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Rugby fans in the United States are set to be rewarded for their support of the sport, with the launch of the first professional rugby competition based in North America being announced.
The Professional Rugby Organisation (PRO) league, to be known as PRO Rugby, has been sanctioned by USA Rugby and World Rugby, and is set to play its first game in April, 2016.
The six-team league will play a ten-round competition spanning from April to July in major metropolitan areas in the Northeast, the Rocky Mountains and California, before being expanded to include a Canadian franchise in 2017.
Speaking on the announcement, USA Rugby Chairman Bob Latham stated: “As the fastest growing team sport in the USA, it is the time to have a sanctioned professional competition.”
“We are very happy to partner with PRO Rugby in taking this step to popularise the game, to inspire Americans to fall in love with rugby, and to show the rugby world what American players can do.”
PRO Rugby CEO, Doug Schoninger added, “Rugby is a natural fit for our country.”
“Participation and interest in the sport is at an all-time high and the demand for a professional competition is clear.”
The USA Eagles failed to secure a win throughout their four pool games at the recent Rugby World Cup, however put in heartening performances against Samoa, Scotland and Japan.
Strategically, the launch of the league will hope to piggyback off the recent World Cup hype, and ride the wave of interest the sport is set to receive from its inclusion in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“With the completion of the record-breaking 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, and the reintroduction of the sport into the 2016 Rio Olympics, now is the time to launch,” added Schoninger.
Information regarding venues, coaches and playing rosters are set to begin to be announced in the coming days.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.