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Major League Rugby is on hiatus until 2021 but the recruitment process for next season has already begun. That includes the two newest teams in the American professional league – Dallas and Los Angeles.
The first order of business is the ‘dispersal draft’ featuring players from the now-defunct Colorado Raptors. Over the next two weeks the two expansion sides will have exclusive access to negotiate with those intending to stay in MLR. After that period has expired, players can then be approached by the other 11 teams.
One of the founding members of MLR, Colorado announced last month they would be pulling out of the league after three seasons. The players, however, remain contracted to MLR and with no alternative competition for the Raptors to join, they will instead pack their bags for new homes in 2021.
Among their American players who should be available are hooker Chad Gough, scrumhalf Nick Boyer, versatile back Mika Kruse, and powerhouse winger John Ryberg. It’s not clear which overseas talent will continue but the likes of Robbie Petzer, Mason Emerson, and Rene Ranger could be high-priority recruits.
Once the Raptors players have been assigned to new teams the expansion draft will take place. Each existing franchise will be able to protect up to 30 players, with all others free to be signed by either LA or Dallas. A similar format saw several players move to last year’s additions Atlanta, DC, and New England.
The third phase of the draft process will be the first ever MLR Collegiate Draft, to be held over the June 13 weekend. Athletes have until May 17 to register. They will then be selected by the 12 participating teams in reverse ranking order and starting with the expansion sides. Toronto will sit out the inaugural draft due in large part to visa complications. It’s hoped Canadian players will be included in future editions.
Meanwhile as originally reported by DJ Coil Rugby and the Goff Rugby Report, league sources have confirmed that MLR will proceed with 13 teams for 2021. The conference system will also remain though slightly imbalanced until new teams join for the 2022 campaign.
