SCRUMMIN' UP A NEW RUGBY LEAGUE IN THE UNITED STATES?

          News Corp. Chair Rupert Murdoch and adidas are
     "involved in negotiations" to start a pro rugby league in
     the U.S., according to Paul Ackford of the LONDON TELEGRAPH,
     who wrote that "initial proposals" have a system of 8-12
     professional teams, involving up to 125 foreign players. 
     Ackford added that "initial running costs are estimated" at
     US$16M and the teams would play in a tournament for Fox TV.
     Int'l Board Chair Vernon Pugh: "If it's done under the
     governance of the American Rugby Football Union and properly
     controlled it might be what we need for rugby to make an
     impact in the US.  If, on the other hand, it is simply a
     circus, feeding off other countries' players, then that will
     have a big down side to it."  Ackford wrote that "the man
     behind the scheme" is U.S. national rugby team coach & GM
     Jack Clark.  Clark, on a potential league: "It will come to
     fruition.  It's going to happen.  It's perfect for America
     and our sport is ready" (LONDON TELEGRAPH, 7/25).