Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Major League Rugby (MLR) will expand into Florida in 2024. An official announcement from the MLR notes that a new franchise, the Miami Sharks will join the competition for the 2024 season. The Miami Sharks follow the 2023 expansion side, there Chicago Hounds.
The Miami Sharks team is led by Ronaldo “Kony” Strazzolini, Alejandro Macfarlane, and Marcos Galperin. This gives the franchise an Argentine connection. Galperin is the founder and CEO of Argentine giant e-commerce company Mercado Libre.
ARN understands that Pumas scrum-half Tomás Cubelli is also involved in the Miami Sharks. Like Cubelli, Galperin is a native of Buenos Aires and played rugby in the city. In confirming that the Miami Sharks will be entering MLR 2024, Galperin commented:
“We are excited to create a rugby experience in South Florida that will wake the Latin passion in the community and generate a sense of belonging.”
MLR 2023 kicks-off on February 17. Matches on the opening day will take-place in New Orleans and Atlanta. Miami’s most closest rival is Rugby ATL. The 2022 champions, rebranded as New York Ironworkers will debut away to the Seattle Seawolves on Saturday, February 18.
