The New England Free Jacks faced the Chicago Hounds in a neutral-site Major League Rugby match in Nashville, Tennessee. The game marked the league's debut in the city, highlighting efforts to grow rugby's presence and expand its fan base across the United States.
Both teams competed in front of a new audience, with the event serving as a showcase for the sport. The matchup provided the Free Jacks an opportunity to find their rhythm on the field while introducing rugby to a broader Southern audience.