ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Smart marketing leads to new superfan Josh Pray reminding us why we love Rugby

BY davidharper  ·  Thursday Jan 24, 2019

American comedian Josh Pray is quickly becoming the MLR’s biggest superfan. With the second season set to begin this weekend, his infectious enthusiasm and new-found love of rugby can remind us all of when we first fell in love with the sport. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Pray has already made a name for himself after recording a very funny video about his first experience playing rugby. He was instantly hooked. Now, MLR team Austin Elite have upped the ante by sending him an official jersey. Needless to say, it was a smart marketing move.

Pray hilariously goes on for over three minutes about his life-changing gift, even joking that he has the perfect physique for the sport and the jersey has become “part of my skin now.” After imploring teams around the world to give him a shot, he then breaks into his own self-styled haka.

For the second season, the Austin Elite (Pray’s new favourite rugby team) will be joined by season one regulars Glendale Raptors, Houston SaberCats, New Orleans Gold, San Diego Legion, Seattle Seawolves and Utah Warriors. Two new expansion teams have been added – Rugby United New York and the Toronto Arrows.

The New England Free Jacks will be added next season, along with teams based in Atlanta and Washington DC.

Obviously, with numerous expansion teams already popping up, the MLR has enjoyed some success. Former Sale Sharks and current Utah Warriors forwards coach Stevie Scott admits: “I thought, yeah, different experience, different opportunity. What really has impressed me is the attitude of the players – they’re desperate to get better, very coachable.”

One notable name to watch out for this season is former England international and Northampton Saint Ben Foden. Foden will probably be the most recognizable name for those outside the US as he joins Rugby United New York.

ADVERTISEMENT

MLR kicks off this weekend when Toronto Arrows visit NOLA Gold. Match time is 3:00 pm (ET) on ESPN+.

Defending champions Seattle Seawolves then kick off their season on Sunday against Glendale Raptors. They won’t have it easy as several USA Eagles will lace up for Glendale, including Hanco Germishuys, Will Magie and Shaun Davies.

Austin Elite will start their season away at Houston Sabercats. If there’s one man we know who will be watching, it’s their new number one fan, Josh Pray.

ADVERTISEMENT

Credit: Josh Pray/@joshpraycomedy

Related Articles

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The worst camera angle in rugby history...

  • 29 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit's real reason for NFL move...

  • 31 WEEKS AGO

    George Ford falls victim to the kickers curse...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 HOURS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All