Top English rugby talent to boost sport's US profile
English Premiership players and coaches will hold a series of rugby clinics to tie in with next month's match between Saracens and London Irish in suburban New York, it was announced Wednesday.
USA Rugby and the Premiership said the Try Rugby USA initiative would include coaching clinics in Newark, New Jersey, on February 20 and Houston, Texas, on March 13 as well as youth sessions in select areas.
Saracens are top of the Premiership standings while London Irish are languishing near the foot of the 12-team standings ahead of their landmark March 12 meeting at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
"There are ambitious plans to grow the game in the States and we are delighted to support these through our Try Rugby initiative," said Premiership Rugby community director Wayne Morris.
"The game between London Irish and Saracens is a significant day in the history of Premiership Rugby and one that has taken a number of years and a lot of hard work to bring to fruition."
The move comes as Pro Rugby plans to launch a US league with six teams in April, including San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and an Ohio team based in suburban Columbus.