Rugby-World Rugby partners with USA Rugby and MLR in new expansion club

FILE PHOTO: Jul 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The New England Free Jacks celebrate after defeating the San Diego Legion 25-24 for the Major League Rugby Championship at Seat Geek Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/File Photo

(Reuters) - USA Rugby, Major League Rugby (MLR) and World Rugby announced a partnership on Friday to launch a new expansion club to promote the development of the game in the U.S. as the country prepares to host the Rugby World Cup.

The new club Anthem Rugby Carolina (RC), mainly featuring young Americans, is to be based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will join the 2024 MLR season, playing at the American Legion Memorial Stadium.