Only Nine Canadian Players Left in MLR in 2026 Down 80% from 2025: Five Canadian Players Get Game Time Over First Two Weeks
In 2025, MLR was an 11 team North American league. In 2026, it is a six team American developmental league. Following Canada’s 34-20 victory over the Eagles last summer, the rules changed, the borders closed, and the 46-player Canadian contingent from 2025 has been reduced to a mere nine. Only Chicago now has a significant Canadian presence with four players, Seattle and New England have two, and Old Glory has one. California and Anthem have zero. Over Week 1 & 2 only 5 Canadian players saw the pitch. Last year we kept a 46 player spreadsheet of Canadian players, this year it doesn’t merit documentation.
Mason Flesch had a good weekend scoring two tries in Chicago’s win over Anthem, both Flesch and Rumball made the First XV for Week 2. It was disappointing to see Seattle had no Canadians in the roster, both Botchar and Kotze were absent from the match 23. Chicago and Seattle are the only undefeated teams after two rounds. Week 1 just saw one match between Anthem and California.
Playing stats for Week 1 and 2
Blue = Match roster
Chicago Hounds (4,3)
Brock Webster
Lucas Rumball
Matt Oworu
Mason Flesch – 2T
Seattle Seawolves (2,0)
Callum Botchar
Dewald Kotze
New England (2,1)
Piers von Dadelszen
Ben Lesage
Old Glory (1,1)
Cali Martinez
California Legion (0)
Anthem Rugby (0)
Chicago v Anthem Highlights
Week 2 Scores
Week 2 First XV
Week 2 Standings
