The 2025 Major League Rugby Conference Finals delivered on every front—with two high-intensity matchups that decided this year’s title contenders.
In the East, the Free Jacks survived a last-second scare from the Hounds in one of the wildest finishes in playoff history. In the West, the SaberCats overpowered Utah to secure their first-ever MLR Championship Final appearance.
- New England Free Jacks 21 – 20 Chicago Hounds
- Utah Warriors 19 – 33 Houston SaberCats
Here are the full recaps from both conference finals:
FREE JACKS SURVIVE LATE SCARE TO EDGE HOUNDS IN EASTERN CONFERENCE CLASSIC
New England Free Jacks 21 – 20 Chicago Hounds (HT: 0–10)
In one of the most dramatic finishes in MLR playoff history, the New England Free Jacks clinched their third straight Eastern Conference title with a heart-stopping 21–20 win over the Chicago Hounds at a packed Fort Quincy. The victory sets up a championship showdown against the Houston SaberCats, with the Free Jacks aiming for an unprecedented MLR three-peat. The match had all the ingredients of a playoff classic: history between the teams, back-and-forth scoring, heroic defense, and a missed penalty off the post in the final minute. Chicago started strong, capitalizing on field position and taking a 0–10 lead into halftime thanks to one converted try and a penalty. Chicago battled back and kept it tight throughout, exchanging blows with their rivals and applying constant pressure in the closing stages. The turning point came in the first half, when Paula Balekana chased down a near-certain Hounds try with a full-field sprint and tackle at the last second, denying Chicago five critical points. The game would later come down to the final kick—an 80th-minute penalty attempt by the Hounds that struck the post and bounced into touch, sealing New England’s narrow win.
NEW ENGLAND FREE JACKS
- Tries: Melvin (53’), Nordli-Kelemeti (58’), Ciquera (78’)
- Conversions: Hollinshead (54’, 59’), Auto-Conversion (78’)
CHICAGO HOUNDS
- Tries: Swiel (11’), Brown (43’),
- Conversions: Hilsenbeck (12’, 44’)
- Penalties: Hilsenbeck (18’, 61’)
SABERCATS POWER PAST UTAH TO CLINCH FIRST-EVER MLR CHAMPIONSHIP BERTH
Utah Warriors 19 – 33 Houston SaberCats (HT: 5–21)
The Houston SaberCats booked their place in the 2025 MLR Championship Final with a dominant 33–19 win over the Utah Warriors in the Western Conference Final. Built on defensive grit, electric attacking pace, and clinical execution, the SaberCats now stand just one win away from lifting their first-ever MLR Shield. Houston struck early through scrumhalf Andre Warner, with fly-half AJ Alatimu converting and quickly adding a try of his own. The SaberCats raced out to a 21–5 halftime lead, as center Tautalatasi Tasi showed his trademark speed to add a third try before the break. Alatimu was perfect from the tee in the first half and played a pivotal role with a game-high 13 points. Utah, the Western Conference top seed, looked shell-shocked but attempted a late surge in the second half. Houston stayed composed, adding further tries through Drake Davis—who scorched the turf with a solo effort—and Seth Smith, extending the lead to 33–5 with 15 minutes to play. The Warriors responded with two late tries to add respectability to the scoreline, but it was too little too late. The SaberCats’ culture and cohesion were on full display, as they earned back-to-back playoff wins for the first time in franchise history. They now head to Rhode Island for a championship clash against the defending champions, New England Free Jacks.
UTAH WARRIORS
- Tries: Williams (17’), Lasike (75’), Vugakoto (80’)
- Conversions: Hodgson (76’, 80’)
HOUSTON SABERCATS
- Tries: Warner (3’), Alatimu (30’), Tasi (35’), Davis (54’), Smith (65’)
- Conversions: Alatimu (4', 31', 36', 55')
2025 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY FINAL OVERVIEW
With the Free Jacks chasing a historic three-peat and the SaberCats gunning for their first title, the 2025 MLR Championship Final is set to be a showdown of legacy vs hunger.
Both teams bring momentum, firepower, and playoff battle scars into the decider—setting the stage for a blockbuster finale in Rhode Island.
Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s talk rugby.
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