URC BOSSES EYE SHOCK US MOVE

THE United Rugby Championship is considering expanding into the US, with Chicago and Miami potential destinations for two new franchises.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

There is a big drive to improve rugby in the US given they are hosting the World Cup in 2031, and the URC could include two American sides in the future.

The URC is no stranger to expansion having initially started as a Celtic league before inviting Italian and South African teams into the competition.

Georgian outfit Black Lion have also been in negotiations with the URC but the US route is being seriously considered.

Were the URC to allow two US sides into the competition, there would have to be a significant financial uplift to its current shareholders, while the cost of travel and player welfare would also have to be taken into consideration.