MLR Leaders Hail Players Union Deal as US League Heads for Six-Team Season
Leaders from both Major League Rugby and the United States Rugby Players Association have celebrated a new collective bargaining agreement, marking a pivotal moment for professional men's rugby in the United States. This deal comes after a challenging off-season that saw significant franchise exits and mergers, reducing the league to just six teams.
A New Standard for US Rugby
Chris Mattina, executive director of the United States Rugby Players Association and a former US Eagles wing, expressed satisfaction with the negotiations. "We are happy with where the talks landed," Mattina stated. "It was a really good-faith negotiation with the league. We think this really sets a new standard. It increases the protections for players, but also stabilizes the league and sets it up for success."
Graeme Bradbury, MLR's co-president, echoed this sentiment, calling the agreement "a momentous occasion." He emphasized that the CBA provides labor stability and establishes ground standards for player treatment. However, a source close to the negotiations, speaking anonymously, described the situation leading to the deal as "a shitshow," highlighting the tumultuous backdrop of franchise departures.
Addressing Player Concerns
The new CBA aims to address longstanding issues faced by players, as revealed in previous reports. Nick Civetta, an Eagles second-row forward, recounted playing on outdated fields that contributed to injuries, while Kyle Breytenbach, a lock from South Africa, shared struggles with financial instability and insurance. The agreement includes provisions for injured players and free agents, enhanced health and safety protections, and a $2,000 advance payment to each player before the season.
In response to the crisis, MLR has refocused on US-eligible players, affecting Canadian players formerly classified as domestic. A source noted that the minimum wage for a young American player, covering pre-season through playoffs, is now nearly $17,000. Mattina highlighted the inclusion of an economic reopener clause, allowing for future negotiations based on league performance and player feedback.
Looking Ahead to the Season and Beyond
The MLR season kicks off on March 28, with the California Legion facing Anthem RC of North Carolina. Bradbury outlined plans to Americanize the presentation of games to improve audience retention, without altering rules. "We've never had a problem getting people through the door for the first time," he said. "What we've had a problem with is getting people to stay and to understand what's actually happening in the game."
This focus aligns with preparations for upcoming World Cups hosted in the US in 2031 and 2033. In related news, Women's Elite Rugby announced its season two schedule, with games moved to summer to accommodate international play. USA Rugby also revealed spring home games for the women's Eagles, part of World Rugby's strategy to grow the sport in the US.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby CEO, emphasized the importance of these developments, stating, "The US is at the heart of our global strategy to grow the reach, visibility and impact ahead of men's and women's Rugby World Cups being hosted in the US."
