Quins and Yanks form Alliance
This alliance will see Harlequins contribute to development of the game in the US and to promote the brand of the club.
The partnership will enable the continuing development of Rugby Union in America, assisting the sport's governing body to bridge the gap between the amateur and professional games as well as supporting player pathways for all age groups.
A key focus will be on augmenting the sport at grassroots level and developing the professional game across both sevens and 15-man formats, in men's and women's rugby.
Harlequins will continue to work with its existing affiliate clubs, Dallas Harlequins and Hawaii Harlequins to build and strengthen their activity locally, while simultaneously creating additional relationships in other areas of the country.
David Ellis, Chief Executive of Harlequins commented: "This is a significant day for Harlequins as we announce our long-term plans for our involvement with the game in the United States.
"US Rugby is developing rapidly, with well-founded ambitions to compete for the highest honours on the world stage in the coming years.
"The bedrock of this ambition is strong community programmes, from youth to college to club, as well as the development of a strong professional game to capture and nurture the fabulous athletes that are prevalent across America.
"Today [sunday] we are committing our expertise and widespread resource into a developing partnership with US Rugby to strengthen the sport here in the United States."
As an extension of last Sunday's match, where the Harlequins managed to defeat the Eagles 24-19, Harlequins and US Rugby will continue to facilitate exhibition matches on an annual basis for Harlequins to compete in to help grow the game's audiences globally.
The partnership will help drive the Harlequins brand across America, developing it into new territories and new businesses to continue to grow the Club's sustainability.
Nigel Melville, USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer added: "We are incredibly excited to be playing host to Harlequin FC this weekend.
"Harlequins is a global brand with existing ties to a number of clubs across the globe and we are delighted to be partnering with them to support the development of the game across our country.
"This is the beginning of what promises to be a strong partnership with an established brand."
Established in 1975, USA Rugby is the governing body for the sport of rugby in America and a member of the United States Olympic Committee.
Currently headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, USA Rugby is charged with developing the game on all levels and has more than 95,000 active members, with more than 29,000 playing collegiate, and 35,000 playing senior club rugby.
USA Rugby oversees four national teams, multiple collegiate and high school All-American sides, and an emerging Olympic development pathway for elite athletes.
It also hosts more than 30 national playoff and championship events each year as a service to its members.
