The founder of the defunct PRO Rugby league has sued USA Rugby, its for-profit arm Rugby Int’l Marketing and several executives, claiming they promoted the competing startup Major League Rugby and otherwise undermined his efforts while he had exclusive rights to professionalizing 15-man rugby. N.Y. businessman and PRO Rugby Owner Douglas Schoninger said he spent $6M of his own money to launch PRO Rugby in '17, during which it operated a single season before collapsing amid numerous complaints of unpaid bills. Schoninger has said he could not continue the league because of a breach of contract by USA Rugby, which effectively controls professionalization of rugby through the sanctioning power. Players who currently play for sanctioned clubs or national teams can be punished for participating in unsanctioned competitions. In his suit, Schoninger claims former USA Rugby Chair Will Chang, former BOD member Chad Keck and Glendale, Colo., Mayor Mike Dunafon intended all along to let him take the risk of a startup and then “retake” a league if it succeeded. The suit also alleges USA Rugby began promoting Major League Rugby while Schoninger still had the sanction. USA Rugby did not respond to requests for comment. Schoninger wants his costs back and other damages. The suit was filed Tuesday in Boulder County, Colo., District Court. The suit comes as USA Rugby and RIM are dealing with major financial problems and extensive turnover. Chang and Keck have both left the board.
