Major League Rugby (MLR) announced today a multi-year agreement with American Airlines to be the official airline and travel partner of the rapidly growing professional league, founded in 2017. This strategic partnership will provide MLR with a number of benefits to ensure success off the pitch as teams and player focus on safely travelling across North America.
"American makes safety its top priority and offers a reliable and comfortable travel experience for our players and staff," said George Killebrew, MLR Commissioner. "When it comes to getting to and from matches, American is the perfect airline to meet our needs. Last year was a tremendously challenging for every business around the world and we are ready to get back to business. American Airlines will help us make that possible."
With 12 professional teams spread across North America from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. and Toronto coordinating team travel is a critical element to any league’s success. American Airlines’ expertise in providing their customers with additional leg room, free in-flight entertainment offerings to enjoy and enhancements to its multitiered Clean Commitment - all contributed to MLR partnering with the airline.
"American has always been focused on making it easy for passengers to do business with us," said Esther Maldonado, Managing Director of Central Division Sales. "Our new partnership with Major League Rugby is an opportunity to make travel costs more affordable and flexible for organizations, providing them a safe and comfortable travel experience, and a chance for American to engage with Major League Rugby’s fans across North America."
Opening weekend on March 20 will feature a 4 p.m. ET matinee in New Orleans, as NOLA Gold hosts Old Glory DC. Other highlights of the League’s opening day include the Los Angeles Giltinis’ inaugural game hosting the New England Free Jacks, and the Houston SaberCats hosting the 2019 champion Seattle Seawolves.
The 12 teams are split into two conferences. The Eastern Conference features six teams (Rugby ATL, New England Free Jacks, NOLA Gold, Old Glory DC, Rugby United New York, Toronto Arrows) and the Western Conference features six teams (Austin Gilgronis, Houston SaberCats, LA Giltinis, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves, Utah Warriors). Each team will play a 16-game regular season schedule, with two bye weeks each.
25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only
Últimas Noticias
Boxing’s place in the Olympics remains in peril as IOC still unhappy with the state of AIBA’s reform efforts
The IOC says issues concerning governance, finance, and refereeing and judging must be sorted out to its satisfaction. AIBA says it’s confident that will happen and the federation will be reinstated.
McLaren report to FIBA confirms abuses in the Mali women’s basketball program
The investigation could not “independently verify” allegations against FIBA president Hamane Niang, who has resumed his duties after stepping aside during the probe.
ATR Extra: 1st ISF U15 World School Sport Games – Belgrade 2021
Olympic Channel is live streaming the basketball, basketball 3x3, football, judo and wrestling competitions during the event, which runs September 11-19.
International Judo Federation bans Algerian athlete and coach for 10 years for refusing to fight an Israeli at Tokyo 2020
Judoka Fethi Nourine and his coach Amar Benikhlef admitted they were withdrawing from competition to avoid a potential match with Tohar Butbul of Israel.
IIHF bans Belarus hockey president for five years for code of conduct violations - Federation Focus
Also: no contested election for next ITTF president; BWF calendar shrinks as event in India cancelled due to pandemic; FISU announces early bids for 2027 and 2029 World University Games
