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USA Rugby League

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This article is about the national governing body for rugby league in the United States. For the national governing body of rugby union in the United States, see USA Rugby.
USA Rugby League
USA Rugby League logo
FoundedJanuary 12, 2011
IRL affiliation2015
Americas affiliation2014
ResponsibilityUnited States (from October 2014[1])
CompetitionsUSA Rugby League
United States

The USA Rugby League (formally the US Association of Rugby League, Inc.) is the national governing body for rugby league in the United States.

The organization is responsible for running the domestic club competitions and the United States national rugby league team in addition to other responsibilities.

The body was founded in 2011 by clubs that had broken from the established American National Rugby League (AMNRL), plus expansion franchises. The USARL began its inaugural competition season in 2011 with eight teams.

The USARL was granted affiliate membership in November 2014 of the RLIF and RLEF, replacing the AMNRL which is now defunct.[2]

History

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2011–2013: Formation after schism with AMNRL

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The formation of the USA Rugby League was announced on January 12, 2011. Seven teams that had previously competed in the American National Rugby League, the United States' established rugby league organization and recognized governing body for the sport, announced they were breaking with the AMNRL to form a new league. The stated reason for the split was dissatisfaction with the governance of the AMNRL; the departing teams were unhappy with the lack of club involvement in the league's decision making, and the new league was founded with the principle of including its member clubs in its administration.[3][4][5]

The departing AMNRL teams were the Boston Thirteens, the Washington, D.C. Slayers, the Fairfax Eagles, the Jacksonville Axemen, the New Haven Warriors, the Philadelphia Fight, and the Pittsburgh Vipers; they were to be joined by two new teams, the New Jersey Turnpike Titans and Kodiak Rugby from New York City. Before the season Pittsburgh and Fairfax became "developmental" teams in the new league outside of the top-tiered competition; Fairfax subsequently suspended operations.[6] The New York team was unable to find a suitable stadium in the city, and instead became the Rhode Island Rebellion.[7] One additional team, Oneida FC, joined the top-tiered competition for the 2011 season.[8]

On January 13, 2011, the USARL announced that Peter Illfield, chairman of the Philadelphia Fight, would be the league's first chairman.[9][10] The league's first event was a rugby league nines tournament in the Philadelphia area on May 28–29, 2011. Round 1 of the regular season championship kicked off on June 4; the Jacksonville Axemen won the minor premiership with the best regular season record. In the inaugural Grand Final on August 27, the Philadelphia Fight defeated the New Haven Warriors to win their first ever national championship.[11]

In 2013 the USARL and AMNRL increased their focus on reunification, particularly after the United States' encouraging showing at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. An independent commission assembled to lead negotiations, however the USARL clubs eventually pulled out. USARL commissioner Peter Illfield blamed apparent dysfunction and disorganization in the AMNRL organization for this decision. The USARL subsequently invited AMNRL clubs to join their ranks as full members and initiated a four-team expansion.[12]

2014: AMNRL collapse

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In 2014, the USARL expanded to 10 teams, adding expansion squads Atlanta Rhinos, Central Florida Warriors, and Tampa Mayhem. In addition, the Northern Virginia Eagles withdrew from the AMNRL and joined the USARL.[13] To reduce operating costs, the competition was split into two conferences.[14] Meanwhile, the AMNRL suspended its 2014 season.

2014–2020: Expansion

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In 2015, three former AMNRL clubs joined the USARL; Bucks County Sharks, Connecticut Wildcats, and New York Knights. The Delaware Black Foxes also joined as an expansion squad. For 2016, the Connecticut Wildcats left the competition and were replaced by the White Plains Wombats. Before the 2017 season, the D.C. Slayers and Bucks County Sharks left the competition, and the USARL abolished the division structure within the North Conference. Before the 2018 season, the Central Florida Warriors left the competition and were replaced by Southwest Florida Copperheads and Danny Hanson was appointed the second league chairman. The Rhode Island Rebellion also left the competition. The New York Knights left the competition after the 2018 season.[15]

2021–2022: COVID-19 pandemic and NARL breakaway league

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USARL membership has been in flux since the announcement of the North American Rugby League in spring 2021. Boston 13s and Philadelphia Fight left USARL to be founding members of the new competition. White Plains folded after NARL established the New York Freedom. Northern Virginia folded after most of its players joined the newly established DC Cavalry in NARL. Lakeland Renegades suspended operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 USARL season was contested by six teams. Philadelphia and Delaware in the North; Tampa, Jacksonville, Southwest Florida Copperheads, and South Florida Speed in the South. USARL South Championships Tampa Mayhem defeated North winners Delaware Black Foxes in the championship. The North Division has been unable to play in 2022. Multiple forfeits by South Florida Speed in July 2022 have put their future with USARL in doubt.

