Utah RLA to form independent affiliate

Pacific Coast Rugby League and Utah Rugby League Association have reached an agreement which will see URLA leave the PCRL umbrella and become their own independent affiliate under USARL. This is an exciting step for the further development and growth of the game in Utah, and PCRL are thrilled to have been a part of that journey.

PCRL Secretary Ben C Calverley looks forward to a continuing relationship with the URLA: “We have seen the tremendous growth of rugby league in Utah over the last eighteen months or so, and that is down to the incredible hard work of people like Mel and George Tupou. It was always probably the long term plan that Utah should govern themselves as a part of the overall USARL picture, and we wish them all the best and will continue to work closely with them to grow the game here on the west coast.”

URLA head Mel Tupou said, “This isn’t the end of anything, it’s the beginning of a beautiful relationship. PCRL has been great to us and we look forward to many years of fostering growth together for rugby league in America. Rugby league on the west coast is exploding and we are here for it! Men, women and youth are getting opportunities that weren’t even considered before. We are grateful for PCRL playing our big brother role and showing us the way!”

The Utah champions in the regular season will compete against the PCRL champions for the West Coast title, with the winners progressing to the USARL National Championships.