Gilgronis and Free Jacks lead the way in US

GOING into the halfway point in Major League Rugby, the Austin Gilgronis and the LA Giltinis have set the pace in the Western Conference, while the New England Free Jacks are top of the East.

The Gilgronis possess former Leicester Tigers and London Irish lock Sebastian de Chaves and are top of the West after 10 wins in their opening 13 games.

Reigning MLR champions the Giltinis trail the Gilgronis by six points but have a game in hand on the Texas based side.

The champions endured a difficult start to the season with two losses in their opening three games but have since secured seven straight wins to put them in contention of qualifying as the No.1 seed ahead of the playoffs.

Last weekend saw the two title rivals face off, with the Giltinis securing a vital 10-8 win to hand the Gilgronis their first loss in five games.

The Giltinis possess a strong squad that includes former Exeter Chiefs lock Dave Dennis as captain, alongside England 7s star Tom Mitchell and Australian legend Matt Giteau.

Elsewhere in the Western Conference, San Diego Legion are in fifth after a mixed start to their campaign with six wins and seven defeats.

The Legion’s roster includes experienced internationals like Chris Robshaw, Ma’a Nonu and former Saracen Will Hooley.

Scott Mathie’s Free Jacks lead the way in the Easter Conference and have the best record in the MLR with 11 wins from 12 games and are 10 points clear of second place Rugby United New York, whose squad includes former England international Ben Foden.

The ambitious New York franchise, who had ex-France midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud on their books in recent years, have recruited former All Blacks and London Irish winger Waisake Naholo to the club for the remainder of the campaign.