2023–present: Restructure, Women's and Youth focus, and expansion following NARL failure

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2023 has seen significant expansion. Atlanta Rhinos rejoined the USARL, playing in the South Division. Pacific Coast Rugby League (PCRL) joined USARL, operating on the West Coast. PCRL brought Los Angeles Mongrel, San Diego Barracudas, and Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans – all formerly part of California Rugby League – as well as the newly formerly Los Angeles Bandidos into USARL. Additionally, four Utah teams, Riverton Seagulls, Herriman Roosters, Glendale Storm and Provo Broncos began playing USARL sanctioned matches as affiliates of PCRL. In August 2023, the first ever coast to coast National Champion was crowned with Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans defeating defending champions Jacksonville Axemen, 20–16.

In late December of 2023, the USARL announced the introduction of Women's National Competition or the Women's Championship for 2024. 6 clubs from both coasts, Los Angeles Mongrel, San Diego Barracudas, and Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans joined to represent the Western Conference, while Carolina Valkyries, Tampa Mischief, Jacksonville Axewomen and New York State Queens to represent the Eastern Conference. The winner of each conference would face off to crown the National Women's Champion.[16] In 2024, the governing body also announced the beginning of Youth Hawks, the Under 20 national team. This is first time since the late 1990s that a USA youth rugby league team will be put together.[17]

In late April of 2024, the USARL announced a new Regionalized structure to the national league. The Utah Rugby League Association would now operate as an independent entity distinct from the Pacific Coast Rugby League, managing its competition in accordance with USARL standards. At the end of the season, URLA and PCRL winners will play for the Western Championship, with the winner facing the Eastern Champions for the National Championship. Secondly, the unification effort on the East Coast of the United States sees the return of Boston 13s, Brooklyn Kings RLFC, and Delaware Black Foxes with Washington DC Cavalry joining as the Rugby League United competition becomes the Northeastern conference of USARL. Lastly, the USARL South would now become the Florida Rugby League, the rebranding affects both men's and women's teams in the region, including the Jacksonville Axemen and Axewomen, Southwest FL Copperheads, Tampa Mayhem and Mischief, and the Atlanta Rhinos.[18][19]

In 2024, the USARL bid to host the 2029 Wheelchair and 2030 Men's Rugby League World Cup.[20]

Domestic competition

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USA Rugby League
Current season or competition:
2024 USARL season
USARL_logo.png
SportRugby league
Instituted2011
Inaugural season2011
Number of teams20
CountryUnited States United States
Champions DC Cavalry (1st title) (2024)
Most titles Philadelphia Fight (4 titles)
Websiteusarl.org

Structure

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2024–Present

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  • USARL Grand Final
    • USARL Eastern Conference Final
      • New England Rugby League
      • Florida Rugby League
    • USARL Western Conference Final
      • Pacific Coast Rugby League
      • Utah Rugby League

Starting in 2024, the USARL competition was expanded following teams withdrawing for the NARL in the years previous. The competition would be structured into four regional leagues across an East and West Conference. Winners of each league advance to their respective conference final before the winners of each facing each other in the Grand Final.[19]

2014–2023

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Between 2014 and 2023 the USARL competition was split a Northern and Southern Conference with the top four teams advancing to their conference semi-final. Winners of each conference final would contest the Grand Final.

California Rugby League (now Pacific Coast Rugby League) was established in 2018 but was not integrated into the USARL competition until 2024.

2011–2013

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In the first three seasons of the league, clubs were only present in the North East thus only one geographic group was required. The top four teams advanced to the playoffs ending with the Grand Final.

