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 foreign 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 Payne, 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 Pro12’s ambitions for North America have indicated Houston and Vancouver as potential locations for teams.
In his statement, Payne said: “We recognize the significant contribution that PRO has given rugby in the USA and we are 100% 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 … 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 recognized 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.
The Denver prop Chris Baumann is playing for Wellington in New Zealand, while the English center Dom Waldouck returned home after a successful spell with Ohio to sign for Newcastle. On Wednesday Langilangi Haupeakui, a Californian No8 who played for the Sacramento Express and earned a USA cap, signed to play in the Pro12 for Glasgow.
- This article was amended on 22 September 2016. We stated in error that Spike Davis had signed for the Tasman Makos in New Zealand. The headline was also altered, to better reflect the content of a statement from USA Rugby.
