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Major League Rugby (MLR) and the Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR) have entered into a formal negotiation period to ‘explore potential areas of strategic collaboration’, according to a press release issued on Thursday. After months of informal talks, the public declaration signals a clear intent between the two parties to form an alliance ahead of the 2019 MLR season.
It’s unclear at this point what specifically such an alliance would entail. Opportunities for coach and match official exchanges would immediately be beneficial. French rugby has a reputation for having poor strength and conditioning programs – a strength of American sport – while the USA has traditionally struggled in the technical aspects of the game. French officials keen to test their multilingual abilities could head stateside with American referees given a window into a more established professional match official environment.
Marketing looks to be another area of focus, and there remains a possibility of a new cross-continental club competition. The LNR currently administrates the top two divisions of French professional rugby – Top 14 and Pro D2 – but has openly stated its interest in creating a third tier. Synchronizing the new competition with MLR could well be a strategy employed to maximize exposure in the American market.
At the very least preseason engagements between American and French clubs are now distinct possibilities if not likelihoods. Most professional clubs also have well-established Academy systems that could be models for MLR sides whose own development programs are still in their infancy.
The release in its entirety can be read below.
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MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY AND THE LIGUE NATIONALE DE RUGBY ENTER STRATEGIC NEGOTIATIONS
The French Rugby League, Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), organizer and manager of the French TOP 14 and PRO D2 professional rugby championships and Major League Rugby (MLR), organizer of the US rugby championship, have agreed to enter into a negotiation period to explore potential areas of strategic collaboration between the two leagues.
Both institutions recognize the potential of an international partnership to spark growth, drive value for each organization and ultimately accelerate rugby’s growth on the global stage. Negotiations will be multi-faceted as MLR and LNR seek to identify common goals and areas of collaboration around TV, media and digital, player and referee development and other institutional and commercial topics.
Both the MLR and the LNR wish to conclude negotiations before the December 31, 2018.
Dean L. Howes, MLR Commissioner:
“For Rugby to succeed in the United States, the game has to continue to thrive and grow on the global stage. The potential partnership with LNR would be a powerful driver for the global game, linking competitions in two of the world’s largest global rugby markets.”
Paul Goze, LNR Chairman:
“This first agreement is part of our 2016-2020 Strategic Plan logic, which includes TOP 14 international brand development. Professional rugby needs to rise worldwide and the LNR wishes to be part of this development, being the organizer of the most attractive championship in the world.”
Alain Tingaud, LNR vice-Chairman:
“We’ve had many meetings with the MLR these last 10 months. LNR’s 20 years of experience in structuring and developing professional rugby in France with, for example, ambitious regulations on Academies, Marketing, or even the game regulations, are strategic topics for the MLR who has a strong ambition to develop its professional championship after a promising first season.”
