Major League Rugby’s Championship Shield Touches Down in Chicago

CHICAGO (June 28, 2023) – Major League Rugby (MLR) yesterday displayed its coveted Championship Shield publicly in Chicago for its first appearance of the 2023 season. Players from the Windy City’s own MLR team joined Hounds CEO James English at The Northman Beer & Cider Garden ahead of MLR’s Championship Game on Saturday, July 8, at SeatGeek Stadium.

Featuring performances by DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and American Celtic Band Dropkick Murphys, the Championship weekend will include an array of Chicago-based activities leading up to the match and offer an exciting game-day experience for fans, families, and friends.

“As the league continues to show an exceptional pattern of growth, we believe this is the perfect time to plan an entire weekend of fun rugby and fan events around our showcase game,” said MLR CEO Nic Benson. “Chicago’s rich history of hosting large scale rugby events combined with a great facility in SeatGeek stadium, makes for the perfect place to celebrate and honor our athletes and fans.”

Tickets are on-sale now and include admission to the Youth Rugby Tournament, Dawg Town Block Party Fan Festival, and pre- and post-game performances. Fans can tune in to the Championship Match on FOX at 3 p.m. EST.

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About Major League Rugby:

Major League Rugby is a professional sports league entering its sixth season that represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. The League evolved from seven teams in 2018 to 12 teams in 2023, featuring 11 from the United States and one from Canada. Matches are televised on Fox Sports, among other national and local market platforms. Select matches are available to stream live in North America on The Rugby Network, and all matches are available on The Rugby Network for international fans. MLR prides itself in fostering intense and high-stakes competition, while bringing together a passionate community built on the values of Respect, Inclusivity, and Tradition. For more information about MLR, visit www.MajorLeague.Rugby.