Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The play on the field yesterday may have been tense for the Harlequins and Eagles, but the relations in the board room was much less frosty. Prior to kick off of the match yesterday in Philadelphia, Harlequins announced the signing of a partnership with USA Rugby that will see the England-based side become more involved in the American rugby community. The deal will also open the door to more exhibition matches for the Harlequins in the USA.
“This is a significant day for Harlequins as we announce our long term plans for our involvement with rugby in the United States,” added David Ellis, Chief Executive of Harlequins, in a press release from USA Rugby.
“USA Rugby is developing rapidly, with well-founded ambitions to compete for the highest honors on the rugby world stage in the coming years. The bedrock of this ambition is strong community programs, from youth to college to club, as well as the development of a strong professional game to capture and nurture the fabulous athletes that are prevalent across America.”
“Today we are committing our expertise and widespread resource into a developing partnership with USA Rugby to strengthen our great sport here in the United States.”
A key component in the agreement is the Harlequins involvement in assisting USA Rugby with bridging the gap from amateur to professional play. The Harlequins already share relationships with the Dallas Harlequins and Hawaii Harlequins. The Premiership side is now looking to build more relationships around the country.
With the recent investment by the RFU in RIM (USA Rugby’s for-profit arm) and the number of English Premiership sides that are looking to come to the USA, the move by the Harlequins comes as little surprise. It is also well timed as Harlequins have gotten ahead of their English competition in striking a deal with USA Rugby.
