Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
RugbyLaw, the embattled organization behind the Independence and Hemisphere Cup matches that were scheduled for this Summer and then cancelled amidst controversy, announced on Friday that they have parted ways with co-founder George “Mac” Robertson.
A release from RugbyLaw stated, “As of today George “Mac” Robertson is no longer with RugbyLaw and the National Rugby Football League. This changes nothing regarding our plans to begin league play in 2016. More information on future plans will be announced at a later date. We wish George well and thank him for his contribution.”
Sources close to the organization confirmed that Robertson had been bought out of his share of the organization by co-founder Michael Clements, who had remained out of the press and spotlight for most of the organization’s existence.
Robertson, who had been vocal in the rugby community, responded with the following release, “I enjoyed my time with RugbyLaw, LLC and felt we did great things for rugby in the USA. RugbyLaw, I am certain, will carry on in good hands and will continue to do great things. I wish Mike Clements well.”
“I take great pride and satisfaction in the contribution I have provided premiership rugby in the USA, no matter how the approach was “out of the box” thinking. There is every indication that the approach we designed and have begun to implement is the only path worth taking to bring premiership rugby XV to the USA. I made many errors, but that has provided a rare education of great value.”
At this point, it is unclear of what the future holds for RugbyLaw and the NRFL. The setbacks suffered this Summer will be difficult to overcome. In the wake of recent events an opportunity exists for the organization to regroup. After a string of cancellations, gaining the confidence of the rugby community has to be a chief concern as is coming to some sort of working relationship with USA Rugby.
