NZRU and USA Rugby forge deeper ties

More positive rugby developments in the United States...

NZRU Partners with USA Rugby

BOULDER, Colo. -- The New Zealand Rugby Union and USA Rugby have signed a formal agreement to promote rugby in the United States of America.

The Memorandum of Understanding will see the two Unions collaborate in areas ranging from community rugby to commercial development.

“The rugby world wants to see the game grow in the United States and we’re taking concrete steps to help USA Rugby,” said NZRU CEO Steve Tew.

As a first step, the NZRU will give coaching curricula and resources to USA Rugby at no charge, supporting the American Union’s youth, referee and coach development programs.

As well as resources to grow participation at the community level, the agreement will also see the two Unions explore opportunities for high-profile matches in the USA as well as age-grade competition between the two nations.

“We welcome New Zealand’s help as we work to tap the potential in the United States,” said USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville. “The coaching resources are an immediate benefit, but longer term we’d like to look at joint sponsorships, merchandise agreements and anything that can benefit both Unions.”

The agreement, which takes effect immediately, is for five years.

Source.

The same press release can be found at the NZRU website.

Updated NZ Herald story, including NZRU CEO Steve Tew mentioning the possibility of All Blacks tests in the USA, click here.