Charlotte is about to welcome a brand new professional sports team to the city.
Major League Rugby (MLR) recently announced the introduction of a new expansion team in Charlotte for the 2024 season. The team, named NC Anthem Rugby Carolina, will host its matches at the American Legion Memorial Stadium, located in Elizabeth, just south of Uptown.
“The new club is a gamechanger for American rugby. Anthem RC is an innovative partnership to drive growth and build on the outstanding foundation our teams have forged during the past seven years. There’s no better city than Charlotte to serve as its host,” said Nic Benson, Commissioner of MLR in a press release. “Charlotte is one of the best sports cities in the country, with a passionate fan base for everything from basketball to soccer, and we’re thrilled to be able to bring home its first professional rugby franchise. There already is a great rugby community in Charlotte, and I’m excited to introduce this sport to new fans across the Carolinas.”
MLR, @USARugby, and @WorldRugby join forces in remarkable collaboration to introduce @AnthemRugby, the 12th team for the 2024 MLR season.
The initiative is set to have a transformative impact on rugby in the U.S., with ambitions that extend to North America hosting the Rugby… pic.twitter.com/KzoRNlFr21
— Major League Rugby (@usmlr) January 19, 2024
The league, featuring 12 teams in the 2024 season, will see Carolina compete against teams from cities including Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New Orleans, San Diego, and Seattle. Additionally, MLR revealed that Anthem RC will play a pivotal role in developing talent for the USA Eagles, the national men’s rugby team, in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
MLR has indicated that the inaugural roster for Anthem RC will include players from existing teams within the league.
The team’s debut match is scheduled for March 3 in Charlotte, where they will face off against the New England Free Jacks.
What do you think about pro rugby coming to Charlotte?
