Rugby ATL and Major League Rugby: A Guide for Atlanta Fans

Rugby has grown steadily in metro Atlanta, and for a few seasons Rugby ATL was the city’s professional Major League Rugby (MLR) team. While the original franchise has since relocated and been rebranded, many Atlantans still search for “Rugby ATL (MLR)” to understand what happened, what rugby options exist now, and how to stay involved in the sport locally.

This guide explains Rugby ATL’s place in Atlanta sports history, what changed, and how you can still enjoy high-level and grassroots rugby in and around Atlanta.

What Was Rugby ATL (MLR)?

Rugby ATL was Atlanta’s professional rugby union team, competing in Major League Rugby, the top professional rugby competition in the United States and Canada.

Key points about Rugby ATL:

• League: Major League Rugby (MLR)
• Location (while in Atlanta): Based in the metro Atlanta area
• Home matches: Played at stadiums in the region, most recently at a venue in the suburbs south of downtown
• Season: Typically ran from late winter through early summer, with regular-season matches on weekends

The club brought together local talent, international players, and a growing fan base from around metro Atlanta, including the city, the northern suburbs, and communities on the south side.

What Happened to Rugby ATL?

If you’re searching for tickets or the next season schedule, you may notice things look different from a few years ago. That is because the Rugby ATL franchise has moved out of Atlanta and is now operating in another city under a different name.

In practical terms for Atlanta residents:

• There is no longer an active MLR franchise based in Atlanta called Rugby ATL.
• Former Rugby ATL branding, logos, and local marketing have largely been phased out.
• You cannot currently attend MLR home games in Atlanta as you once could when Rugby ATL was active.

However, the end of Rugby ATL in the city does not mean rugby is gone from Atlanta. It just means that top-tier pro rugby is no longer hosted locally at the moment.

Can You Still Watch Major League Rugby in Atlanta?

Right now, you have two main options if you’re in Atlanta and interested in MLR:

1. Watch MLR on TV or streaming

   • Many fans in Atlanta follow MLR through televised or streaming broadcasts.
   • Match coverage varies year to year, but games are often available on national sports networks or league-affiliated streaming services.
   • This is currently the most practical way for an Atlanta resident to follow professional MLR action.

2. Travel to away games

   • If you’re a serious fan, you can plan trips from Atlanta to cities that currently host MLR teams.
   • Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320) makes flying to other MLR cities relatively convenient.
   • Some local rugby clubs occasionally organize group trips to big matches or playoff games.

While there is no local MLR team right now, many Atlantans still follow the league, keep up with former Rugby ATL players, and stay involved with the sport through local clubs and college matches.

Where to Experience Rugby in Atlanta Now

If you were drawn to Rugby ATL because you like the sport itself—or you’re curious about getting involved—Atlanta still has a lively rugby community. You can watch, play, or support rugby through several channels.

Adult Club Rugby in Metro Atlanta

Atlanta has multiple adult rugby clubs that play competitive matches in regional and national competitions (outside of MLR). These include:

• Men’s XV rugby clubs in and around Atlanta
• Women’s rugby clubs with competitive and social sides
• Social and old-boys/old-girls teams for older players or those new to the game

Clubs typically train on weeknights and play on weekends, often at public parks or shared athletic facilities around the metro area. Seasons may be split between spring and fall, with some summer social tournaments.

If you’re looking for a similar type of community to what Rugby ATL fostered—tailgating, sidelines camaraderie, and a mix of serious competition and social fun—local clubs are often the best place to start.

How to get plugged in:

• Search for “Atlanta men’s rugby club” or “Atlanta women’s rugby club” to find current rosters and practice details.
• Most clubs welcome new players of all experience levels, including complete beginners.
• Many will list a practice field location, usually at parks or school fields in the city or suburbs.

College and University Rugby Around Atlanta

Several colleges and universities in the Atlanta area have men’s and women’s rugby teams, even if they’re not varsity NCAA sports. These teams often play in structured regional leagues and can provide a very watchable level of competition.

