By Zane Miller

On Saturday, July 8th, 2023, the New England Free Jacks defeated the San Diego Legion 25-24 in the 2023 MLR Final to win the fifth championship in Major League Rugby history. It was the first championship for the Free Jacks franchise, as Free Jacks back Jayson Potroz won the MLR Final MVP Award. The match was held at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Free Jacks back Paula Balekana and Utah Warriors back Joe Mano tied for the most tries during the season with 14, while Potroz scored the most total points on the season with 136.

Out of playoffs: Utah Warriors (10-6, .625), New Orleans Gold (7-9, .438), Rugby ATL (5-10-1, .333), Chicago Hounds (3-13, .188), Dallas Jackals (2-14, .125), Toronto Arrows (1-13-2, .071)

Out in first round: Houston SaberCats (L 37-26 to Seawolves), Rugby New York (L 37-33 to Old Glory DC)

Out in second round: Seattle Seawolves (L 32-10 to Legion), Old Glory DC (L 25-7 to Free Jacks)

Scoring summary

Link to stats database: https://www.livesport.com/rugby-union/usa/major-league-rugby-2023

Rugby / 2023 mlr season

2023 MLR Season Recap

2023 MLR Season Recap

2023 MLR Season Recap