On May 10th, a message was put out announcing that New Orleans, home to one of the future Major League Rugby teams, had started talks to partner with French Rugby Union Professional team, Clermont Auvergne. Clermont Avergne plays in the Top 14 professional league and European Cup, where they face teams like, Ulster Rugby or Exeter Rugby.
Unknown are the details of the terms of what their partnership will entail, but we have no doubt that there would be a financial and branding benefit for Clermont Auvergne. It would be a great look for the french team, considering the French influence that is inherent in New Orleans culture.
This wouldn’t be the first french based rugby team that has looked into investing in an American rugby team who is trying to go professional. Austin Huns had created a partnership with French professional team, PRO 12, back in 2016.
With the MLR set to launch their opening season in the Spring of 2018, New Orleans is working very hard to setup the proper foundations to field a competitive and properly represented team for this attempt at American professional rugby.
Here is the full email that was provided to the New Orleans Rugby mailing group:
Ruggers, hoist a pint to the future this Saturday at Finn McCool’s
New Orleans is working on a partnership with the French club Clermont Auvergne to develop Major League Rugby in the Crescent City.
On Saturday, Clermont Auvergne plays in the European Champions Cup, facing the Sacacens, beginning 11 am CT.
Come watch the game at Finn McCool’s and show your support. We’ll be sending photos to our potential new partners of New Orleans rugby cheering them on. You can find out more about the partnership developments at the pub.
Finn McCool’s
3701 Banks St., 70119
Major League Rugby will be a nine team league, based around the United States. Teams that will be participating are: New Orleans, Houston Strikers, Austin Huns, Glendale Raptors, Rugby Utah, Dallas Griffins, Minnesota, Seattle Saracens, and Kansas City Blues.