Pote Human says he’s worried about the future of Major League Rugby following the closure of three franchises, including his Houston SaberCats.
The former Bulls coach admits he was stunned to learn that the SaberCats – the team he guided to this year’s MLR final – had been shut down.
Human, who had planned to return to the US this month, will instead join Boland full-time on a two-year deal, working alongside Hawies Fourie after helping the team reach the Currie Cup semi-finals as a consultant.
“It was a big shock when I found out the SaberCats were closing,” Human told Rapport. “The owners of the club contacted me, and I asked them not to make it public until I could speak to all the players first.
“I called each of them personally to let them know, wished them well and said if there was anything I could do to help them find another club, I’d be happy to help.”
The SaberCats had one of their best seasons in 2024, losing 28-22 to the New England Free Jacks in the final. Yet, despite that success, they became the third MLR side to fold in the off-season, following the Nola Gold and Miami Sharks.
The San Diego Legion and RFC Los Angeles have also merged to form the California Legion, leaving the league with just seven teams.
Around 20 South Africans have been affected, including Johan Momsen, Marno Redelinghuys, Justin Basson and André Warner.
“You worry about the league, because there are now only seven teams left,” Human said. “Is it worth having a competition with so few sides?
“I thought some of the other teams might fold, but I really believed the SaberCats would stay. But I understand it. The owners lose around $5-million every year just to keep the club going, so I don’t blame ours.”
A final message from Coach Pote. pic.twitter.com/LFF3RjaxsE
— Houston SaberCats Rugby (@HOUSaberCats) September 25, 2025
Photo: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
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