DALLAS (June 26, 2023) – The Conference Finals of the 2023 Major League Rugby (MLR) Championship Series presented by Fastenal are set, as both the Seattle Seawolves and Old Glory DC proved victorious in the Eliminator Rounds over the weekend.
Led by AJ Alatimu’s 15 points, the Seawolves beat the SaberCats 37-26 with a 100% conversion rate and almost double the number of breakdowns, ball carries, and passes. Thereafter, Old Glory DC upset the defending champion Ironworkers 37-33 with nearly 150 tackles and three-times the number of scrums. Both the Seawolves and Old Glory DC were 3/3 in penalty goal kicks.
The Conference Finals will begin on Saturday, July 1, at 5:30 p.m. EST with the Eastern Conference Final clash between Old Glory DC and the New England Free Jacks on FOX Sports 1 in Quincy, Massachusetts. The Western Conference Final between the Seattle Seawolves and San Diego Legion will take place at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Sunday, July 2, at 6:00 p.m. EST on FOX Sports 2.
“The Championship Series is the culmination of the Major League Rugby season,” said Major League Rugby CEO Nic Benson. “With the Conference Finals set, the intensity of the competition is at its peak; fans can focus on the final four as the quest for the Championship Shield heats up.”
Led by S. Marcus Calloway Community Impact Award nominees Michael Te’o of San Diego and Dan Kriel of Seattle, the Seawolves and Legion will face each other in the postseason for the fourth time in league history. Winning the 2018 Semifinal, 2019 Championship Final, and 2022 Eliminator, Seattle is 3-0 in that span. MLR will announce the winner of the award during halftime of the Championship Final on July 8.
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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.
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