SportsFriday, November 6
Major League Rugby signs a letter of intent with a Buffalo group aiming for 2028
The Daily Buffalo team
If you follow rugby, here's one to watch. Major League Rugby announced Thursday that it signed a letter of intent with a Buffalo group led by Joe DiPasquale and Mark Winokur. The group, called the Buffalo Thunderbolts, is an expansion candidate hoping to start play in the 2028 season.
2028season the Buffalo Thunderbolts hope to start play
The league calls the letter of intent the “first formal step,” and a spot isn't confirmed yet.
Sources: WBEN, WIVB News 4
Mayor Sean Ryan said he's proud to support the effort. DiPasquale told WBEN Buffalo has a 60-year rugby club heritage and can draw Canadian fans, now that the league's Toronto and New York teams are gone. He's also hoping, as always, that the Sabers are still playing in April.
- Next steps: finalize ownership, venue and business plans
- League today: five teams, aiming for 12 by 2031
- Season: March through June, per DiPasquale
Buffalo's rugby history stretches back 60 years
- 1966Buffalo Rugby Club starts play.
- 2018Major League Rugby launches.
- 2023Toronto Arrows and Rugby United New York disband from the league.
- 2028Buffalo Thunderbolts hope to start play in the league.
- 2031Men's Rugby World Cup is held in the United States.
Sources: WBEN, WIVB News 4
Sources: WIVB News 4, WBEN