American rugby union is currently at a pivotal stage of development, with the country set to host the 2031 Men’s and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cups. In an unprecedented move, the sport’s North American professional league, Major League Rugby (MLR), has partnered with indie film financier and producer Goldfinch to produce an all-access, multi-year series documenting the sport’s growth in the U.S. This series, titled Stars, Stripes and Scrums: The American Rugby Journey, will provide viewers with an inside look at the Chicago Hounds team, as well as the sport at all levels across the United States.
In a country where American football reigns supreme, rugby union is beginning to gain traction. With the MLR, under the leadership of CEO Nic Benson, expanding from seven teams in its inaugural 2018 season to 12 teams in 2024, the sport is on an upward trajectory. The Chicago Hounds, owned by Peter Bernick, are currently in their second season, with new clubs from Miami, Los Angeles, and Charlotte, North Carolina joining the league. Additionally, more teams are expected to be formed in anticipation of the upcoming Rugby World Cups.
Phil McKenzie, representing Goldfinch, expressed the significance of this partnership by stating, “The trajectory of rugby in America is at a historic inflection point that we will never see again.” The vision behind the docu-series is to capture every layer of the sport, using the Hounds and MLR as a lens through which to view the journey leading up to the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups. This long-term commitment to showcasing the growth and development of American rugby aims to highlight the young athletes at the forefront of making sporting history in the country.
The production team behind the series, including Phil McKenzie, Kirsty Bell, Julian Oliver, Mike D Ware, and Seth Savoy, is dedicated to providing viewers with an exclusive look behind the scenes of the most exciting sport in the world. With a focus on the Chicago Hounds for the first season, the docu-series will explore the team, the fans, and the filmmakers who share a passionate identity with the sport. Through rare opportunities like this, special moments in film will originate, showcasing the pride and enthusiasm within the Chicago rugby community.
Peter Bernick, owner of the Chicago Hounds, emphasized the organization’s excitement in being featured in the docu-series, stating, “We are excited to have helped put this deal together and to have the Chicago Hounds be at the forefront of the story for season one.” Believing in the team’s players, coaching staff, and management, Bernick sees the opportunity to compete for a championship in the ever-growing and competitive Major League Rugby.
The collaboration between Major League Rugby and Goldfinch to produce an in-depth, all-access docu-series on American rugby union marks a significant milestone in the sport’s history. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to gain a newfound appreciation for the dedication, passion, and talent within the American rugby community, as well as witness the exciting journey towards the upcoming Rugby World Cups.