Rugby Ontario – (BURLINGTON, ON) – Ontario Blues, fresh off their fifth MacTier Cup in the last six years, will open their home schedule against the Glendale Raptors of the just announced Major League Rugby organization, consisting of nine teams throughout the USA on May 20, 2017 in Burlington, Ontario. Kickoff will be 3 pm.

The Raptors are the defending Pacific Premiership champions and are now a pro club operating out of the Denver suburbs.  They feature up to 10 current and former USA Eagles and will be a very demanding opponent for the Blues.  Currently playing a friendly schedule against some of the top sides in the US, the Raptors will be well prepared for their visit to Ontario.

The Blues open their season on April 29,2017 against New York Old Blue in the Big Apple and will be several games behind the Raptors in terms of team prep, but coach Chris Silverthorn is excited at the challenge this game will bring.

“We have guys that are pro caliber and ready to make that step.  Playing a pro side at the beginning of the MLR concept is something everyone in our program is super excited about.”

The Blues won the Canadian Rugby Championship last season, coming back from an opening round defeat to run the table and clinch the title with an emphatic 50-21 win over BC Bears in Markham on July 24.  With a number of Blues gaining new Canada caps since then, Ontario are poised for another shot at silverware after a tough pre-season fixture list.

Rugby Ontario welcomes all rugby fans to come down to the game. Ticket details and specific location will be announced soon.

More details about the match day activities and players involved, along with news about the MLR, will be announced in coming weeks.

About Rugby Ontario:

Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to promote, govern, and develop rugby at all levels in a safe, affordable and enjoyable environment within the province of Ontario.

For more information, visit http://www.rugbyontario.com/

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For more information, please contact:

Kevin Baxter
Communications Coordinator
Rugby Ontario
Office: 647-560-4790 x 106
kbaxter@rugbyontario.com

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