
Rugby ATL Aims to Clinch Playoff Berth
Rugby ATL Aims to Clinch Playoff BerthWeek 17 Major League Rugby Preview Utah Warriors vs. Rugby ATL Herriman, UT — Rugby ATL hits the road this weekend in search of clinching their first playoff berth against the surging Utah Warriors in a Week 17 matchup. Saturday night’s match will feature the #1 seed in the East and the #2 seed in the West, who both control their own destiny on the road to the playoffs with two games to play. Coming off a bye week and a 32-12 win in Week 15 versus Old Glory DC, Rugby ATL enters Saturday rested and focused. The team holds a 5 point lead in the table over both the number two (New York) and three (New Orleans) seeds in the Eastern Conference.
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Rugby ATL will also see Captain Ryan Nell return to the line-up, ending his long road to recovery. The savvy veteran has been leading from outside the white lines, but this weekend will strap up with the “C” on the number 13 jersey.
“I am really looking forward to getting on the pitch again with the team. It’s been special to be part of the growth of this group- now getting the chance to wear the jersey and take the field with them again is very exciting for me. The team has good momentum going at the moment and I look forward to contributing toward that. There’s a real sense of purpose and the guys work hard for each other. It’s always special being part of that. I’m looking forward to the challenge against Utah on Saturday night,” said Captain, Ryan Nell.
Utah will enter Saturday’s game fresh off a bye backed by a 6 game win streak, but they will be six players short of their Week 15 roster as these players have been called up to their respective national teams for the World Rugby International summer test matches. Five of these players are rostered for our USA Eagles this weekend as they play Ireland in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium. Unquestionably, the entire Rugby ATL faithful will be fully behind them this weekend!
Rugby ATL’s secret to success all year has been execution and accountability to the game plan. They can not afford to look at the table or the Utah Roster. MLR fans saw first hand last week from the Toronto Arrows how a group of contract hungry individuals, with nothing to lose, pulled off the upset over Old Glory (34-28).

A win this weekend earns Rugby ATL a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs. New Orleans and New York will face each other in the last game of the season, a potential play-in game powder keg in Week 18.
Adding to the hype for the weekend, Major League Rugby and Rugby ATL have partnered with American Cancer Society and DASH Auction to raise funds for cancer research! ATL’s specialty designed, game-worn & signed jerseys will be auctioned “with profits to be donated to the American Cancer Society! Bid on the one-of-a-kind jerseys and support the cause, on DASH Auction!
Auction is live, make your bids now! https://hubs.ly/H0RPBv20
#Ratlers… It’s Time To Eat
UTAH WARRIORS VS. RUGBY ATL
Date: July 10, 2021
Time: 8:00 PM MT
Where: Zion Bank Stadium- Herriman, UT
Broadcast: KSL Sports & The Rugby Network
Radio: ESPN 700 and ESPN 960
Reformation Smyrna Watch Party: 6255 Riverview Rd. Bldg. 4000, Suite 200 Smyrna, GA 30126

