The United States Eagles' hard-won qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup is under severe threat, plunged into jeopardy by a devastating financial crisis engulfing the domestic Major League Rugby (MLR) competition.
This impending disaster strikes just weeks after the Eagles secured a spectacular 28-21 victory over Samoa in Madrid, a historic win that booked their ticket to the sport's global showpiece in Australia. That triumph now risks being rendered meaningless.
A League On The Brink
The core of the problem lies with the MLR, the crucial professional league responsible for developing nearly all of the USA's national team players. The league has been hit by a perfect storm of financial woes, including:
- The sudden collapse of a major television deal that was a primary source of revenue.
- Multiple franchise franchises facing insolvency and unable to meet player payroll obligations.
- Widespread uncertainty over whether the 2025 season can even proceed, throwing hundreds of professional contracts into doubt.
Without a stable domestic league, the US Eagles will be stripped of their lifeblood. Players will be left without competitive game time, coaching structures will disintegrate, and the team's preparation for the World Cup will be impossible.
World Rugby's Ultimatum and a Looming Replay
In a further twist, World Rugby is investigating the eligibility of several US players fielded during the qualification process. While the initial verdict cleared the American squad, World Rugby reserves the right to revisit the decision. The catastrophic collapse of the MLR could weaken the USA's position significantly in any review.
This opens the door for Samoa, the defeated team, to lodge a formal appeal. If successful, World Rugby could order a replay of the qualifying match, potentially stripping the USA of their place and handing Samoa a lifeline.
The situation presents a dire paradox: the USA has achieved its goal on the pitch but is in danger of losing it all off the pitch due to an administrative and financial meltdown. The future of rugby in America hangs in the balance, and the clock is ticking to find a solution before a dream turns into dust.
