The Sydney Roosters are delighted to announce that Group CEO Joe Kelly has been appointed this week as an Independent Director to the USA Rugby League (USARL) Board.
The USARL over the past three months have established a new Board of Directors that are focused on creating pathways and opportunities for people to play and become involved in rugby league within the US under one unified umbrella with defined pathways into Men’s, Women’s, Youth Hawks programs, and the Wheel Hawks Teams.
The game in the US is collectively bigger than it has ever been before which has enabled the USARL for the first time in its history to be eligible to apply for Full Membership with the International Rugby League (IRL).
It is also diligently working through the process to make the Men’s team eligible for the Rugby League World Cup alongside the Women’s team who are scheduled to play qualifiers for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup later this year.
In 2024, rugby league competitions in the US will span across four regions: Pacific Coast (West Coast), Utah, Rugby League United (North East), and Florida (South). Close to 40 teams are expected to participate across these regions, including Women’s and Youth - over an 81% increase from 2023.
Director of USARL, Mr Matt Goschnick, was delighted to welcome Mr Kelly’s experience to the Board, while acknowledging the challenges faced by those who continue to volunteer their time in the US to build awareness of and participation in domestic rugby league competition.
As the Sydney Roosters were one of the first clubs to play in Las Vegas, we saw first-hand that rugby league has enormous upside and potential in the US sporting market and I am looking forward to contributing to that through my appointment.
Joe Kelly Sydney Roosters CEO
“These numbers are quite impressive given a saturated sports market with rugby league being a non-traditional sport in the US and the challenges our hardworking, dedicated rugby league family face. These include tasks such as finding a suitable field for game days and training to locating regulation rugby league balls,” said Mr Goschnick.
“While we face a lot of challenges, it is important we surround ourselves with not only the right people, but also the best people who can help us turn our weaknesses into strengths, in doing so through driving a collaborative culture to support the hardworking people across the game and propel the game forward.
“We see Joe, along with the other independents that join the board, as key pillars in being able to do this.
“The USARL would also like to extend our gratitude to Sydney Roosters Chairman Nick Politis, the Roosters Group, NSWRL and NSW Leagues Clubs in sharing a great resource with our organisation,” he added.
“It is an incredible privilege to join the USARL Board as an Independent Director,” said Mr Kelly.
“I am really looking forward to working with the Board, and also other stakeholders such as the European Rugby League and the IRL, to build on the work being done by those who volunteer their time for the USARL to increase the footprint of rugby league across the country.
It’s fantastic for the Sydney Roosters to connect with rugby league in the United States via Joe’s appointment. Down-track, we see this as a wonderful opportunity to recruit up-and-coming American rugby league players into our elite Academy and Pathways to assist in their development.
Nick Politis AM Sydney Roosters Chairman
“Rugby League is on a growth trajectory within the US and there is interest to add teams in multiple locations across the country in regions which have never had teams previously before.
“The recent endeavours of the NRL to take games to the US market with a long-term view can only assist that domestic interest and growth in participation.
“In fact, the NRL’s role to leave a legacy in the US rugby league market should not be underestimated and hopefully through my roles at both the Sydney Roosters and USARL, I can assist to support engagement between the two governing bodies to grow the game in the US.
“As the Sydney Roosters were one of the first clubs to play in Las Vegas, we saw first-hand that rugby league has enormous upside and potential in the US sporting market and I am looking forward to contributing to that through my appointment,” he added.
Speaking of Mr Kelly’s appointment to the USARL board, Roosters Chairman, Mr Nick Politis AM, said: “Joe’s leadership, strategic insight and passion for the growth and development of rugby league will undoubtedly contribute immensely to the growth and success of rugby league in the United States.
“Further, it’s fantastic for the Sydney Roosters to connect with rugby league in the United States via Joe’s appointment. Down-track, we see this as a wonderful opportunity to recruit up-and-coming American rugby league players into our elite Academy and Pathways to assist in their development,” he added.
