James Deeley
@jamdelay.bsky.social
Rugby & Hockey fan. British living in Toronto. Major League Rugby content creator - #NARDB
https://narugbydb.com
https://narugbydb.com
No surprises with the #MLR2026 season. This is the most sensible and only realistic structure with only 6 teams remaining.
Rumour is still that Rhode Island will host the Final again. Bit of a shame we have to wait until April for kick-off but weather for CHI/NE will be better then anyway.
#MLR
Rumour is still that Rhode Island will host the Final again. Bit of a shame we have to wait until April for kick-off but weather for CHI/NE will be better then anyway.
#MLR
December 2, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Although changing the structure/titles AGAIN is a weird, I love these choices!
Mags has worked wonders with the #FreeJacks and is the perfect choice for long-term strategy, while Bradbury has already served as COO, so Ops/Comp is a great fit!
I'm excited to see what this means for #MLR!
#MLR2026
Mags has worked wonders with the #FreeJacks and is the perfect choice for long-term strategy, while Bradbury has already served as COO, so Ops/Comp is a great fit!
I'm excited to see what this means for #MLR!
#MLR2026
MLR announces there won't be a Commissioner OR CEO going forward, but a new executive leadership structure with Co-Presidents!
#FreeJacks Founder Alex Magleby has been touted as a league exec for a while, and current MLR COO Graeme Bradbury has experience and is already familiar with MLR!
#MLR2026
#FreeJacks Founder Alex Magleby has been touted as a league exec for a while, and current MLR COO Graeme Bradbury has experience and is already familiar with MLR!
#MLR2026
December 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Although changing the structure/titles AGAIN is a weird, I love these choices!
Mags has worked wonders with the #FreeJacks and is the perfect choice for long-term strategy, while Bradbury has already served as COO, so Ops/Comp is a great fit!
I'm excited to see what this means for #MLR!
#MLR2026
Mags has worked wonders with the #FreeJacks and is the perfect choice for long-term strategy, while Bradbury has already served as COO, so Ops/Comp is a great fit!
I'm excited to see what this means for #MLR!
#MLR2026
Another busy week for Player Moves around #MLR, with 5 of 6 teams actively announcing players once again!
I know for a fact that the California Legion are signing players. Maybe they're going to announce their roster all at once? It'd be a shame, but it'd be something!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
I know for a fact that the California Legion are signing players. Maybe they're going to announce their roster all at once? It'd be a shame, but it'd be something!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Player Moves around #MLR: Nov 24-30!
8 re-signings including 2024 Player of the Year with the #FreeJacks and 2024 Rookie of the Year with @anthemrugby.bsky.social!
5 familiar faces will be playing with different teams in #MLR2026, a MLR legend retires, and more!
#MLRStats
8 re-signings including 2024 Player of the Year with the #FreeJacks and 2024 Rookie of the Year with @anthemrugby.bsky.social!
5 familiar faces will be playing with different teams in #MLR2026, a MLR legend retires, and more!
#MLRStats
December 1, 2025 at 5:51 PM
If there was a #MLR Hall of Fame, I have absolutely no doubt that Nate would be a part of it.
Wishing him all the best with what comes next!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Wishing him all the best with what comes next!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
November 29, 2025 at 7:56 PM
This merger was already a very bold and ambitious move - even if it was out of necessity.
But I’m struggling to see how 1 game a year in 5 different locations is going to create a loyal fanbase
#MLR2026
But I’m struggling to see how 1 game a year in 5 different locations is going to create a loyal fanbase
#MLR2026
The #CaliforniaLefion have jumped the gun on the #MLR2026 fixtures…sorta.
They will face @anthemrugby.bsky.social in OC, #FreeJacks in San Diego, and @seawolves.rugby in LA, with their other two home games taking place in NorCal. No dates.
Via u/Unhappy-Cupcake5857 on Reddit.
#MLRStats
They will face @anthemrugby.bsky.social in OC, #FreeJacks in San Diego, and @seawolves.rugby in LA, with their other two home games taking place in NorCal. No dates.
Via u/Unhappy-Cupcake5857 on Reddit.
#MLRStats
November 29, 2025 at 3:45 AM
This merger was already a very bold and ambitious move - even if it was out of necessity.
