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Is professional rugby in the USA imminent? For a keen observer of rugby in the land considered the sleeping giant of the game, the question of when rugby would take the next step in its development and establish a professional league here has always been uncertain.
For many years the question has been subject to rumour and speculation. Many a supposition has come and gone.
So when rumours began to circulate that aside from the USA Rugby-sanctioned Grand Prix Rugby sevens competition, no less than three groups were working to establish a fifteen-a-side professional league, we could have been forgiven for disregarding them.
However, news has become apparent regarding one such group. According to Rugbymag.com, who broke the story, a western-US-based professional rugby union competition is to be announced in coming weeks.
Why exclusively the western US? Quite simply, the group involved are looking to tap into rugby’s traditional strongholds to the west of the Mississippi.
While there is a vibrant and growing rugby scene in the east, the effort to maintain expenses at an acceptable level in the initial establishment phase means that initially the league will be restricted. This doesn’t however rule out eastern squads joining over time.
Another reason to focus initially on the west is that this league will not be confined to the United States. By best guess at least one Canadian party will be involved.
Remarkably, this proposal seems to be following the speculative highlight Tim Horan supplied during the Rugby World Cup.
Furthermore, while the top level of rugby currently falls somewhere between the club-based Rugby Super League and the top-tier Division 1 teams, teams within this new league will be looking to emulate the Utah Warriors model.
One organization, independent of club affiliation, representing a city or region. It’s reasonable to expect that the Warriors may either look to join or were involved in the planning stages for the league.
Early word tends to focus on a ten-team league, and discussion regarding their locations have begun in earnest, from the obvious in Utah and Denver to the unexpected in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Even speculation regarding a team based in Northern California has emerged, with the obvious locale being San Francisco, while solid arguments have been made for Sacramento. Questions regarding facilities have also become hot topics.
Finally, and if true then this is a bit of a coup, an agreed-upon TV broadcasting agreement has been alluded to in the original article. Exciting news if true, though time will ultimately be the judge. Let’s hope there’s more to come.
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.