Legion arrives in Chicago with an opportunity to bring the championship back to California.

The road to the final has been anything but easy. After falling to Seattle in the regular season finale, Legion responded when it mattered most, returning to Starfire Stadium and earning a place in the club's first championship match.

Standing in the way is a familiar opponent.

The Chicago Hounds have been the benchmark of Major League Rugby throughout 2026, finishing atop the league standings and earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The two sides met earlier this season on Sunday Night Rugby, where Chicago defended home turf in a tightly contested matchup.

Jason Damm captains the side once again, with Gonzalo Bertranou and Billy Meakes serving as vice captains.

Oscar Treacy retains his place in the starting lineup after a strong postseason performance in Seattle. The rookie winger continues to impress after scoring in his MLR debut against the Seawolves earlier this season.

At fullback, Rory van Vugt remains in the Starting XV after returning to the lineup in last week's semifinal victory.

California Legion Starting XV – MLR Championship vs. Chicago Hounds LIVE on ESPN2 & ESPN+

1. Ma'ake Muti
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. Joe Mano
12. Billy Meakes (VC)
13. Cassh Maluia
14. Oscar Treacy
15. Rory van Vugt

Reserves

1. Alex Lopeti
2. Declan Leaney
3. Justus Tavai
4. Ronan Murphy
5. Cyrille Cama
6. Tas Smith
7. Corbin Smith
8. Cole Semu

One match remains. Eighty minutes for the MLR Shield.

Match Details

MLR Championship

California Legion vs. Chicago Hounds

Sunday, June 21, 2026

SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Illinois

Kickoff: 5:00 PM PT

Broadcast

Chicago Hounds vs California Legion | 5:00 PM PT

US TV: ESPN2 & ESPN+

Canada: TSN+

UK & Ireland: Premier Sports

New Zealand: Sky Sport

Sub-Saharan Africa: ESPN

Latin America: ESPN

Asia*: Premier Sports

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