The chief executive of USA Rugby, Dan Payne, on Thursday expressed his support for the country's first professional league, PRO Rugby, in light of reports of planned North American expansion by European competitions and clubs.
“There is currently a lot of interest in our country from abroad,” Dan Payne said in a statement. “Although we commit to leaving no stone unturned when it comes to reviewing opportunities to build awareness and participation in our country, it’s important that we reiterate the support we have toward PRO Rugby North America after successfully completing their first season.
“Any outside competition would have to align within the strategy and plan we are developing that is focused on growing the game within our borders.”
Speaking to the Guardian, PRO Rugby owner Doug Schoninger said: "The most important thing is the development of rugby in America. Anything that helps is welcome, and anything that does not is not."
Payne’s statement came after two days of meetings in New York involving stakeholders in the US game, among them Schoninger and representatives of
Atavus, a Seattle-based private company that runs national academies and pursues crossover initiatives with football.
Martin Anayi, tournament director of the Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Italian Pro12, was also in the city. Earlier this month, remarks about potential North American expansion made by Anayi and World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper, as well as reports of interest from French giants Toulon and Super Rugby, prompted Schoninger to say that any contravention of his sanctioning agreement with USA Rugby might prompt a radical reshaping of the PRO Rugby competition, to rely more on imported talent.
In its first season, which ran from April to July, PRO Rugby operated five teams and employed a majority of American players. The first champions were the Denver Stampede. Plans for 2017 include possible expansion to Canada, Chicago and the east coast, potentially in or around Boston and New York.
Reports on Pro 12’s ambitions for North America have indicated Houston and Vancouver as potential locations for teams.
In his statement, Payne said: “We recognise the significant contribution that PRO has given rugby in the USA and we are 100 per cent committed to working together to support the leagues continued growth.
“This includes the manner in which we would evaluate if and how any outside competition interested in entering our country might impact those efforts. Any future international expansion would be strategically co-ordinated within our overall plan and also benefit our partners by growing awareness, rising the overall tide, etc, or it wouldn’t make sense.”
He concluded: “We also have to extend our appreciation to all of the coaches, players, staff and fans that made year one a reality. PRO was able to achieve something that was never achieved before. This should be recognised and applauded.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where season two stacks up, thanks to the valuable experience the competition gained in season one.”
Players who were involved in season one of PRO Rugby have subsequently signed elsewhere. In New Zealand, the Denver prop Chris Baumann is playing for Wellington and the Ohio winger Spike Davis joined the Tasman Makos.
The English centre Dom Waldouck returned home after a successful spell with Ohio, to sign for Newcastle, while on Wednesday Langilangi Haupeakui, a Californian number eight who played for the Sacramento Express in season one of PRO Rugby and subsequently earned a USA cap, signed to play in the Pro 12 for Glasgow.
(Guardian service)
