RFCLA season end in Houston mudfest
RFCLA has fallen short in a a MLR thriller in Houston, as the SaberCats advances to Western Conference Final.
The 2025 Major League Rugby regular season concluded in dramatic fashion in Houston, where the SaberCats edged RFCLA 27-21 in a tense, weather-affected contest that went down to the final play.
In hot and humid conditions, both teams scored three tries apiece, but two penalty goals from Houston proved to be the decisive difference in a closely contested encounter.
RFCLA found themselves trailing 12-0 early, but a brilliant late first-half try by Reece Macdonald — arguably one of the tries of the season — helped RFCLA close the gap to just two points at halftime, entering the sheds at 14-12.
The SaberCats regained momentum after the break, scoring two more tries to take a commanding 26-14 lead into the final quarter. However, RFCLA showed resilience and determination, with Ben Houston — one of the standout performers on the night — crashing over with four minutes to go, narrowing the deficit to just six points.
With momentum firmly in their favor, RFCLA launched one final attack. The visitors surged 90 meters upfield and reached the Houston 5-meter line, only for Semi Kunitani to be bundled into touch with just 90 seconds remaining. A delayed lineout by Houston allowed the home side to retain possession, and they kicked into touch as time expired to seal the win.
The result sees the Houston SaberCats advance to the MLR Western Conference Final, where they will face the Utah Warriors. RFCLA’s campaign ends in heartbreak, but not without a valiant fight.
Houston SaberCats 27 - RFCLA 21
