Rugby United New York co-owners John Layfield and Irishman James Kennedy believe their team has the foundations to make a big impression when they enter Major League Rugby next season.
The New York based side play the Boston Mystics tomorrow afternoon in Gaelic Park. It will be a season of exhibition matches before entering the Major League next year.
"I see fantastic opportunity for growth in the game here; and it has grown tremendously in New York alone in the last ten years. The numbers are mind boggling,' said Kennedy
Layfield backed up Kennedy's claim about the huge numbers playing the sport in the state. The WWE commentator claimed there are 54 active clubs in New York City.
"There are 54 clubs in New York City alone, rugby clubs. 55,000 kids in inner cities alone, and that's not including the public schools."
Major League rugby signed broadcast deals with CBS and ESPN. The pair believe this will give the sport the eyes and platform to further escalate the popularity, and increase the brand of Major League Rugby in the United States.
"The growth of Major League soccer has been absolutely phenomonal, and you're seeing the same pattern and people that built that, build Major League Rugby. Getting CBS Sports to carry 'Game of the week' - I thought was huge. And now getting ESPN to carry all the other games. We now have two of the best brands, at least in North America, probably the World."
The MLR’s inaugural season launches next month. You can watch the full interview on our Youtube channel and/or watch above.
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