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In a stunning revelation, Major League Rugby have confirmed that the Austin Herd are no longer. Amidst rumors of an impending relocation, the team will instead stay in Central Texas for now but ownership has changed hands and the team has been renamed just 10 days before the start of the regular season.
Gone is ‘The Herd’, a team name only just announced in September after renaming from ‘Austin Elite’. The new name is the Austin Gilgronis. Remarkably, the organization has confirmed that the new name comes from “a new Texas-sized cocktail, to be released soon.”
Assuming immediate ownership and operation of the team is Loyals LLC, the same group that will bring a team to Los Angeles in 2021. They are not the first organization to run two franchises in MLR – the San Diego Legion and Utah Warriors are both currently under the same majority ownership.
Bizarre moniker aside, the other changes promised are dramatic and impressive. The first sees the team immediately changing home venues from Round Rock Multipurpose Complex to Bold Stadium at Circuit of the Americas, where they will play for the first time on Friday evening against the Austin Blacks.
That change alone is hugely significant. While it will no doubt disrupt the current fan base who have stuck with the team through two Round Rock venues, their new home is more than twice the size of RRMPC and a big upgrade in appearance.
Taking over as new Director of Rugby is former All Blacks and Wallabies skills coach Mick Byrne. The 61-year-old Australian arrived last week and forms a new coaching group along with Andrew Suniula and Brent Semmons. Todd Clever remains with the team though his role at the moment is unclear.
Loyals CEO Matt Burgess says fans can expect a carnival atmosphere at home games.
“Fans can look forward to high-adrenaline matches and pre-game festivities, including a human fireball, fire spinner, fire breathers, BBQ championships, cheerleading championships, and much more. Each game is going to bring the same high-stakes and competitive energy Texas sports fans demand but with a focus on premium entertainment around the match for both corporate and community supporters.”
The new owners have also made clear their desire to connect with local youth. Aside from match day festivities they list no annual registration fees, subsidized equipment costs, and new youth facilities. Plans are afoot for age grade sides at u16, u18, and u20 level.
For those fans disappointed to have recently purchased Herd-branded gear, the team will offer free ‘AG’ merchandise as a replacement. They have set their home game ticket prices at a very modest $8 for general admission and $5 for families.
Overall the changes are highly positive for a franchise that endured an horrendous winless campaign in 2019. The mood in camp has improved dramatically with concerns over financial stability gone and the highly-regarded Byrne very well received. Expect news on roster reinforcements in the near future.
And the name? Best served with ice.
