International Rugby League (IRL) and the United States Association of Rugby League (USARL) have agreed a joint process to review the governance of the sport in the USA. The independent review will consider reforms in the unique context of the American sports landscape and involve input from interested parties in America.

USARL has been an IRL member since 2014 and is now seeking mutual alignment with the growing number of rugby league stakeholders in the United States and abroad.

The review will have a multi-phase approach and will conclude with recommendations to the Board of USARL on a structural model that will most effectively position the governing body to lead the sport and its many, diverse active proponents.

IRL Chair Troy Grant welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the USA, saying, “A key function of the international federation is to provide support for its members, so we were really pleased to enter into this partnership with USARL. I have previously commented on the importance of the USA to international rugby league and this opportunity to review the governance gives the sport the opportunity to ensure that the model accurately and effectively provides for the requirements of a major sport in the world’s largest sports market.”

Today the USA WhRL National team would like to introduce, Laverne! #USAWhRL #TeamUSAWhRL #RugbyLeague #WheelchairRL #WheelchairRugbyLeague #rlwc2021 #USArmy #usarmyveteran #veteran #wheelchairsport #Wheelchairathlete #adaptivesport #AdaptiveAthletes @adaptivesportsu pic.twitter.com/9V9IcsE06Q

— USAWhRL (@USAWhRL) November 12, 2021

USARL Chair Peter Illfield commented: “On behalf of the USARL Inc. Board of Directors and all stakeholders of Rugby League in the USA, issues with the national structure were submitted by members and other parties as concerns that may inhibit development, expansion and the overall sustainability of Rugby League in the USA. We are thankful the IRL has responded to our request for assistance that hopefully provides satisfactory compliance, acceptable reform and mutual alignment for all stakeholders who contribute to the growth and development of Rugby League in the USA. The USARL Inc. will commit to a fully inclusive and participatory role in a USARL-IRL joint process, and agree to support and collaborate in the reform agenda.”

Grant has invited a working party to expedite this project alongside USARL. The working party comprises David Butler, European Rugby League’s general manager; Danny Kazandjian, IRL secretary general; Dave Maiden, a senior manager from Queensland Rugby League, and Romeo Monteith, the Americas Regional Director.

Initially, IRL is seeking to consult with a broad range of existing rugby league stakeholders in the USA, including but not limited to clubs, national team players, regional organisations and current and former officers. If you would like to participate please see here.