• MLR’s new LA-based team named after cocktail

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    Major League Rugby have unveiled a new franchise to be located in Los Angeles for the 2021 season.

    The new side, which is the 13th team in the league and the second to be based in California, is called the Los Angeles Giltinis, named after a premium cocktail based on the Martini.

    The LA Giltinis follows in the footsteps of the Austin Gilgronis in naming their franchise after a cocktail. Both sides are owned by F45 co-founder Adam Gilchrist. A pink and blue logo has been released featuring the stylised LA initials that incorporate rugby uprights. The focal point of the logo is, of course, a martini glass with a green rugby ball in the place of an olive.

    ‘We are thrilled to be welcoming Los Angeles to MLR. LA is an important addition to the league as a major media market and the region has a lengthy rugby history embedded in their culture,’ MLR commissioner George Killebrew said in a statement.

    ‘I have the utmost confidence in the LA Giltinis ownership group to lead the team to success, and to provide valuable support for MLR as a whole. Given these uncertain times with the current global crisis, we feel fortunate that MLR is still rapidly growing and being positioned for success in 2021,’ Killebrew added.

    Ownership of the LA Giltinis will primarily reside with Loyals Rugby, a Rugby investment company founded in Australia.

    ‘The launch of the LA Giltinis and Major League Rugby in Los Angeles will ensure Rugby takes its rightful place among the best entertainment products worldwide. It is our privilege to bring one of the world’s most popular sports to the world’s most prolific entertainment market.’ Loyals Rugby CEO Matt Burgess said.

    Australian Darren Coleman has been appointed as head coach, and he will be assisted by former Wallabies loose forward Stephen Hoiles. The Giltinis are currently in negotiations with several players for their inaugural season and it’s understood to be among them are multiple Australians with Super Rugby experience.

    Based on Venice Beach, the club are in discussions to host its home fixtures at the 77,000-capacity Los Angeles Coliseum, the host stadium of the 2028 Olympics and the temporary home ground of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams.

    Photo: Major League Rugby

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    SA Rugby magazine