Schools in and around Atlanta that commonly support rugby programs include:

• Large public universities
• Private colleges in the metro area
• Technical and state universities within driving distance

College rugby matches can be a good way to:

• Watch competitive rugby for little or no cost
• Introduce friends or family to the sport in a laid-back setting
• Explore the sport if you’re a student or thinking about playing while in school

Schedules and field locations are typically posted by the individual university clubs or athletics departments.

Youth and High School Rugby in Atlanta

One of Rugby ATL’s lasting impacts was helping generate greater interest in youth rugby across metro Atlanta. That youth ecosystem remains active.

You’ll find:

• Rookie rugby and flag rugby programs for younger children
• Middle school and high school rugby clubs, some school-based and some community-club based
• Co-ed beginner programs, which focus on basic skills, safety, and fun

These programs often run out of:

• City and county parks
• Private and public school fields
• Community sports facilities across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and surrounding counties

Parents in Atlanta often look for:

• Safe introductory programs that emphasize non-contact or limited-contact forms for younger kids
• Established clubs with certified coaches and clear safety protocols
• Reasonable travel distances for practices and games within the metro area

Rugby Venues and Game-Day Atmosphere in Atlanta

When Rugby ATL played in the city, fans experienced a compact, close-to-the-action environment rather than a massive stadium. While that specific pro setup is gone, similar atmospheres can be found at:

• Local club matches held at parks or multi-field complexes
• Tournament weekends, where multiple teams from around the Southeast converge in one location
• College rugby days, where men’s and women’s teams may play back-to-back

Typical Atlanta-area rugby game-day features:

• Sideline viewing close to the field, often at ground level
• Families, players, and alumni mingling together
• Informal tailgating or post-match gatherings, depending on the club

Parking at most local rugby venues around Atlanta is usually free or low-cost, especially for matches held at public parks or school facilities.

Learning the Game: How Atlanta Residents Can Get Started with Rugby

If Rugby ATL was your first exposure to rugby or you’re curious but new to the sport, there are several ways to learn from Atlanta.

1. Attend Local Matches

Watching live is one of the fastest ways to understand rugby’s flow:

• Look up local men’s, women’s, or college rugby fixtures.
• Show up a bit early so you can ask players or coaches informal questions—many are happy to explain the basics.
• Listen for sideline conversations; longtime fans will often talk through calls and tactics.

2. Beginner-Friendly Sessions and Touch Rugby

Many Atlanta clubs and social groups run non-contact “touch” rugby sessions:

• Ideal if you want to try rugby without tackling
• Great for fitness, footwork, and learning passing patterns
• Often held on weeknights at public parks

These sessions can be a good fit if you liked watching Rugby ATL but are unsure about full-contact play.

3. Online Rules and Match Replays

Combine local involvement with:

• Short rules explainers for rugby union (the format played in MLR)
• Condensed match replays from professional and international competitions
• Commentary that focuses on explaining penalties, scrums, lineouts, and scoring

Then apply what you learn the next time you watch a local match in Atlanta.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Rugby Fans

Quick reference for navigating rugby in Atlanta without Rugby ATL:

Getting Involved: What Atlanta Residents Can Do Now

Even without an active MLR franchise in the city, Atlanta remains a strong region for rugby. If you used to follow Rugby ATL—or wish you had discovered it sooner—you can still:

• Support local clubs by attending matches and inviting friends.
• Volunteer with youth or community programs, especially if you have coaching or administrative skills.
• Participate as a player, referee, or touch judge if you want to be more hands-on.
• Stay informed about any future developments regarding professional rugby returning to Atlanta, as league structures and team locations can change over time.

For many Atlanta residents, Rugby ATL was a gateway into a sport that has deep roots worldwide. While the team itself has moved on, the rugby community it helped highlight remains very much alive across the metro area—and there are plenty of ways to be part of it.