WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Seriously doubt we'll anything from PRO Rugby this year or ever again. The organisation has effectively destroyed all the collective goodwill that once existed among the Rugby community in the States. Which is kind of vital at the moment. From everything I've read and heard the organisation doesn't like payong its bills. Ranging fro, player and coaches salaries, facilities and vendors right up to the league's doctor.
There was a lot of noise late last year after USARugby CEO Dan Payne met with PRO Rugby's owner where they utilised a 30 day contract realease claise for all players as what seemed like a game of chicken.
Since then, they have stated that pre-season will start in April but that seems dubious at best. The players simply won't play for them. There currently is a motion filed in what appears to be Colorado which has yet to be resolved. No one is sure who filed it as it has a value of $150m attached to it. But a theory is that it's on behalf of USARugby in order to get PRO to leave willingly as opposed to chucking a tantrum when USARugby will likely infor, them that their sanctioing will not be renewed come October this year.
The Pro 12 have been eyeing up Nth America for a while now apparently. Officials have made several trips in the last few years. Supposedly, they are eyeing up a team in Toronto which they believe would play out of BMO Field as according to reports from the British media is getting a roof as part of its upgrade. However, according to every Canadian source I've seen, that's simply not true. So unless they are planning on moving their season to align more with ours Toronto seems a little foolish.
They have mentioned using Vancouver as a secondary base but that isn't particularly promising when trying to capture a new market. Splitting games. Personally, unless they do intend to shift their season they should be looking at Vancouver as the location of a Canadian franchise.
As for the US franchise. New York has been mentioned by Pro 12 but Washington is another option. The Chairman of the USA Rugby Board Will Chang owns a sizeable stake in DC United in the MLS (also SF Giants in MLB) and they have just opened their brand new 20,000 stadium Audi Arena. But like Toronto there are weather concerns and Houston has popped up as a viable alternative. And it is.
In all, I don't know how likely these franchises are. USA Rugby have just released their long awaited strategic plan and it does identify the need to develop 6 keys markets. Markets that would most appeal to foreign leagues if I might add. Plus 3 or 4 secondary markets as well. So. I'd say its currently less likely than likely but that could change tomorrow.
For now the only solid group is Rugby United Marketing who are behind Major League Rugby. This will be a 9 team league built around the existing Rugby communities in their respective locales. They have set criteria including the need to present a professional package in regards to game day experience and each group involved has to meet strict financial minimums. At least 4 of the clubs have stadiums in the works ranging from 4,000 to 11,000 seats. Those with 4,000 have future expansion plans for up to 11,000.
There was a lot of noise late last year after USARugby CEO Dan Payne met with PRO Rugby's owner where they utilised a 30 day contract realease claise for all players as what seemed like a game of chicken.
Since then, they have stated that pre-season will start in April but that seems dubious at best. The players simply won't play for them. There currently is a motion filed in what appears to be Colorado which has yet to be resolved. No one is sure who filed it as it has a value of $150m attached to it. But a theory is that it's on behalf of USARugby in order to get PRO to leave willingly as opposed to chucking a tantrum when USARugby will likely infor, them that their sanctioing will not be renewed come October this year.
The Pro 12 have been eyeing up Nth America for a while now apparently. Officials have made several trips in the last few years. Supposedly, they are eyeing up a team in Toronto which they believe would play out of BMO Field as according to reports from the British media is getting a roof as part of its upgrade. However, according to every Canadian source I've seen, that's simply not true. So unless they are planning on moving their season to align more with ours Toronto seems a little foolish.
They have mentioned using Vancouver as a secondary base but that isn't particularly promising when trying to capture a new market. Splitting games. Personally, unless they do intend to shift their season they should be looking at Vancouver as the location of a Canadian franchise.
As for the US franchise. New York has been mentioned by Pro 12 but Washington is another option. The Chairman of the USA Rugby Board Will Chang owns a sizeable stake in DC United in the MLS (also SF Giants in MLB) and they have just opened their brand new 20,000 stadium Audi Arena. But like Toronto there are weather concerns and Houston has popped up as a viable alternative. And it is.
In all, I don't know how likely these franchises are. USA Rugby have just released their long awaited strategic plan and it does identify the need to develop 6 keys markets. Markets that would most appeal to foreign leagues if I might add. Plus 3 or 4 secondary markets as well. So. I'd say its currently less likely than likely but that could change tomorrow.
For now the only solid group is Rugby United Marketing who are behind Major League Rugby. This will be a 9 team league built around the existing Rugby communities in their respective locales. They have set criteria including the need to present a professional package in regards to game day experience and each group involved has to meet strict financial minimums. At least 4 of the clubs have stadiums in the works ranging from 4,000 to 11,000 seats. Those with 4,000 have future expansion plans for up to 11,000.
