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Rugby New York

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Article Genealogy
Parent: USA Rugby Hop 4
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Rugby New York
NameRugby New York
Founded2017
LocationNew York City, New York, U.S.
GroundJFK Stadium (Hoboken, New Jersey)
Capacity2,500
CoachMarty Veale
LeagueMajor League Rugby
Season2023 MLR season
Championships1 (2022)

Rugby New York is a professional rugby union franchise based in the New York metropolitan area and competing in Major League Rugby (MLR). Founded in 2017, the team quickly established itself as a competitive force, culminating in winning the MLR Championship in 2022. The club has played its home matches at various venues, including MCU Park in Brooklyn and currently at JFK Stadium in Hoboken, New Jersey.

History

The franchise was awarded by Major League Rugby in 2017 as part of the league's inaugural season, initially operating under the name Rugby United New York. The team's early years were marked by building a competitive roster under coaches like Mike Tolkin and playing home games at Icahn Stadium on Randalls Island. A significant turning point came in 2020 when the club was purchased by a consortium led by James Kennedy, leading to a rebranding and increased investment. This new era culminated in the 2022 MLR season, where the team, led by coach Marty Veale and featuring stars like Andy Ellis and Nehe Milner-Skudder, defeated the Seattle Seawolves in the MLR Championship final. The victory was a landmark moment for professional rugby in the United States.

Team identity

Originally founded as Rugby United New York, the club rebranded to Rugby New York in 2021 following its acquisition by new ownership. The team's colors are black, gold, and white, reflecting the energy and prestige of its namesake city. Its logo features a stylized Statue of Liberty crown, a direct nod to the iconic monument in New York Harbor. The club's identity is deeply tied to representing the diverse, competitive spirit of the New York City region, aiming to build a strong local fanbase within the broader American rugby community.

Stadium and facilities

Rugby New York has utilized several venues since its inception, reflecting the challenges of securing a permanent home in a dense metropolitan area. Early matches were held at Icahn Stadium and later at the Cochran Field complex on Long Island. For the 2021 MLR season, the team moved to MCU Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball team, in Coney Island. Since 2023, the club's primary home has been JFK Stadium, a 2,500-seat facility located across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey. The club also maintains a training base at the Gaelic Park facility in the Riverdale section of the Bronx.

Season-by-season records

In its debut 2019 MLR season, the team finished with a respectable record but fell in the playoff semifinals to the San Diego Legion. The 2020 MLR season was severely abbreviated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The breakthrough came in the 2022 MLR season, where the team posted a strong regular-season record before winning the championship. The subsequent 2023 MLR season saw the team qualify for the playoffs again but fail to defend its title, losing in the Eastern Conference final. Performance data is tracked and published by official Major League Rugby statistics partners.

Players and personnel

The roster has featured a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging American talent. Notable past and present players include former All Blacks scrum-half Andy Ellis, New Zealand international wing Nehe Milner-Skudder, and Eagles such as Dylan Fawsitt and Will Leonard. The team's Director of Rugby is James Kennedy, and the head coach is Marty Veale, formerly of Tasman in New Zealand's Mitre 10 Cup. The coaching staff also includes specialists like Paul Holmes and Jovan Bowles, focusing on skills and defense, respectively.

Honors and achievements

The franchise's pinnacle achievement is winning the MLR Championship in 2022, defeating the Seattle Seawolves at Red Bull Arena. The team has also secured the Eastern Conference title twice, in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Individual players have earned league recognition, with Andy Ellis being named MLR Most Valuable Player in 2022 and Dylan Fawsitt receiving All-MLR honors. The club's championship victory is celebrated as a key moment in the growth of Major League Rugby and professional sports in New York City.

Category:Rugby union teams in New York (state) Category:Major League Rugby teams Category:Sports clubs established in 2017 Category:Rugby United New York