New Zealand fullback/wing Rory van Vugt played in Major League Rugby between 2020-2024. He represented Rugby ATL (2020-2021) and returned to the franchise following their relocation and rebrand to Rugby FC LA (2024).

Van Vugt played international touch rugby for New Zealand between 2017-2018 before turning his focus to the contact game. He joined the Southland Stags in NZ’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) in 2018 and has played with them every year since.

Rugby ATL signed van Vugt ahead of the 2020 season, scoring 1 try in 3 games (all starts) before the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the season after only 5 rounds. He returned to ATL for the 2021 season, scoring 2 tries in 13 additional appearances (all starts) for the RATLers as they advanced to the MLR Championship Final, falling to the LA Giltinis 31-17. Van Vugt returned to NZ between 2022-2023, playing with the Super Rugby Highlanders in 2022. He returned to MLR ahead of the 2024 season, signing with a rebranded, relocated ATL, now Rugby FC LA. He scored another 2 tries in 8 games (7 starts) for LA in their inaugural season.

On 27th June 2024, the Southland Stags announced that van Vugt would once again be returning to the NPC for their 2024 campaign.

achievements

• MLR Runner-Up: 2021 (Rugby ATL)