📺 HOW TO WATCH RUGBY TODAY

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COLLEGE RUGBY‍

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‍🏉 UCLA vs. Oxford

‍⏰ 8 PM EST

💻 The Rugby Network

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📰 HEADLINES

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MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY

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New York Ironworkers: Former Champions New York out of 2024 MLR Season (Americas Rugby News)

• Takeaway: The New York Ironworkers became the second club in the last two weeks to announce that they will not compete in the 2024 MLR season.

• Hindsight: Perhaps the failed branding efforts and the multiple venue changes should've been warning signs.

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‍MLR Response: A Statement from Nic Benson, CEO of Major League Rugby (Major League Rugby)

• Quotable: "We feel for those impacted by New York’s decision to withdraw, knowing it was a painful and difficult one to make. But we also remain confident in the course the league and its owners have charted, leading the way for the success of the sport in advance of North America hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2031," wrote MLR CEO Nic Benson.

• LA Situation: MLR did make a point of mentioning Los Angeles in the statement, so perhaps some good news?

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‍Utah Warriors Response: Utah Warriors Respond to League Updates (Utah Warriors)

• Quotable: "All professional sports leagues face these “early days” startup challenges. The MLS, the NBA and even the juggernaut of the NFL saw growth, contraction, dissolution of teams and everything in between during their respective formative years. To think that the MLR would be any different would be foolish," wrote Warriors CEO and co-founder Kimball Kjar.

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‍USRPA: As Second Major League Rugby Team Folds, Players Want Answers (Rugby Union Now)

• Quotable: "Today’s announced folding of the New York Ironworkers marks the abrupt end of a second MLR team this off-season following the November 27 news on the Toronto Arrows. In both situations, players already had contracts in place and leases signed. Some had already moved across the globe with their families, many had their flights purchased."

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RUGBY CANADA

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Goals: Rugby Canada Officially Launches Organization's New Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 & Beyond (Rugby Canada)

• Key Points:
• Women always in the top four and in contention to win Rugby World Cup 2025.
• Men return to top 12 and qualify for Rugby World Cup 2027.

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• Yes, But:
• The core driver of "partnership with the professional game" is awkward timing given that the Toronto Arrows folded and no one was able to prop them up financially.

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MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY

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Player Moves ⤵️‍

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Chicago Hounds: signed outside back Cassh Maluia, who played for the American Raptors last season after having a cup of coffee in the NFL.

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‍Houston SaberCats: re-signed center Dominic Akina, who scored five tries last season.

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‍San Diego Legion: signed scrumhalf Nick Boyer, who returns to SD after playing the last three seasons with the Houston SaberCats.

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🏉 QUICK HITS

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Australia: Wallabies Star Mark Nawaqanitawase Defects to NRL in Roosters Deal (The Guardian)

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‍Champions Cup: 'We Want to Win': South African Rugby Sets Its Sights on European Rugby (The Guardian)

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‍USA Rugby: Young Sevens Prospects Named to Men's U18s Squad for Global Youth Sevens Following Selection and Development Camp in Chula Vista (USA Rugby)