Sydney Roosters
In a strategic move to enhance the global footprint of rugby league, the Sydney Roosters have announced a landmark Game Development Partnership with the USA Rugby League (USARL). This minimum three-year agreement signals a robust commitment to fostering rugby league talent and enthusiasm in the United States, a country traditionally dominated by sports like rugby union and American football (NFL).
The initiative builds on the momentum generated earlier this year when the Roosters were among four NRL teams to play the season opener in Las Vegas. This venture marked a significant step towards growing the sport internationally.
Central to this partnership is the establishment of the Roosters West Coast Rugby League Academy. The Academy will serve as a hub for identifying and developing promising young rugby league players, offering elite coaching and training programs for both male and female athletes across the U.S., particularly focused on the West Coast.
“We are extremely excited to partner with USA Rugby League,” said Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly to Roosters Media. “We believe this partnership will have a significant impact on the growth of the sport internationally, and we are incredibly optimistic as to the opportunities that exist to unearth future rugby league talent in the U.S.”
Kelly highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, noting that it will create unprecedented opportunities for aspiring athletes. “This collaboration will create unprecedented opportunities for both male and female athletes, establishing a clear pathway for those involved in or aspiring to join the sport.”
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between American sports and rugby league, leveraging the Academy to cultivate a new generation of players and enthusiasts. By introducing elite training programs and dedicated coaching, the initiative hopes to integrate rugby league into the U.S. sports landscape, traditionally overshadowed by the NFL.
If successful, this collaboration could significantly elevate the profile of rugby league in the U.S., nurturing talent and growing a dedicated fan base. The Sydney Roosters and USARL’s joint efforts symbolize a bold step towards globalizing the sport, with the potential to inspire a new wave of rugby league passion in America.
