NEWS
Major League Rugby and the Ligue Nationale De Rugby Enter Strategic Negotiations
Photo: Davey Wilson
Major League Rugby and the Ligue Nationale De Rugby Enter Strategic Negotiations
The French Rugby League, Ligue Nationale de Rugby (LNR), organizer and manager of the French TOP 14 and PRO D2
professional rugby championships and Major League Rugby (MLR), organizer of the US rugby championship, have agreed
to enter into a negotiation period to explore potential areas of strategic collaboration between the two leagues.
Both institutions recognize the potential of an international partnership to spark growth, drive value for each organization
and ultimately accelerate rugby’s growth on the global stage. Negotiations will be multi-faceted as MLR and LNR seek to
identify common goals and areas of collaboration around TV, media and digital, player and referee development and
other institutional and commercial topics.
Both the MLR and the LNR wish to conclude negotiations before December 31, 2018.
Dean L. Howes, MLR Commissioner: For Rugby to succeed in the United States, the game has to continue to thrive and
grow on the global stage. The potential partnership with LNR would be a powerful driver for the global game, linking
competitions in two of the world’s largest global rugby markets.
Paul Goze, LNR Chairman: This first agreement is part of our 2016-20203 Strategic Plan logic, which includes TOP 14
international brand development. Professional rugby needs to raise worldwide and the LNR wishes to be part of this
development, being the organizer of the most attractive championship in the world.
Alain Tingaud, LNR vice-Chairman: We’ve had many meetings with the MLR these last 10 months. LNR 20 years’
experience in structuring and developing professional rugby in France with, for example, ambitious regulations on
Academies, Marketing, or even the game regulations, are strategic topics for the MLR who has a strong ambition to
develop its professional championship after a promising first season.
MEDIA CONTACT
LNR : Emmanuelle VARRON – emmanuelle.varron@lnr.fr – +33 (0)1 55 07 87 51
Photo: Davey Wilson Photography
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