But I’m struggling to see how 1 game a year in 5 different locations is going to create a loyal fanbase
#MLR2026
But I’m struggling to see how 1 game a year in 5 different locations is going to create a loyal fanbase
#MLR2026
The #CaliforniaLefion have jumped the gun on the #MLR2026 fixtures…sorta.
They will face @anthemrugby.bsky.social in OC, #FreeJacks in San Diego, and @seawolves.rugby in LA, with their other two home games taking place in NorCal. No dates.
Via u/Unhappy-Cupcake5857 on Reddit.
#MLRStats
They will face @anthemrugby.bsky.social in OC, #FreeJacks in San Diego, and @seawolves.rugby in LA, with their other two home games taking place in NorCal. No dates.
Via u/Unhappy-Cupcake5857 on Reddit.
#MLRStats
November 29, 2025 at 3:44 AM
The #CaliforniaLefion have jumped the gun on the #MLR2026 fixtures…sorta.
They will face @anthemrugby.bsky.social in OC, #FreeJacks in San Diego, and @seawolves.rugby in LA, with their other two home games taking place in NorCal. No dates.
Via u/Unhappy-Cupcake5857 on Reddit.
#MLRStats
They will face @anthemrugby.bsky.social in OC, #FreeJacks in San Diego, and @seawolves.rugby in LA, with their other two home games taking place in NorCal. No dates.
Via u/Unhappy-Cupcake5857 on Reddit.
#MLRStats
This is a bit of a surprise. I thought that having been given a centralised contract with the Scotland Sevens team, that ruled Hoyland out of #MLR2026!
That coupled with #MLR's move towards more focus on domestic talent made it unlikely, but Hoyland has been a stud!
#MLRStats
That coupled with #MLR's move towards more focus on domestic talent made it unlikely, but Hoyland has been a stud!
#MLRStats
. @oldglorydc.bsky.social announce the return of recently contracted @scotlandteam.bsky.social Sevens man, Damien Hoyland for #MLR2026!
Hoyland was one of only 3 players with over 1,000m gained in 2025, and is averaging 83m per game across his 25 game career in #MLR so far!
#MLRStats #OGDC
Hoyland was one of only 3 players with over 1,000m gained in 2025, and is averaging 83m per game across his 25 game career in #MLR so far!
#MLRStats #OGDC
November 28, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Not sure if I like this little series or not. I suppose it's better than nothing during the off-season though!
Let me know what you think!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Let me know what you think!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
The most popular Player Profiles on #NARDB over the last week!
Chicago's new hooker was the most popular and additions for
@seawolves.rugby & @oldglorydc.bsky.social prove popular!
@womenseliterugby.us are back in the Top 5 with
@bostonbanshees.us center Lauryn Carlton!
#MLR2026 #MLRStats #WER
Chicago's new hooker was the most popular and additions for
@seawolves.rugby & @oldglorydc.bsky.social prove popular!
@womenseliterugby.us are back in the Top 5 with
@bostonbanshees.us center Lauryn Carlton!
#MLR2026 #MLRStats #WER
November 28, 2025 at 11:27 PM
From Martin Pengelly:
"interviews for a new commissioner and chief executive have been held, Nic Benson having moved on."
Also mentions a 10-game #MLR2026 season starting in April. No surprise that Benson didn't survive #MLR's worst ever offseason.
#MLRStats
"interviews for a new commissioner and chief executive have been held, Nic Benson having moved on."
Also mentions a 10-game #MLR2026 season starting in April. No surprise that Benson didn't survive #MLR's worst ever offseason.
#MLRStats
What's next for MLR: US men's pro league set for union talks amid search for new commissioner
Going into Thanksgiving after a summer and fall of four team exits and a merger, conversations with sources on both sides of the ball revealed a crucial month to come
thenationalmaul.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Well #FreeJacks fans, there's your replacement for Jayson Potroz!
And it's a damn good one! Joel Hodgson is already #MLR's 9th highest scorer, 3rd among active players!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #LetsRide
And it's a damn good one! Joel Hodgson is already #MLR's 9th highest scorer, 3rd among active players!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #LetsRide
The #FreeJacks announce the signing of former
Utah fly-half Joel Hodgson for #MLR2026!
A #PremRugby centurion with Newcastle, Hodgson earned 49 appearances with Utah (46 starts), scoring 329pts in total (65% from the tee) including 12 tries, 7 of which were in 2025!
