New Zealand lock Isaac Ross played in Major League Rugby between 2021-2024. The 8-time capped All Black represented the Austin Gilgronis (2021-2022) and the San Diego Legion (2023-2024).

The 6’7 man from Ashburton, NZ was originally signed by the Austin Gilgronis in April of 2021 as a player-coach responsible for lineouts and general forward work. He earned 9 MLR caps after joining part-way through his debut season, scoring 3 tries for the Gilgronis. Ross upped his appearances the following season, appearing in 15 of Austin‘s 16 games (12 starts) in the 2022 season. Following the Austin Gilgronis‘ disqualification prior to the 2022 MLR playoffs and subsequent cessation of operations, Ross signed with the San Diego Legion ahead of the 2023 season.

In his first season with the California franchise, Ross earned 12 additional MLR caps (all starts) during the Legion‘s record-breaking 15-1 regular season in 2023, adding another try. He appeared in both Championship Series games for the Legion including the 24-25 Championship Final loss to the New England Free Jacks.

On 2nd October 2023, the San Diego Legion announced the return of then-39yo Isaac Ross for the 2024 MLR season as part of an announcement of 7 returnees. He started all 8 of his appearances in 2024 as the Legion would again qualify for the post season, but would fall to the Seattle Seawolves in the Western Conference Semifinals. Following the 2024 season, Ross announced an end to his professional playing career in Instagram on August 15th, 2024. His career MLR totals include over 1000m gained and just shy of 400 tackles completed in 46 games across 4 seasons.

Achievements:

• MLR Runner-Up: 2023 (San Diego Legion)
• MLR Team of the Week: 2023 – Round 18
• MLR Team of the Week: 2022 – Round 13
• MLR Team of the Week: 2021 – Round 4