World Rugby revives talks to raise funds for US expansion, sources say

5/10/2024 18:44

        Rugby union's governing body, World Rugby, has rekindled talks to raise funds for growing the sport in the United States.
        
        Three people familiar with the matter said, Dublin-based WR, led by CEO Alan Gilpin, could use the funds raised to invest in the U.S. by creating a new league or investing in existing ones.
        
        The governing body first explored options in 2021, including selling a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights that would be used to fund other areas of the sport, Sky News reported at the time, but a deal never materialised.
        
        The revival of talks would be a test of appetite for the sport in the U.S. as it builds towards hosting the 2031 men's World Cup and 2033 women's World Cup.
        The quadrennial men's tournament was last year won by South Africa in France and is next scheduled to take place in Australia in 2027. It is by far the biggest generator of funds for the sport which turned professional in 1995.