USA Rugby shoot down Pro12 talk

USA PRO Rugby chief executive Doug Schoninger has dismissed the Pro12’s hopes of creating a North American franchise.

Schoninger, whose fledgling five-team competition has just completed its first season, told The Rugby Paper: “There are a huge amount of hurdles to overcome including seasonality, logistics and fan engagement and I personally do not think it is viable.”

Irish Rugby Football Union chief executive Philip Browne revealed the Pro12’s bold ambition last month that forms part of their plan to remain financially competitive with the leading clubs in England and France.

USA chairman Bob Latham confirmed that early discussions have taken place about such an expansion but Schoninger does not believe it would be in the best interests of the sport in the country.

“The goal in the USA is to grow the game professionally to benefit USA players, coaches, refs, and fans and I do not believe a Pro12 team in the USA would accomplish that.

“I think the USA rugby community is flattered by the Pro12’s realisation that we are a desirable market but you’ll find that the devil is always in the details.”

Schoninger, who has personally bankrolled the first ever professional rugby union league in the States, believes the Pro12 should concentrate on increasing their reach in Europe.

He said: “I think the solution to their issues is to stay in their own backyard and partner with developing markets like Spain, Portugal and Germany.

“They are already in a European competition so I am not sure why they wouldn’t focus on expanding that idea.”

GRAHAM JENKINS