Week 5 of Major League Rugby brought another round of intense showdowns, last-minute heroics, and teams making big statements.
The Chicago Hounds built an early lead but had to dig deep to fend off a determined Old Glory DC comeback. The Free Jacks and NOLA Gold battled in a thrilling contest that came down to the final play, while the Utah Warriors displayed clinical finishing to outlast the Miami Sharks. RFC Los Angeles finally broke through with a well-earned win over the Seattle Seawolves, showing resilience and attacking firepower.
- Chicago Hounds 30 – 26 Old Glory DC
- New England Free Jacks 35 – 31 NOLA Gold
- Miami Sharks 19 – 36 Utah Warriors
- RFC Los Angeles 35 – 29 Seattle Seawolves
Let’s break down all the action from Round 5:
HOUNDS SURVIVE LATE DC COMEBACK TO SECURE FOURTH WIN OF THE SEASON
Chicago Hounds 30 – 26 Old Glory DC (HT: 20-5)
The Chicago Hounds held off a furious late surge from Old Glory DC to claim a hard-fought 30-26 victory in Major League Rugby’s Week Five clash. Chicago dominated the first half, racing to a 20-5 halftime lead, but DC roared back with three second-half tries, making for a tense finish at SeatGeek Stadium. Flanker Mac Jones starred for the Hounds, crossing for two tries, while flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck contributed 13 points off the tee to help Chicago secure their fourth win of the season. A crucial penalty try in the first half extended the lead, proving decisive as DC’s late rally fell just short. Chicago heads into their bye week with a strong 4-1 record, further solidifying themselves as Eastern Conference contenders, while DC drops to 2-3 despite their spirited second-half performance. Despite a dominant first half, Chicago had to dig deep defensively in the closing stages to secure the win, repelling DC’s last-minute attack to emerge victorious in a thrilling MLR contest.
CHICAGO HOUNDS
- Tries: Jones (18’, 63’), Penalty Try (31’)
- Conversions: Hilsenbeck (19’, 64’)
- Penalties: Hilsenbeck (9’, 23’, 52’)
OLD GLORY DC
- Tries: Humphrey (12’, 58’, 72’), Daniel (61’)
- Conversions: Robertson (59’, 62’, 73’)
FREE JACKS EDGE OUT NOLA GOLD IN THRILLING FINISH
New England Free Jacks 35 – 31 NOLA Gold (HT: 21-14)
The New England Free Jacks held off a resilient NOLA Gold to claim a dramatic 35-31 victory, securing a vital win in a back-and-forth contest that went down to the wire. Despite trailing by 14 points early in the second half, NOLA stormed back to take the lead with 10 minutes remaining, only for New England to snatch the win with a last-gasp try in stoppage time. Both teams showcased attacking flair and resilience, with Ed Fidow, Ale Lopeti, Jonah Mau’u, and Joe Taufete’e all crossing for NOLA, while the Free Jacks capitalized on key moments to maintain control for most of the game. Luke Carty’s late penalty kick gave the Gold a 31-28 advantage, but a chaotic restart delay allowed New England one final chance, which they converted into the decisive score. Despite the loss, NOLA Gold earned two crucial points for scoring four tries and keeping the game within seven points, ensuring they remain competitive in the playoff race. The Free Jacks, meanwhile, continue to establish themselves as a force in the Eastern Conference. NOLA Gold showed immense fight but fell just short in a nail-biting finish, while the Free Jacks’ late heroics secured a crucial home victory.
NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS
- Tries: Conradie (16’), Malan (18’), Melvin (36’, 80’), Vara (44’)
- Conversions: Potroz (17’, 19’, 37’, 45’), Peni (80’)
NOLA GOLD
- Tries: Fidow (10’), Lopeti (21’), Mau’u (48’), Taufete’e (58’)
- Conversions: Carty (11’, 22’, 49’, 59’)
- Penalties: Carty (75’)
UTAH WARRIORS SURGE PAST MIAMI SHARKS WITH LATE TRIES
Miami Sharks 19 – 36 Utah Warriors (HT: 7-24)
The Utah Warriors claimed an impressive 36-19 victory over the Miami Sharks in Miami, using a dominant first-half performance and a late surge to secure the win. Miami fought back with a determined second-half display, but Utah’s attacking precision and defensive resilience proved too much to overcome. Utah opened the scoring with a penalty goal before their scrum-half orchestrated two quick tries, giving the visitors an early 17-0 lead. The Sharks responded through Kirby Myhill, who powered over to bring Miami back into the game at 17-7. However, just before halftime, the Warriors extended their advantage with another converted try, taking a 24-7 lead into the break. Miami regrouped and stormed back in the second half, with Santiago Videla and Tomás Bekerman crossing the try line to cut the deficit to 24-19, swinging the momentum in favor of the home side. But Utah held their nerve, scoring a crucial try with five minutes to play before sealing the victory with another score at the death to end Miami’s comeback hopes. Despite the loss, Miami showcased resilience and fighting spirit, keeping Utah under pressure in the second half. The electric crowd at the venue kept the energy high, with the post-match Candlelight show adding a special touch to an intense night of rugby. The Sharks continue to grow as contenders and will look to bounce back in their next matchup.
MIAMI SHARKS
- Tries: Myhill (25’), Videla (65’), Bekerman (69’)
- Conversions: Elias (26’), O’Leary (70’)
UTAH WARRIORS
- Tries: Going (18’, 21’), Trainor (28’, 72’), Benn (79’)
- Conversions: Leuila (19’, 22’, 29’), Hodgson (73’)
- Penalties: Leuila (11’)
RFCLA END DROUGHT WITH A BIG WIN OVER SEATTLE
RFC Los Angeles 35 – 29 Seattle Seawolves (HT: 14-17)
RFC Los Angeles secured a much-needed victory, battling back from an early deficit to claim a 35-29 win over the Seattle Seawolves under the lights at UCLA’s Wallis Annenberg Stadium. RFCLA showcased resilience, discipline, and a relentless attacking mindset, turning the tide in the second half to earn their first victory in weeks. Seattle took early control, racing to a 10-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes after capitalizing on a yellow card to Dane Zander. However, RFCLA captain Jason Damm led the fightback, crashing over for a crucial first-half try, with Christian Leali’ifano’s boot proving flawless throughout the night. Seattle extended their lead early in the second half, but RFCLA stormed back with three unanswered tries—Andrew Coe, Declan Leaney, and Ben Houston all crossing to secure a bonus point victory. Despite a late Seattle try, the visitors fell just short, handing RFCLA a well-earned home win. Head coach Steven Hoiles praised his team’s improved discipline and defensive effort, particularly the return of Jurie Van Vuuren from a year-long Achilles injury. Leali’ifano was instrumental, managing the game and slotting every kick, while RFCLA’s high tempo attack proved decisive in the final quarter. RFCLA will now turn their focus to a crucial clash against NOLA Gold next week, while Seattle looks to rebound after another close-fought contest.
RFC LOS ANGELES
- Tries: Damm (24’), Van Gugt (38’), Coe (56’), Leaney (68’), Houston (73’)
- Conversions: Leali’ifano (25’, 39’, 57’, 69’, 75’)
SEATTLE SEAWOLVES
- Tries: Matthews (11’), Hattingh (35’), Rossouw (47’), Esdale (80’)
- Conversions: Fouche (12’, 36’), Iona (48’)
- Penalties: Fouche (5’)
STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 5
With Week 5 in the books, the playoff race is tightening, and teams are beginning to show their true potential. Chicago continues to prove they are a force in the East, New England’s clutch performance keeps them in the hunt, and Utah’s well-rounded display reinforces their contender status. RFC Los Angeles’ long-awaited win could spark a turnaround, while Miami and Seattle will need to regroup fast.
Who impressed you most in Round 5? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s talk rugby.
If you enjoyed this recap, don’t forget to:
• Like and share this post with fellow rugby fans
• Bookmark the blog to stay updated on the next rounds
• Follow @gopeakrugby on X and Facebook and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more rugby analysis, match recaps, and insights
