The startup Major League Rugby has retained former U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association CMO MIKE JAQUET as a consultant on media and sponsorship sales as the property looks to launch in '18. Jaquet will oversee all commercial efforts for the league, but will not become a full-time employee. The Salt Lake City-based league, a coalition of nine existing 15-man amateur clubs and new investors, wants to keep central office expenses low so is avoiding adding permanent head count. Jaquet said that dovetails well with his intention to build a diversified consulting business. Jaquet: "It’s big project, but at the same time I’m still working on some other consulting projects that allow me to operate in multiple different sports." Jaquet was recruited to the league by Commissioner DEAN HOWES, a founding partner and former CEO for Real Salt Lake. In a statement, Howes said, "We are excited to be able to tap in to Michael’s experience in the sports media and sponsorship space.” MLR is one of at least five different organizations with hopes of launching pro rugby leagues in the next two years.
