English born lock James Rivers played in Major League Rugby between 2024-2025. He represented Anthem RC (2024) and the San Diego Legion (2025).

Born in the south of England, Rivers played rugby and rowed through high school before moving to Hong Kong. He represented the Discovery Bay Pirates U18 & U19 sides, as well as the Hong Kong U20s in 2018 & 2019. Rivers moved to the US to attend the University of Arizona between 2019-2023, earning 2 MVP nods and captaining the side in his senior year. The San Diego Legion selected Rivers with their 1st Rd Pick (12th overall) in the 2023 MLR Collegiate Draft, and confirmed his signing on 26th December, 2023 ahead of the 2024 season.

The San Diego Legion loaned Rivers to the newly formed Anthem RC to help fill out their inaugural season roster. Rivers earned 13 appearances for Anthem (11 starts), completing over 130 tackles in his rookie season as Anthem put in admirable performances, but ended with a 0-16 record. On 4th November, 2024, the San Diego Legion announced the return of Rivers for the 2025 MLR season. In his first season representing the San Diego Legion, Rivers earned 3 further MLR appearances, starting once. In the 2025 season, the San Diego Legion missed out on the MLR postseason by a single point.

During the offseason, Major League Rugby, the San Diego Legion and Rugby FC LA announced the merger of both of the League’s California teams to create the California Legion. It remains to be seen if Rivers will play with the new look Legion in 2026.

achievements

• 2023 MLR Draftee: 1st Round (12th Overall) – San Diego Legion