RFCLA Set for Western Conference Semi Final Clash with Houston SaberCats

This is a do-or-die match: a win sends RFCLA through to the Western Conference Final, while a loss will bring their season to an end.

RFCLA finished the regular season ranked 3rd in the Western Conference with a 8-1-7 record (Up from 5-1-10 in 2024) They closed out the season with a hard-fought loss to top-seeded Utah Warriors, staging a late comeback after trailing by 21 points.

Houston enters the match following a gritty win over Anthem Rugby Carolina.

There are a few changes to RFCLA’s lineup this week. In the forward pack, Alessandro Heaney and Ben Sugars come into the starting XV, with last week’s starters Franco Van Den Berg and Mike Sosene-Feagai moving to the bench. Ed Timpson returns from injury to take Matt Heaton’s spot in the starting lineup.

In the backline, Rory Van Vugt reclaims his place on the wing after a late scratching last week, with Seth Purdey shifting to the bench.

RFCLA and Houston split their two encounters this season. In their first meeting in Los Angeles, RFCLA started strong but couldn’t hold off a second-half surge by Houston, falling 45-28 in front of a record crowd.

The return fixture in Houston saw RFCLA grind out a gutsy 24-22 win, marking their fourth straight victory at the time.

With the away match scheduled for Sunday, fans are invited to Tower 12, Hermosa Pier our MLR Watch Party, with 20% of all drinks and food with giveaways and player signing sessions.

RFCLA Matchday Squad – Western Conference Semi Final vs. Houston SaberCats
Sunday, June 15 | 5:30 PM PST | SaberCats Stadium, Houston

Starting XV:

1. Franco Van Den Berg

2. Ben Sugars

3. Maliu Niuafe

4. Jason Damm

5. Jurie Van Vuuren

6. Timothy Anstee

7. Ed Timpson

8. Ben Houston

9. Gonzalo Bertranou

10. Christian Leali'ifano

11. Rory Van Vugt

12. William Meakes

13. Nicholas Chan

14. Andrew Coe

15. Reece Macdonald

16. Mike Sosene-Feagai

17. Tim Ohlwein

18. Franco Van Den Berg

19. Reegan Ogorman

20. Semi Kunitani

21. Ben Sugars

22. Tas Smith

23. Seth Purdey

Join Club 24! A new membership offering of RFCLA which was founded in '24! Find out more!

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