Shilo Klein departs San Diego Legion for URC's Zebre Parma
By Grant FeeleyUSA Eagle Shilo Klein, previously a standout hooker for the San Diego Legion, has signed with Italian club Zebre Parma for the remainder of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship (URC) season. This move, announced October 20, 2025, by the Italian side, casts doubt on his immediate return to Major League Rugby.
Klein's departure marks a significant development for both his burgeoning international career and the Legion's 2026 campaign.
James Deeley
@JamDelayTook a little bit of time but @USARugby set up a rolling maul and Shilo Klein barrels over for their first try of the game!
The USA XV lead 8-5 over Argentina XV after 23 minutes in Florida!
#MLRStats #USAvARGAug 15, 2026View on X
Klein's Path to European Rugby
Born in Sacramento, California, Klein’s eligibility for the USA Eagles and MLR as a domestic player made him a valuable asset. He joined the San Diego Legion in December 2022, following four seasons with Canterbury in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) and Super Rugby experience with the Crusaders. During his debut 2023 MLR season, Klein was a key backup to Sama Malolo, earning 15 caps, four starts, and scoring two tries as part of the Legion's record-setting 15-1 regular season, the best in league history per Narugbydb reporting.
His professional journey continued in New Zealand, playing for North Harbour in the 2023 NPC season alongside fellow Legion player Ben Grant. Klein then joined the Blues' wider training squad for Super Rugby in 2024, which precluded an MLR return that year, spending his time between the Blues and North Harbour. The Legion had previously announced Klein's return for their 2025 MLR season on November 2, 2024. Just a week later, Klein made his test debut for the USA, becoming Eagle #581, in a 17-24 victory against Portugal.
Implications for MLR and International Play
The URC season typically extends into mid-May, suggesting Klein’s commitments with Zebre Parma will keep him in Europe for the bulk of 2026. While a playoff return to the Legion for the 2026 season is a theoretical possibility depending on schedules and club agreements, he is firmly embedded with Zebre Parma for the beginning of their campaign. This move underscores a growing trend of American talent gaining experience in top-tier European competitions.
For ongoing Major League Rugby coverage, fans can anticipate how the Legion will adjust their squad given Klein’s European venture. His development in the URC, known for its high level of competition, will be closely watched by USA Rugby selectors as the Eagles continue to build towards future international challenges.