The Professional Rugby Organization held its first two matches on April 17 in Denver and Sacramento, and league organizers viewed the openers "as an important first step in building the sport" in the U.S., according to Emma Stoney of the N.Y. TIMES. First-week attendance was "estimated at 2,300 in Denver and 3,400 in Sacramento." Data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association shows an estimated 1.2 million people play rugby in the U.S., and Pro Rugby Founder Doug Schoninger has "tapped into the already existing grass-roots rugby communities" for the league's debut season. He also "hopes to develop the league further and increase rugby’s footprint" in the U.S. Schoninger is "bankrolling the five-team league," with franchises also located in San Diego, S.F. and Obetz, Ohio. There are "already plans to add teams next year." This year's 12-game season "will run through late July, with most weekends featuring two matches, and the league hopes to draw 3,000 to 4,000 fans a game." The league is "sanctioned by USA Rugby and World Rugby, the sport’s global governing body, which has allowed some rule changes to cater to the American audience." Matches are "being shown free on AOL" and will also air on cable net One World Sports. The league currently is "too small to attract major broadcasters or corporate sponsors." Pro Rugby also is set up as a "single-entity league," similar to the MLS model. Wages for Pro Rugby players are "smaller," with the "top tier making about $35,000 for the season" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/26).
