Major League Rugby to add Washington DC team

Washington DC is getting a professional rugby team. Major League Rugby will soon confirm that exclusive franchise rights have been granted to a group in the nation’s capital headed by lead investors Paul Sheehy and Chris Dunlavey. Their target entry is the 2020 season but the team could begin as early as 2019, possibly in an exhibition capacity similar to that undertaken by Rugby United New York this year.

The team has already launched its website and various social media platforms:

Sheehy was previously revealed as the principle backer behind a proposed Guinness Pro Championship franchise in DC that would have been added for the 2018-19 season. The sudden addition of two South African franchises in 2017 and the subsequent revelation that more are set to join have put a halt – at least for the immediate future – on American expansion, with Pro 14 CEO Martin Anayi recently confirming as much in conversation with several media outlets.

A member of the 1991 World Cup Eagles side, Sheehy is a senior partner and director of Sheehy Auto Stores, a family-owned dealer group with 24 stores in the DC area. The 54-year-old has also coached at Gonzaga College, is a contributor to the USA Rugby Trust, and has been a member of Washington RFC since 1985.

Acting as Chairman of the DC franchise is Dunlavey, 52, who is president and co-founder of project management firm Brailsford & Dunlavey. Among their extensive list of developments are numerous sports facilities including the design and construction of Nationals Park and the renovation of RFK Stadium. Dunlavey is also a long-time rugby supporter and has been a member of Washington Irish RFC for 30 years.

Finding an appropriate venue for the new team may be tricky. The new home of DC United – Audi Field – is set to open in mid-July but its 20,000 capacity is likely too high for initial seasons. Smaller alternatives could include the 3,500 capacity Cardinal Stadium, home of Catholic University athletics, or Georgetown University’s Cooper Field. The latter has been due for expansion since opening in 2005 but currently holds only 2,500.

The new team gives the league at least two confirmed franchises on the East Coast along with New York though their official entrance to the competition is likely to come a year apart with New York to begin regular season play in 2019. Previously revealed expansion plans suggested a 10-team league is most likely in 2019 with two more added in 2020.

The confirmation of the DC franchise coincides with the fast-approaching test match at RFK Stadium between Wales and South Africa on June 2.