Joey Mano's bulldozing try helps California Legion reach first-ever MLR final

California Legion reached their first-ever Major League Rugby final after edging the Seattle Seawolves 43-34 in a pulsating semi-final at Starfire Stadium, setting up a 2026 championship showdown yet to be decided.

Former USA Eagles winger Joey Mano opened the scoring with a characteristically direct effort, taking a pass from Lance Williams — himself fed by Australian-born Billy Meakes — before barging over Duncan Matthews down the left touchline. The two-Test Hawaiian-born winger’s willingness to take the direct route set the tone for a contest that would feature red cards, counterattack tries, and multiple lead changes.

The Seawolves, who had beaten Legion 33-19 just a week earlier, refused to fold. Davy Coetzer was reliable off the tee throughout the second half, keeping Seattle in contention, while Rufus McLean also crossed for the home side.

The game’s decisive swing came in the 59th minute. Coby Miln — the league’s top points scorer during the regular season — kicked Legion back into the lead, and the Californian franchise then capitalised on a short-side opportunity deep in Seawolves territory. Replacement Ronan Murphy spotted a gap in the defence and darted through under the posts to extend the advantage.

Legion’s final try arrived via an efficient rolling maul from inside the Seawolves’ red zone, with Ale Lopeti grounding the ball. Miln added the conversion before Legion were forced to withstand ten minutes of ferocious Seawolves pressure to protect the result and book their place in the final.

Jason Damm also crossed for Legion during the contest, contributing to a performance that underlined the franchise’s resilience after last week’s setback.

Legion now await the winner of the second semi-final between the Hounds and Old Glory, who meet to determine who will join them in the 2026 MLR final.