 |
| Photo: Michael Kreizenbeck |
"We are excited to launch PRO Rugby in Sacramento and five other cities around the United States," said Schoniger. "Sacramento wasn't on my personal radar until I came out to the Eagles-Japanese game in July of last year. When I came out here I said we have to include Sacramento. The reason you're first is that you represent our values...there is nothing more American than this place."
Just to shed a little more light on the partnerships with Spectra, PRO Rugby will own each team and run them centrally from New York but they will have partners on the ground to help run the day to day operations likes selling tickets, staffing the matches, etc.
Take the jump to read more and see film of the press conference.
"Bonney Field was created to serve as a community gathering spot for sports and entertainment activities in the Sacramento region," said Nicora. "We welcome PRO Rugby to this community which has shown great support for its professional sports teams."
Here are a few more notes from the press conference.
--According to Schoniger, most of the markets in the league are bigger than Sacramento. Intially Sacramento wasn't on the radar but then it came to his attention last summer. There will be a diverse mix of teams market wise. Some will be in larger venues, some smaller venues. (We've already seen some of that with PPL Park likely to host the Philadelphia team but the San Francisco team playing out of Boxer Stadium.)
--The history of club rugby and rugby in Northern California is thriving. Schoniger stressed the local support for the Eagles last July even with a match in San Jose the week before.
--Schoniger felt that there would be room for rugby in Sacramento even with the Kings and the Republic looking to move to MLS. He says that rugby will grow as fans turn to more nontraditional sports.
--There will be a competition after the New Year to name the teams. The teams will choose the colors but that's it.
--Pickering stressed that Cal Expo has a large following on Facebook and that there can be a lot of exposure for rugby.
--Schoniger said that previous attempts to start professional rugby in America were non-starts in that they weren't sanctioned by World Rugby.
--There will be a player draft. That will be announced in January with coaches on board by the end of the year.
*A big thanks to Michael Kreizenbeck for the video below. It's flips upside down a few minutes in but the audio is still good!