California Legion has named its Starting XV for the 2026 Major League Rugby Championship against the Chicago Hounds, set for Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT, with the MLR Shield on the line.<\/p>\n
Just one week after earning a hard-fought semifinal victory over the Seattle Seawolves, Legion arrives in Chicago with an opportunity to bring the championship back to California.<\/p>\n
The road to the final has been anything but easy. After falling to Seattle in the regular season finale, Legion responded when it mattered most, returning to Starfire Stadium and earning a place in the club’s first championship match.<\/p>\n
Standing in the way is a familiar opponent.<\/p>\n
The Chicago Hounds have been the benchmark of Major League Rugby throughout 2026, finishing atop the league standings and earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The two sides met earlier this season on Sunday Night Rugby, where Chicago defended home turf in a tightly contested matchup.<\/p>\n
Jason Damm captains the side once again, with Gonzalo Bertranou and Billy Meakes serving as vice captains.<\/p>\n
Oscar Treacy retains his place in the starting lineup after a strong postseason performance in Seattle. The rookie winger continues to impress after scoring in his MLR debut against the Seawolves earlier this season.<\/p>\n
At fullback, Rory van Vugt remains in the Starting XV after returning to the lineup in last week’s semifinal victory.<\/p>\n
California Legion Starting XV \u2013 MLR Championship vs. Chicago Hounds LIVE on ESPN2 & ESPN+<\/p>\n
Ma’ake MutiJoe Taufete’eTonga KofeKeni NasoqeqeJason Damm (C)Lance WilliamsEd TimpsonBen HoustonGonzalo Bertranou (VC)Coby MilnJoe ManoBilly Meakes (VC)Cassh MaluiaOscar TreacyRory van Vugt<\/p>\n
Reserves<\/p>\n
Alex LopetiDeclan LeaneyJustus TavaiRonan MurphyCyrille CamaTas SmithCorbin SmithCole Semu<\/p>\n
One match remains. Eighty minutes for the MLR Shield.<\/p>\n
Match Details<\/p>\n
MLR Championship<\/p>\n
California Legion vs. Chicago Hounds<\/p>\n
Sunday, June 21, 2026<\/p>\n
SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Illinois<\/p>\n
Kickoff: 5:00 PM PT<\/p>\n
Broadcast<\/p>\n
Chicago Hounds vs California Legion | 5:00 PM PT<\/p>\n
US TV: ESPN2 & ESPN+<\/p>\n
Canada: TSN+<\/p>\n
UK & Ireland: Premier Sports<\/p>\n
New Zealand: Sky Sport<\/p>\n
Sub-Saharan Africa: ESPN<\/p>\n
Latin America: ESPN<\/p>\n
Asia*: Premier Sports<\/p>\n
*HK, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali<\/p>\n
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