#MLRStats #LetsRide
Utah fly-half Joel Hodgson for #MLR2026!
A #PremRugby centurion with Newcastle, Hodgson earned 49 appearances with Utah (46 starts), scoring 329pts in total (65% from the tee) including 12 tries, 7 of which were in 2025!
#MLRStats #LetsRide
November 26, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Well #FreeJacks fans, there's your replacement for Jayson Potroz!
And it's a damn good one! Joel Hodgson is already #MLR's 9th highest scorer, 3rd among active players!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #LetsRide
And it's a damn good one! Joel Hodgson is already #MLR's 9th highest scorer, 3rd among active players!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #LetsRide
Although not domestic, this is a brilliant pick-up for @anthemrugby.bsky.social!
Momsen is one of the most consistent forwards in #MLR. He's regularly in the teens for starts and has completed 100+ tackles in each of the last FIVE seasons, including 200+ twice!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Momsen is one of the most consistent forwards in #MLR. He's regularly in the teens for starts and has completed 100+ tackles in each of the last FIVE seasons, including 200+ twice!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
[email protected] announce their first international player for #MLR2026, 2021 #MLR Forward of the Year Johan Momsen!
A 2x Runner-Up and 3x All-MLR selection, Momsen has 16 tries in his 85 games between ATL & Houston, and a huge 961 tackles including 220 in 2025!
#MLRStats #MLR
A 2x Runner-Up and 3x All-MLR selection, Momsen has 16 tries in his 85 games between ATL & Houston, and a huge 961 tackles including 220 in 2025!
#MLRStats #MLR
November 26, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Although not domestic, this is a brilliant pick-up for @anthemrugby.bsky.social!
Momsen is one of the most consistent forwards in #MLR. He's regularly in the teens for starts and has completed 100+ tackles in each of the last FIVE seasons, including 200+ twice!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Momsen is one of the most consistent forwards in #MLR. He's regularly in the teens for starts and has completed 100+ tackles in each of the last FIVE seasons, including 200+ twice!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Reposted by James Deeley
The #ChicagoHounds announce the additon of South African born Australian raised hooker Theo Fourie for #MLR2026!
Fourie played under Hounds Assistant Coach Todd Dammers at
Souths Rugby and has represented the #Rebels, #Waratahs, and #Reds in #SuperRugby!
#MLRStats #MLR
Fourie played under Hounds Assistant Coach Todd Dammers at
Souths Rugby and has represented the #Rebels, #Waratahs, and #Reds in #SuperRugby!
#MLRStats #MLR
November 24, 2025 at 9:41 PM
The #ChicagoHounds announce the additon of South African born Australian raised hooker Theo Fourie for #MLR2026!
Fourie played under Hounds Assistant Coach Todd Dammers at
Souths Rugby and has represented the #Rebels, #Waratahs, and #Reds in #SuperRugby!
#MLRStats #MLR
Fourie played under Hounds Assistant Coach Todd Dammers at
Souths Rugby and has represented the #Rebels, #Waratahs, and #Reds in #SuperRugby!
#MLRStats #MLR
My (personal) gripe with announcing players in batches is that I have to condense their achievements down into often 1 line or less.
I'd prefer to give each of them a bit more hype individually.
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #LetsRide
I'd prefer to give each of them a bit more hype individually.
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #LetsRide
The #FreeJacks announce another trio of returning players for #MLR2026!
-Wayne Vd Bank: 2024 #MLR Player of the Year, 16 tries in 57 games for NE
-Tevita Sole: 37 caps for NE, 3x Champ
-Killian Coghlan: 13 caps for NE, career highs across the board in 2025
#MLRStats #LetsRide
-Wayne Vd Bank: 2024 #MLR Player of the Year, 16 tries in 57 games for NE
-Tevita Sole: 37 caps for NE, 3x Champ
-Killian Coghlan: 13 caps for NE, career highs across the board in 2025
#MLRStats #LetsRide
November 25, 2025 at 1:07 AM
The summary of last week’s #MLR Player Moves is below and as always, the accompanying article is available at @narugbydb.com or below!
Give it a read!
narugbydb.com/mlr-player-mov…#MLR20262#MLRStatsts
Give it a read!
narugbydb.com/mlr-player-mov…#MLR20262#MLRStatsts
November 24, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The summary of last week’s #MLR Player Moves is below and as always, the accompanying article is available at @narugbydb.com or below!
