Major League Rugby lost its lone Canadian franchise when the Toronto Arrows folded after the 2023 season, a move that was met with disappointment from fans of the sport in Canada. However, the absence of a Canadian team has not diminished the presence of Canadian players in the league. In fact, some 45 Canadians are currently playing in the 11-team league, a testament to the growing popularity of rugby in the country.
Among the teams with the strongest Canadian presence is the two-time defending champion New England Free Jacks, which boasts an impressive 15 Canadian players on its roster. This is a significant increase from previous seasons and reflects the team's commitment to scouting and recruiting top talent from north of the border.
The New England Free Jacks are kicking off the eighth season of Major League Rugby with high hopes of securing a third consecutive championship title. With their strong lineup of Canadian players, including some seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the team is well-positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs.
The presence of so many Canadian players in the league is a boon for fans of the sport in Canada, who will have plenty of opportunities to cheer on their countrymen as they compete against top teams from across the United States. It also reflects the growing profile of rugby in Canada, where the sport is gaining popularity at the grassroots level and producing an increasing number of skilled and dedicated players.
As the Major League Rugby season gets underway, fans of the New England Free Jacks and other teams with strong Canadian lineups will be eagerly watching the performance of their favorite players. With their impressive roster and championship pedigree, the Free Jacks are likely to be a team to watch in the coming months, and their Canadian players will be playing a key role in their bid for a third consecutive title.
The loss of the Toronto Arrows was a setback for Canadian rugby, but the strong presence of Canadian players in the league is a positive sign for the sport's future in the country. As the Major League Rugby season progresses, fans of the sport will be hoping that the success of Canadian players in the league will help to inspire a new generation of young players and contribute to the growth and development of rugby in Canada.