| 2023 Major League Rugby Final | |
| Event: | 2023 season |
| Team1: | San Diego Legion |
| Team1score: | 24 |
| Team2: | New England Free Jacks |
| Team2score: | 25 |
| Date: | July 8, 2023 |
| Stadium: | SeatGeek Stadium |
| City: | Bridgeview, Illinois |
| Man Of The Match1a: | Jayson Potroz |
| Referee: | Joe James (England) |
| Attendance: | 10,103 |
| Previous: | 2022 |
| Next: | 2024 |
The 2023 Major League Rugby Championship Final was the fifth Major League Rugby (MLR) championship match, held at the conclusion of the 6th season of the rugby union club competition in North America. The match was played on July 8, 2023, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. It was the first MLR Final to be held in Illinois, and the first since the 2019 final to be held at a pre-determined venue. The match was won by the New England Free Jacks over the San Diego Legion by a score of 25-24, claiming their first MLR Championship.
On March 16, 2023, MLR announced that the Championship Final would be held at SeatGeek Stadium, the home ground of the Chicago Hounds.[1] The format for qualifying for the Championship Series remained the same from 2022, with the top-ranked team of each conference receiving a bye to the Conference Final, as well as home advantage. Likewise, the second-ranked team would host the third-ranked team of their respective conference, in the Eliminators.[2]
In the Western Conference, San Diego Legion qualified for the Championship Series following a victory over the defending Champions, Rugby New York. They were then able to secure the top ranking with a victory over the Toronto Arrows. The second-ranked team, the Seattle Seawolves, qualified following a victory over the Utah Warriors. The third-ranked team, Houston Sabercats, qualified following a victory over Old Glory DC.
In the Eastern Conference, New England Free Jacks qualified both for the Championship Series, and the top ranking, with a victory over the Toronto Arrows. The second-ranked team, Old Glory DC, qualified for the Championship series following their victory over New Orleans Gold. Finally, defending Champions, Rugby New York, qualified after their victory over Rugby ATL.
In the Western Eliminator, the Seattle Seawolves defeated Houston Sabercats 37-26, at Starfire Sports Stadium. This marked Seattle's fourth and Houston's second Championship Series appearances, respectfully. The teams had previously faced each other in the Championship Series in 2022.
In the Conference Final, Seattle were hosted by San Diego Legion, at Snapdragon Stadium, where the Legion won 32-10. This marked the third time San Diego has reached the Championship Series, and the first time they played in the Conference Final.[3] Seattle reached their second Conference Final in succession. This also marked San Diego and Seattle's fourth encounter in the post-season, having previously met in the 2018 semi-final, 2019 final, and 2022 eliminator.
The Eastern Eliminator featured Rugby New York hosting Old Glory DC, with Washington upset New York 37-33. This was New York's third consecutive appearance in the Championship Series, having reached the Conference Final in 2021, and winning the Championship Final in 2022. This also marked DC's first appearance in the post-season, since their inception in 2020.
In the Conference Final, New England Free Jacks hosted Old Glory DC, at Veterans Memorial Stadium, winning the match 25-7. This was New England's second Eastern Conference final, having finished top of the Eastern ranking in both 2022 and 2023, and DC's first. The match also marked New England's and DC's first encounter in the Championship Series.
On March 16, 2023, MLR announced that the Championship Final would be held at SeatGeek Stadium, the home ground of the Chicago Hounds.[4] Part of the festivities includes a pre-match DJ set by Shaquille O'Neal (as DJ Diesel,) and a post-match concert by Dropkick Murphys.[5]
The match was broadcast in the United States on Fox, averaging 269,000 viewers.[6] It was available internationally on The Rugby Network.
The San Diego Legion were declared the "home" side, after accumulating more table points in the regular season.