Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Major League Rugby has signed an exclusive apparel deal with XBlades, the newest professional competition in the USA confirmed on Wednesday. The landmark agreement will see all MLR sides and match officials outfitted with XBlades kit for games, training, and off-field activities as well as rugby boots.
Already prominent in the rugby community with their ‘blades’ design for backs and loose forwards, the Australia-based company teased plans for a more traditional studded boot for tight five forwards in early 2018. Under their sponsorship umbrella already are a drone racing league, several AFL and Rugby League sides, and Aviva Premiership clubs Gloucester and London Irish.
In confirming the news Major League Rugby have also unveiled the team jerseys. Alternative strips for all but Houston and Glendale remain unseen, as well as team shorts and socks. An album of individual player shots is available on the MLR Facebook page.
Players involved in the promotional shoot include Garrett Bender (Seattle Seawolves), Seth Halliman (Glendale Raptors), Osea Kolinisau (Houston SaberCats), Paul Lasike (Utah Warriors), Peter Malcolm (Austin Elite), Sebastián Kalm (New Orleans Gold), and Ryan Matyas (San Diego Legion).
The new competition begins in April with seven teams competing over a 10-week regular season. A broadcast partnership with CBS Sports Network for a weekly feature was agreed in November, with streaming details for other games yet to be revealed.