Give it a read!
narugbydb.com/mlr-player-mov…#MLR20262#MLRStatsts
Give it a read!
narugbydb.com/mlr-player-mov…#MLR20262#MLRStatsts
The reigning champs continue to announce their #MLR2026 roster in batches on Instagram!
#MLRStats #LetsRide
#MLRStats #LetsRide
The #FreeJacks announce the return of a trio of forwards for #MLR2026!
- Kyle Ciquera: 3x Champ, 63 #MLR caps with NE
- Joe Johnston: 2x Champ, 2025 Captain, 800 tackles in 67 games for NE
- Kaleb Geiger: 3x Champ, 65 MLR Caps, and 500 career tackles
#MLRStats #LetsRide
- Kyle Ciquera: 3x Champ, 63 #MLR caps with NE
- Joe Johnston: 2x Champ, 2025 Captain, 800 tackles in 67 games for NE
- Kaleb Geiger: 3x Champ, 65 MLR Caps, and 500 career tackles
#MLRStats #LetsRide
November 23, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Announced by his agency a few days ago, this is an excellent addition for @anthemrugby.bsky.social, and probably the most obvious place for a really promising young US player!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
#MLRStats #MLR2026
[email protected] announce the signing of promising hooker Seth Smith for #MLR2026!
Smith became the youngest #MLR player ever when he made his debut at 18 in 2024 and set career highs across the board for Houston in 2025 with 5 tries in 13 games (7 starts)!
#MLRStats #AnthemRC
Smith became the youngest #MLR player ever when he made his debut at 18 in 2024 and set career highs across the board for Houston in 2025 with 5 tries in 13 games (7 starts)!
#MLRStats #AnthemRC
November 23, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Announced by his agency a few days ago, this is an excellent addition for @anthemrugby.bsky.social, and probably the most obvious place for a really promising young US player!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Reposted by James Deeley
The #ChicagoHounds announce the signing of #MLR veteran forward and Chicago native Malcolm May for #MLR2026!
May earned 60 appearances (42 starts) with the #NOLAGold from 2019-2025 scoring 7 tries and recording over 450 tackles, but missed most of 2025 due to injury.
#MLRStats #NARDB
May earned 60 appearances (42 starts) with the #NOLAGold from 2019-2025 scoring 7 tries and recording over 450 tackles, but missed most of 2025 due to injury.
#MLRStats #NARDB
November 20, 2025 at 8:21 PM
A HUGE signing for @seawolves.rugby! Coetzer is an excellent young talent and was a stud for Houston during his time there.
Although he's not domestically qualified yet, he's already expressed interest in representing the USA so keeping him in #MLR is a win!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #TogetherWeHunt
Although he's not domestically qualified yet, he's already expressed interest in representing the USA so keeping him in #MLR is a win!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #TogetherWeHunt
[email protected] announce the signing of 2x All-MLR fly-half Davy Coetzer for #MLR2026!
The 26yo South African is #MLR's 7th highest scorer with 18 tries and 358pts in 51 games for Houston (73.62% from the tee) and still managed 67pts in an injury-hit 2025!
#MLRStats #TogetherWeHunt
The 26yo South African is #MLR's 7th highest scorer with 18 tries and 358pts in 51 games for Houston (73.62% from the tee) and still managed 67pts in an injury-hit 2025!
#MLRStats #TogetherWeHunt
November 20, 2025 at 7:43 PM
A HUGE signing for @seawolves.rugby! Coetzer is an excellent young talent and was a stud for Houston during his time there.
Although he's not domestically qualified yet, he's already expressed interest in representing the USA so keeping him in #MLR is a win!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #TogetherWeHunt
Although he's not domestically qualified yet, he's already expressed interest in representing the USA so keeping him in #MLR is a win!
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #TogetherWeHunt
Morgan Di Nardo earns his Canada debut against Portugal this weekend with James Naylor hoping to do the same off the bench!
Coats returns for the first time since the PNC, and #FreeJacks' Piers von Dadelszen is the only man to start every test in 2025!
#RugbyCA #PORvCAN
Coats returns for the first time since the PNC, and #FreeJacks' Piers von Dadelszen is the only man to start every test in 2025!
