Old Glory DC: Major League Rugby

Old Glory DC Release

It’s here: Old Glory DC – The first professional rugby union team to represent the Mid-Atlantic.

(February 6, 2019) – So it begins — the legend of Old Glory rugby. Today, we establish our identity and begin to build your team and its legacy.

Today’s Washington Post nailed it: “‘Old Glory DC’ brings pro rugby to Washington, with founders sure ‘there is a place for rugby’.

After considering hundreds of options proposed by our fans and advisors, we have selected a name and logo that speak to our region’s patriotism and the unique role of our home city as the nations’ capital. Old Glory DC will be known for valuing the traditions of rugby, but also for our appreciation of the strong connections between the Mid-Atlantic rugby community and our military personnel and their families. Beyond that, our name is a nod of respect to so many of our corporate partners, whose missions are to serve the people and agencies who serve all Americans.

“The response to our Name the Team challenge was incredible, with close to 1,000 fans participating,” Co-owner Paul Sheehy said. “We had so many great names to choose from, but in the end, we felt we had to choose a name that could only really work in Washington, and that is inclusive of all of the diverse members of our community.”

“And we think our fans will see the deeper meaning,” Co-owner Chris Dunlavey added. “Yes, it’s a flag, but Old Glory has been places. It’s battle-scarred. It’s weather-beaten. But still, it flies proudly. It symbolizes all the strength, resilience, commitment, and substance over style that are the hallmarks of rugby and, for that matter, the American character.”

Who will be the first players to embody this tradition? To find out, we announce today our 2019 player recruitment schedule.

The core of this effort will be four-player combines, each held at a different location throughout Old Glory’s market area during the month of March 2019. Old Glory personnel will use these opportunities to scout potential athletes, looking to identify those who can qualify for our roster for this upcoming Spring 2019 Exhibition Season, as well as potentially for the 2020 MLR season and beyond. Each athlete attending will be asked to perform a series of physical tests, focused particularly on rugby skills (ball handling, passing, tackling).

Old Glory DC welcomes all participants of any experience level to participate. Please see the schedule and sign-up information below:

Player Combine Schedule:

Player Combine Session #1 – Columbus, Ohio

Date: Sunday, March 10
Location: Fortress Field, Obetz, Ohio
Address: 2015 Recreation Trail, Obetz, OH 43207
Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Player Combine Session #2 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Date: Sunday, March 17
Location: The Proving Grounds Sports Complex – Fields 4 and 5
Address: 725 Conshohocken Rd, Conshohocken, PA
Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Player Combine Session #3 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Date: Sunday, March 24
Location: Queens University Sports Complex
Address: 2229 Tyvola Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Player Combine Session #4 – Washington, DC

Date: Sunday, March 31
Location: Catholic University – Cardinal Stadium
Address: Varnum St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Time: 9 am to 3 pm

For more information, review our FAQ.

Think you may have what it takes to be a professional rugby player? Old Glory DC (“OGDC”) wants to hear from you. To attend any of the player combine sessions, sign up here: Combine Registration