Round 3 of Major League Rugby delivered high-intensity battles, dramatic finishes, and statement victories across the league. With teams settling into the season, early contenders are emerging, while others are still searching for momentum.
Miami pulled off a last-minute win over Anthem RC, Utah Warriors dominated NOLA Gold, and Houston edged Seattle in a tight Western Conference clash. Meanwhile, San Diego remained unbeaten, and Chicago stunned defending champions New England with a commanding performance.
Here’s a full recap of all the Round 3 action, scores, and key moments from the weekend:
ANTHEM RC FALLS IN LAST-MINUTE HEARTBREAKER TO MIAMI
Anthem RC 31 – 32 Miami Sharks (HT: 19-15)
Anthem RC suffered a gut-wrenching 31-32 loss to the Miami Sharks in Charlotte, as a late converted try in the 73rd minute sealed the victory for the visitors. In a back-and-forth contest, Anthem led for most of the match, with Connor Robinson, Jerad Latu, Sam Golla, Viliami Vuli, and Erich Storti all crossing the try line. Storti’s sensational solo try put Anthem ahead by nine heading into the final quarter, but Miami clawed back with a penalty and a last-gasp maul try, converted from a tough angle by Martin Elias. Despite controlling possession late, Anthem couldn’t break through, as Miami held firm to edge out the win.
ANTHEM RC
- Tries: Robinson (7’), Latu (15’), Golla (31’), Vuli (46’), Storti (55’)
- Conversions: Latu (8’, 16’, 66’)
MIAMI SHARKS
- Tries: Videla (11’), Cubilla (20’), Bonasso (41’), Berkerman (72’)
- Conversions: Elias (12’, 42’), Videla (73’)
- Penalties: Elias (4’, 62’)
SAN DIEGO LEGION DOMINATE OLD GLORY DC TO STAY UNBEATEN
Old Glory DC 10 – 26 San Diego Legion (HT: 3-12)
San Diego Legion continued their perfect start to the season with a 26-10 win over Old Glory DC, securing a bonus-point victory on the road. Early tries from Vaifale and Wilkin gave the visitors control, while Tomas Aoake and Vili Helu sealed the win in the second half. Old Glory fought back briefly after halftime but struggled to contain San Diego’s dominant set-piece and physical defense.
OLD GLORY DC
- Tries: Penalty Try (53’)
- Penalty: Robertson (25’)
SAN DIEGO LEGION
- Tries: Vaifale (16’), Wilkin (32’), Aoake (45’), Poidevin (74’)
- Conversions: McClutchie (33’, 46’, 75’)
UTAH WARRIORS DOMINATE NOLA GOLD TO SECURE HISTORIC WIN
Utah Warriors 55 – 21 NOLA Gold (HT: 21-11)
Utah Warriors secured their first-ever victory over NOLA Gold in emphatic fashion, running in eight tries to claim a 55-21 win at Zions Bank Stadium. Despite an early penalty from Luke Carty, Utah responded with a penalty try and controlled the game from there. NOLA showed glimpses of promise through tries from Ed Fidow and Malcolm May, but Utah’s second-half blitz sealed a bonus-point victory in front of their home crowd. The Warriors’ relentless attack and dominance in the set-piece leave them well-positioned in the Western Conference, while NOLA Gold must regroup before facing New England Free Jacks on March 15.
UTAH WARRIORS
- Tries: Penalty Try (8’), Mano (16’, 55’, 70’), Coleman (28’), Trainor (50’), Vugakoto (63’), Ben (78’)
- Conversions: Leuila (17’, 29’), Hodgson (51’, 56, 70’)
- Penalties: Hodgson (54’)
NOLA GOLD
- Tries: Fidow (19’), May (58’)
- Conversions: Carty (59’)
- Penalties: Carty (2’, 26’, 50’)
HOUSTON SABERCATS EDGE SEATTLE IN TIGHT WESTERN CLASH
Houston SaberCats 24 – 21 Seattle Seawolves (HT: 14-7)
Houston SaberCats secured a hard-fought 24-21 victory over the Seattle Seawolves, handing the defending champions their second straight loss of the season. Anae-Ah Sue’s late try proved decisive, sealing Houston’s second win of the year. The SaberCats’ dominant set-piece play and clinical finishing made the difference, while Seattle’s late comeback effort fell just short despite two second-half tries. Houston moves to 2-1-0 and strengthens their Western Conference standing, while Seattle, now 0-2-0, faces mounting pressure to turn their season around ahead of their home opener against New England next week.
HOUSTON SABERCATS
- Tries: Akins (2’), McLean (10’), Anae-Ah Sue (72’)
- Conversions: Alatimu (3’, 11’, 73’)
- Penalties: Alatimu (49’)
SEATTLE SEAWOLVES
- Tries: Taylor (22’), Van Vuuren (47’), Short (55’)
- Conversions: Fouché (23’, 48’, 56’)
CHICAGO HOUNDS DOMINATE FREE JACKS WITH STATEMENT WIN
Chicago Hounds 36 – 7 New England Free Jacks (HT: 24-0)
The Chicago Hounds delivered a commanding 36-7 victory over the two-time defending champions, the New England Free Jacks, at SeatGeek Stadium. Chicago’s dominance in the forward pack and their ability to capitalize on Free Jacks’ disciplinary struggles set the tone early. A penalty try in the 7th minute gave the Hounds an early cushion, followed by a clinical finish from Mitch Hand (26’), extending the lead. Chris Hilsenbeck’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking, while another penalty try (67’) and back-to-back tries from Devoto (68’) and Brown (78’) sealed the win. New England struggled to find a foothold, conceding 10 penalties and failing to break through until the 75th minute, when Jayson Potroz crossed for their only try of the game. By then, Chicago had already secured the result, and a conversion was little more than a consolation. Chicago solidifies their position in the Eastern Conference, while the Free Jacks suffer an early setback in their title defense, struggling to match the Hounds’ physicality and efficiency.
CHICAGO HOUNDS
- Tries: Penalty Try (7’, 67’), Hand (26’), Devoto (68’), Brown (78’)
- Conversions: Hilsenbeck (69’, 79’)
- Penalties: Hilsenbeck (2’)
NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS
- Tries: Potroz (75’)
- Conversions: Auto (76’)
STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 3
That wraps up Round 3 of Major League Rugby. With teams starting to find their rhythm, every match is proving to be a battle. Some clubs are making early statements, while others are still searching for consistency in this unpredictable season.
What do you think of this weekend’s action? Which team impressed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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