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USA Rugby has formally agreed to a strategic partnership with Major League Rugby. The deal was confirmed by USAR CEO Ross Young and MLR Commissioner Dean Howes during Saturday’s broadcast of the match in Houston and on Monday a formal statement was released.
The deal confirms that not only has MLR received formal sanctioning from USAR, but the two organizations will work closely to drive participation in the USA, form a cohesive high performance pathway, and increase the sport’s greater visibility across the country. Other considerations outlined in the release are player welfare, international release, and shared marketing initiatives.
USAR CEO Ross Young:
“It’s been exciting over this first year and half with Major League Rugby, evaluating strengths and challenges in lead up to this completed agreement. The advent of professional rugby is such a substantial step in advancement of the game, so we’re happy to have built a robust partnership to best find mutual support in each other.
“I want to thank Dean Howes, Nic Benson, and the team at MLR for their energy in this agreement, we very much look forward to this new chapter of American rugby.”
MLR Commissioner Dean Howes:
“This partnership is critical for rugby to reach its full potential in the United States. We have created the foundations of a partnership that aligns our goals so that we can work together to grow rugby’s share of the American sports market from youth participation through to MLR and the US national teams.”
It’s a major step ahead for the professional competition, stemming lingering concerns about sanctioning due to a previous agreement with the now-defunct PRO Rugby. Combined with impending expansion into major markets on the East coast, the long-term prospects of MLR have risen significantly in recent weeks.
