The Austin Herd and Rugby United New York have both confirmed venues for their final preseason matches this coming weekend. They are the only two Major League Rugby sides currently slated to take the field one week before the regular season kicks off on February 8.
Originally set for Round Rock Multipurpose Complex, the Herd will now play their Friday evening hit-out against the Austin Blacks at Bold Stadium. This is the first time the team will have played there. The 5,000 seat home of Austin Bold FC opened in March 2019 features a natural grass surface.
Friday’s kickoff is set for 7pm local and admission is free.
Rugby United New York will replicate the New England Free Jacks with a match against a local invitational side dubbed the New York Barbarians on Saturday. Players were selected by RUNY coach Greg McWilliams after being nominated by local club coaches. As with the Independents, it provides an opportunity to play against high caliber opposition in front of the professional staff.
Saturday’s match will take place at Wagner College Football Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30pm local time. As with Austin, admission is free.