France captain Antoine Dupont, extensively considered one of the best rugby participant of his era, has taken an possession stake in Rugby Soccer Membership Los Angeles, the Main League Rugby franchise mentioned on Thursday.
The 28-year-old scrumhalf joins RFCLA’s possession group alongside his firm, Ouest Coast.
The transfer marks a big milestone for rugby in america forward of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and earlier than the lads’s and ladies’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 respectively.
Dupont, who has been named World Rugby Participant of the Yr and captained membership and nation to main titles in 15-a-side and sevens competitions, mentioned he was drawn by the chance to assist develop the game’s profile within the U.S.
“Rugby is greater than only a sport; it is a group with robust values,” Dupont mentioned in a press release.
“I am excited by the chance to develop rugby’s reputation within the States and set up an brisk hub of rugby tradition that pulls gamers, followers, groups, and companions from around the globe.”
The transfer is a coup for RFCLA, presently in its second season in MLR, a fast-growing league based in 2017 as the primary skilled rugby competitors in North America.
The franchise sees Dupont’s involvement as a catalyst for its ambitions in high-performance rugby and industrial improvement.
“We really feel very privileged that Antoine has chosen RFCLA because the pathway to encourage new rugby gamers and followers,” mentioned RFCLA CEO Pete Sickle.
“His imaginative and prescient for integrating the athleticism and core values of rugby will show invaluable to constructing a vivid future for the game in LA and throughout the U.S.”Henry Pollock’s title, it felt like the entire of Northampton was packed into the place. Pollock’s title triggered a humungous roar.
– Tom Hamilton profiles Henry Pollock’s unbelievable rise to Lions bolter
– Sam Bruce: In Aussie view, no Owen Farrell means no worry issue
– British & Irish Lions fixtures for Australia tour
– The total 38-man Lions squad
– WATCH: The second Maro Itoje was named Lions captain
