Expansion talks between Rugby Canada and Pro Rugby North America collapse
TORONTO — Talks to add Canadian teams to Pro Rugby North America have broken down.
The Pro Rugby league, founded by New York financier Doug Schoninger, debuted this year with teams in Denver, Ohio, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco. There had been expectations that Canada would soon join the league.
Rugby Canada CEO Allen Vansen said that while there was disagreement over a number of issues, an exclusivity clause that would have prevented Rugby Canada from sanctioning any other professional rugby organization was the primary stumbling block.
“Rugby Canada greatly appreciates the investment Mr. Schoninger and Pro Rugby are making in the development of professional Rugby in North America,” Vansen said in a statement. “However, we cannot limit and restrict the opportunities that established international professional rugby would bring to Canada for the benefit of our players and the growth of the game.”