Major League Rugby lose another club as former champions fold

Just over a week after it was announced that the Toronto Arrows was folding, Major League Rugby (MLR) was dealt another blow when it was confirmed that Rugby New York have suffered a similar fate.

The news is a huge setback as Rugby New York, who are also known as the Ironworkers, were crowned MLR champions as recently as 2022 and news of their demise means there are only 10 teams left to compete ahead of the upcoming season which kicks off early in 2024.

‘Disappointed and saddened’

“We’re disappointed and saddened to announce the withdrawal of the New York Ironworkers from Major League Rugby, particularly knowing the commitment and pride of its players and staff, as well as the fervent passion of its fan base,” said MLR chief executive Nic Benson in a press statement.

“We’re deeply grateful to the team’s leadership who have worked to grow the game of rugby in the U.S. and New York, striving to do so in one of the most competitive markets in the world. As always, our focus is on doing right by the Club and its players as operations wind down with an announcement about the player disbursal process to come later.”

The Ironworkers and Arrows player disbursal processes are unknown at the moment although the MLR revealed in its statement confirming the Arrows’ exit that an announcement regarding future solutions for players affected would be made soon.

Rugby New York was established in 2018 by Manhattan-based construction firm chief executive James Kennedy and they are the second MLR champion to leave the league after the 2021 champions, the LA Giltinis, were expelled from the competition with the Austin Gilgronis in 2022.

A New Zealand-based company, who eventually bought the team from Kennedy, were trying to sell the club, according to an Americas Rugby News report.

The MLR now has its least number of clubs competing in the league since the end of the 2019 campaign, when nine teams were involved. The league then expanded to 12 sides ahead of the 2020 season and reached its peak of 13 competing clubs in 2022.

2024 Major League season to go ahead

With Rugby New York and the Arrows folding, there are genuine concerns that the entire league could collapse but the MLR gave an assurance that it would continue and that the start of the 2024 season is still on track.

“We feel for those impacted by New York’s decision to withdraw, knowing it was a painful and difficult one to make,” added Benson in the league’s statement.

“But we also remain confident in the course the league and its owners have charted, leading the way for the success of the sport in advance of North America hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2031. We remain committed to growth and look forward to a thrilling 2024 season.”

READ MORE: Canada’s lone Major League Rugby side set to fold before new season