NRFL Independence Cup Cancelled

Organizers of the Independence Cup have confirmed that the match is going to be cancelled as USA Rugby has declined to sanction the match between their National Rugby Football League Rough Riders and the Leicester Tigers of the Aviva Premiership. Originally set to take place August 8th at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the match was aimed to be the proof of concept for NRFL organizers to launch a professional six-team competition in 2016.

The NRFL has been much maligned in the public eye due to two aborted past attempts to get the Independence Cup played. The first of which was going to be played in 2013 against the London Irish. The NRFL had organized tryout camps to identify possible talent for their teams and were just a couple weeks away from sending 60 players to training camp to prepare for the match against Leicester. Former All Black Ali Williams was signed on to Captain the NRFL team in the match and more international players were going to be announced in the coming weeks, many of which are in the same class as Williams.

“Rugby is a rapidly growing game in the USA and the appearance of the Leicester Tigers would certainly have helped to create a buzz around the sport, together with NRFL’s proposals for a professional game there,” said Leicester Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen in the official release from the Tigers.

In the same release Cohen showed his frustration with USA Rugby speaking in harsh tones. “It is very disappointing that a fixture which would help to launch professional club rugby in the United States should be blocked by a national governing body charged with the development and growth of the game in their own country.”

“Our experience in this case could lead you to question whether USA Rugby is more keen to protect its own commercial interests than to serve and promote the game of rugby as a whole in their country. That is extremely disappointing in a sport keen to expand its appeal throughout the world.”

USA Rugby is currently working on the launch of their own professional competition and thus, the NRFL could be seen as competition leading the entire situation down a legal pathway. This is likely just the beginning of what could be a black eye for rugby in the USA. At a point in time where the sport is exploding, a heated court battle could discourage outside investment and sponsorship.

While the Independence Cup appears to be cancelled, organizers have received sanctioning for their Hemisphere Cup match pitting Saracens against the Crusaders. That match is set to be played in New Orleans on August 1st.

As a story that is currently in motion, we will continue to monitor and report on the situation as it develops.