After unveiling dwelling and away kits for 11 of its groups earlier this month, Main League Rugby has introduced a twelfth group on board for its 2024 season, which kicks off in March.
MLR introduced the title of the group — Anthem Rugby Carolina, or Anthem RC for brief — and unveiled a lettermark on Friday, January 19. The group will play on the American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and can function a improvement squad for gamers eligible to play for america’ nationwide males’s rugby group as they put together for the 2027 and 2031 Males’s Rugby World Cups — the latter of which the U.S. will host.
A full crest and kits are anticipated to be unveiled within the subsequent week or so.
Anthem RC’s lettermark is a big slab-serif A with three stripes from the American flag angling upward to kind the crossbar of the A. Contained in the A on the finish of the stripes is a star, one other piece of American imagery.
Variations of the lettermark posted to Anthem RC’s social media channels on Friday confirmed it in gray on a shiny blue background; in white on a gray background; and in shiny blue on a gold background.
Anthem RC embraces the idea of rising stars all through its model, symbolic of the efforts of the brand new membership to speculate and develop American rugby. Impressed by the U.S. nationwide anthem, it additionally options distinct connections to the Charlotte neighborhood by drawing from its wealthy navy heritage and incorporating a recognizable coloration palette that pulls from the smoky tones of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Anthem RC additionally posted a secondary emblem consisting of “Anthem” spelled out in a script font, with “Rugby Carolina” in a flourish beneath stemming from the A.
Anthem RC’s roster for 2024 consists of gamers on mortgage from different MLR groups who’re eligible to play for the U.S. in worldwide rugby competitors.
“The new club is a gamechanger for American rugby and will create new pathways for player development and grassroots participation, building on the outstanding foundation our teams have forged during the past seven years.” stated MLR commissioner Nic Benson in a press launch. “We’re grateful to the leadership of both World Rugby and USA Rugby for their partnership in this endeavor as we work towards our shared goal of a record breaking 2031 World Cup on U.S. soil. 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.”
“Working with strategic partners in the USA, and backed by our Executive Board, we are activating a transformative and long-term growth plan for rugby in the US that will enable a great sporting nation, and the sport as a whole, to unlock the true potential of hosting men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively,” added World Rugby chief govt Alan Gilpin. ““This ambitious plan is centered around making the sport more relevant and accessible to more people in the US, a nation that loves sport and events, anchored in entertainment. In addition to accelerating the clear potential of women’s rugby and cementing sevens in USA sports culture, we must sustainably grow the elite men’s game and for the USA Eagles national team to be successful on the world stage.”
With the addition of Anthem RC, together with different growth franchises and withdrawals, MLR has realigned its conferences for 2024. The Western Convention will encompass the Dallas Jackals, the Houston SaberCats, Rugby Soccer Membership Los Angeles, the San Diego Legion, the Seattle Seawolves and the Utah Warriors. The Jap Convention will encompass Anthem RC, the Chicago Hounds, the Miami Sharks, the New England Free Jacks, the New Orleans Gold and Previous Glory DC.
The 2024 MLR season begins on the weekend of March 2 and three. Anthem RC’s first match will likely be in opposition to the defending champions, the New England Free Jacks, on Sunday, March 3.
