RFL’s name copied by rugby union competition

When we here the name RFL – Rugby Football League – we think of our great sport’s governing body.

However, that name has now been copied by a rugby union competition – our sport’s great rival since it broke away in 1895 to create the Northern Union.

The World RFL is a rugby union sevens competition set to host its first major event in New York in the shape of the NYC Champion Sevens which will take place in Red Bull Arena in July.

The likes of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, France, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya and Unite States are all set to compete.

According to Sports Events, “The World RFL was founded to establish America’s first professional major rugby sevens league. The league’s start-up will target expansion of two playoff tournaments leading to the RFL’s 2024 Champion Sevens, with the three tournaments in 2024 offering a total prize of $4 million. Through collaboration with USA Rugby, the World RFL has committed to developing the league’s six-year growth into the top 16 U.S. media markets, producing and distributing a range of sports, entertainment, and gaming content; marketing initiatives; and grassroots programs aimed at educating and engaging America and the world’s rugby fans and players.”

“The World RFL’s inaugural event will showcase World Rugby’s greatest sevens teams fighting for World Rugby’s richest-ever prize of $1 million cash,” said William Tatham, Esq., World RFL founder and commissioner.

“It’s only fitting that this great championship be live on the industry-leading sports streaming service, ESPN+.”