The US Major League Rugby returns today for their fifth season. In recent years, the league has used a number of law variations and those continue into this season. The kick clock returns, limits to scrum resets, and automatic 7 points when a try is scored between the posts. As with all the other changes in play in the US, this is designed to keep the game more fluid and have fewer stoppages. The 20 minute red card replacement will also be included again.
It’s not just on the pitch that that things have continued to evolve. Investment has been made in player welfare with the introduction of the HIA process to the league. With that investment in technology, which includes consistent use of more cameras, they have also brought in the TMO for all games not just the play offs and finals. Jonathan Kaplan continues to use his network to bring in referees from around the world to oversee the league. Former English Premiership ref, the irishman JP Doyle returns for a second season, although doesnt feature in round one. He is joined on the referee panel by some familiar names to RugbyReferee.net readers – Boli Anselmi from Argentina, Pauloa Duarte from Portugal and Damien Schneider all come in new this season. Mike Lash also returns from New Zealand. They join local talent in the MLR, the ever present Derek Summers, Scott Green, Kat Roche (all USA) and Moe Chaudray and Chris Assmus from Canada. The RFU’s George Selwood joins the team later in the season.
US MLR – Round 1 appointments
ATL Rugby v Old Glory DC
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Arg)
ARs: Cisco Lopez & Dave Edwards
TMO: Amelia Luciano
Austin Gilgronis v Dallas Jackals
Referee: Paulo Duarte (Portugal)
ARs: Derek Summers & Joey Swatzell
TMO: Luke Rogan
Houston Sabercats v Los Angeles Giltinis
Referee: Damian Schneider (Arg)
ARs: De Wet Roos & Kat Roche
TMO: Kahlil Harrison
NOLA Gold v New England Free Jacks
Referee: Moe Chaudhry (Can)
ARs: Allen Alongi & Rob Halcomb
TMO: Jack Gohl
San Diego Legion v Utah Warriors
Referee: Scott Green (USA)
ARs: Marquise Goodwin & Jacob Gonzales
TMO: Austin Reed
Seattle Seawolves v Toronto Arrows
Referee: Mike Lash (NZ)
ARs: Chris Assmus & Brad Schwalger
TMO: Shanda Assmus
I like their trials for red cards, try under the posts and kick clock. I’m a bit iffy about the offside line at the scrum. I’m puzzled about the scrum resets. What happens after one reset? PK? FK? Whatever it will be, the onus must then be on the Referee to get everything right, then maybe there should be a kick clock on the Referee to get the ball in. I do not for a moment believe that these scrum fiascos are always the fault of the players. Many Referees simply have no idea.
Scrum fiascos arent the fault of the players? Refs cause scrum collapses and wheels do they? You’d be surprised about how much time they put into scrum analysis and coaching