Pro14 chief forecasts inevitable US expansion
It is a matter of "when, not if" Pro14 expands to include a team from the east coast of the United States, according to the league's chief executive Martin Anayi.
The competition grew from 12 to 14 teams this season to include Southern Kings and Cheetahs from South Africa, who have lost their place in Super Rugby.
Newcastle Falcons are due to play a Premiership fixture against Saracens in Philadelphia on Saturday as part of a partnership between the league and American broadcaster NBC Sports.
And Anayi, who helped bring the South African sides to Pro14, is keen to tap into a potentially lucrative American market.
"We are thinking about what is next," Anayi said in an interview with The Times.
"The two teams in South Africa can change our game and change our tournament and if we get that right we shouldn't stop there.
"We would be looking to expand again at some stage. We have got to do things differently. When it comes to America we have to be innovative.
"The English have got a great thing going in Philadelphia and it will go really well.
"How do we play to our strengths as Celtic nations but also nations with huge diaspora, Italian and South African, around the world?
"What are the key markets to become global [as a competition]? We have had more than expressions of interest [in the US], we have had real solid business cases that would make it work on the east coast, and so it is a question of when, not if."
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Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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