#RugbyCA #PORvCAN
November 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Morgan Di Nardo earns his Canada debut against Portugal this weekend with James Naylor hoping to do the same off the bench!
Coats returns for the first time since the PNC, and #FreeJacks' Piers von Dadelszen is the only man to start every test in 2025!
#RugbyCA #PORvCAN
Coats returns for the first time since the PNC, and #FreeJacks' Piers von Dadelszen is the only man to start every test in 2025!
#RugbyCA #PORvCAN
For almost entirely selfish reasons, I'm not a fan of when teams announce players in batches.
It makes it difficult to highlight the achievements of each player individually.
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #MLR #FreeJacks
It makes it difficult to highlight the achievements of each player individually.
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #MLR #FreeJacks
The #NEFreeJacks announce the addition of 3 new domestic signings ahead of #MLR2026!
- Cyrille Cama: 2021 #MLR Champ, 29 MLR caps
- Ethan McVeigh: Eagle #575, 38 MLR caps, 29 with DC
- Nate Sylvia: Eagle #556, 90 MLR caps with SD since 2018
#MLRStats #LetsRide #FreeJacks #NARDB
- Cyrille Cama: 2021 #MLR Champ, 29 MLR caps
- Ethan McVeigh: Eagle #575, 38 MLR caps, 29 with DC
- Nate Sylvia: Eagle #556, 90 MLR caps with SD since 2018
#MLRStats #LetsRide #FreeJacks #NARDB
November 19, 2025 at 7:35 PM
For almost entirely selfish reasons, I'm not a fan of when teams announce players in batches.
It makes it difficult to highlight the achievements of each player individually.
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #MLR #FreeJacks
It makes it difficult to highlight the achievements of each player individually.
#MLRStats #MLR2026 #MLR #FreeJacks
Potroz leaves #MLR as the league's 8th highest scorer all time, with 8 tries and 353pts scored in total including a 181pt season in 2024 to follow up his 146pt, MLR Player of the Year season in 2023.
A big loss for New England ahead of #MLR2026.
#FreeJacks #MLRStats #Rugby
A big loss for New England ahead of #MLR2026.
#FreeJacks #MLRStats #Rugby
The New England #FreeJacks announce the departure of 2023 #MLR Player of the Year Jayson Potroz!
Although he struggled with injury in 2025 and only made 4 appearances, Potroz scored an incredible 353pts in 37 games for NE between 2023-2025, with 73.77% success from the tee!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
Although he struggled with injury in 2025 and only made 4 appearances, Potroz scored an incredible 353pts in 37 games for NE between 2023-2025, with 73.77% success from the tee!
#MLRStats #MLR2026
November 19, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Potroz leaves #MLR as the league's 8th highest scorer all time, with 8 tries and 353pts scored in total including a 181pt season in 2024 to follow up his 146pt, MLR Player of the Year season in 2023.
A big loss for New England ahead of #MLR2026.
#FreeJacks #MLRStats #Rugby
A big loss for New England ahead of #MLR2026.
#FreeJacks #MLRStats #Rugby
A busy week for 5 of the 6 #MLR2026 teams...
November 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM
A busy week for 5 of the 6 #MLR2026 teams...
Some tinkering by Scott Lawrence ahead of the USA's clash with Romania this weekend!
Tonga Kofe is back in the starting front row, and Marno Redelinghuys shifts to lock as Captain Jason Damm moves to 8!
Starting back line is identical, with a 6-2 split on the bench
#GEOvUSA #USARugby
Tonga Kofe is back in the starting front row, and Marno Redelinghuys shifts to lock as Captain Jason Damm moves to 8!
Starting back line is identical, with a 6-2 split on the bench
#GEOvUSA #USARugby
November 13, 2025 at 10:55 PM
#Canada announce their 23 to face #Georgia in a massive test this weekend!
Prior comes in for his first test start, as does Waddell who earned his debut last week. Jason Higgins returns at 9, and Benn & Morra switch wings with Noah Flesch back in the centre!
#RugbyCA #GEOvCAN
Prior comes in for his first test start, as does Waddell who earned his debut last week. Jason Higgins returns at 9, and Benn & Morra switch wings with Noah Flesch back in the centre!
#RugbyCA #GEOvCAN
November 13, 2025 at 3:33 PM