Teams

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Eastern Conference

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Rugby League United RLU
Colors Club Founded City (MSA) Stadium National Titles
(Last)
Boston Bears 2014 Boston Eastern Boston Stadium 1 (2015)
Brooklyn Kings 2006 Brooklyn Randalls Island Field 10 1 (2019)
Delaware Black Foxes 2015 Wilmington, Delaware Eden Park 0 (N/A)
DC Cavalry 2021 Washington Metro Central Sports Complex 1 (2024)
Florida Rugby League
Colors Club Founded City (MSA) Stadium National Titles
(Last)
Atlanta Rhinos 2014 Roswell, GA Elkins Pointe Middle School 1 (2017)
Jacksonville Axemen 2006 Jacksonville, FL UNF Rugby Field 3 (2022)
Southwest Florida Copperheads 2018 Naples, FL Paradise Coast Sports Complex 0 (N/A)
Tampa Mayhem 2014 Tampa, FL Hillsborough High School 1 (2021)

Western Conference

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Pacific Coast Rugby League
Colors Club Founded City (MSA) Stadium National Titles
(Last)
East Palo Alto Razorbacks 2021 East Palo Alto, California Rich May Field 0
Los Angeles Bandidos 2022 Los Angeles, California Various 0
Los Angeles Mongrel 2019 Los Angeles, California Various 0
Sacramento Immortals 2020 Sacramento, California Danny Nunn Park 0
San Diego Barracudas 2020 San Diego, California Various 0
Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans 2018 Santa Rosa, California For Pete's Sake Field 1 (2023)
West LA Jackrabbits 2024 Los Angeles, California TBA 0
Utah Rugby League
Colors Club Founded City (MSA) Stadium National Titles
(Last)
Glendale Storm 2022 Glendale, Utah Burgess Park 0
Herriman Roosters 2022 Herriman, Utah Burgess Park 0
Provo Broncos 2022 Provo, Utah Burgess Park 0
Riverton Seagulls 2022 Riverton, Utah Burgess Park 0
South Jordan Rabbitahz 2024 South Jordan, Utah South Jordan Park 0

Former teams

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Former Teams
Colors Club Years Active City (MSA) Stadium National Titles
(Last)
Baltimore Blues 2012–2014 Baltimore 0 (N/A)
Bucks County Sharks 1997–2016 Bucks County, PA (Trenton) Falls Township Park 0 (N/A)
Central Florida Warriors 2014–2017 Deland, FL Spec Martin Stadium 0 (N/A)
Connecticut Wildcats 2003–2015 Norwalk, CT Andrews Field 0 (N/A)
D.C. Slayers 2003–2016 Washington, D.C. Duke Ellington Field 0 (N/A)
Northern Virginia Eagles 2007–2020 Nokesville, VA Grizzly Sports Complex 0 (N/A)
Lakeland Renegades 2019–2020 Lakeland, FL All Saints Academy 0 (N/A)
New Haven Warriors 2006–2012 West Haven, CT (New Haven) Ken Strong Stadium 0 (N/A)
New Jersey Turnpike Titans 2011–2012 Jersey City, NJ Cochran Stadium 0 (N/A)
New York Knights 1997–2018* New York City The Castle Pier 40 0 (N/A)
Oneida FC 2011–2012 Cambridge, MA Henry G. Steinbrenner Stadium 0 (N/A)
Philadelphia Fight 1998–2020 Conshohocken, PA (Philadelphia) Garthwaite Stadium 4 (2016)
Rhode Island Rebellion 2011–2017 Providence, RI Marvel Field 0 (N/A)
South Florida Speed 2021 Miami, FL North Dade Optimist Park 0 (N/A)
White Plains Wombats 2016–2020 White Plains, NY Blind Brook Elementary School 0 (N/A)

Grand Finals

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Main article: USARL Grand Final
Season Grand Finals
Premiers Score Runners-up Ref.
2011 Philadelphia Fight 28–26 New Haven Warriors [21]
2012 Jacksonville Axemen 28–22 Boston 13s [22]
2013 Philadelphia Fight 28–22 Jacksonville Axemen [23][24]
2014 Philadelphia Fight 30–18 Jacksonville Axemen [25]
2015 Boston 13s 44–12 Atlanta Rhinos [26]
2016 Philadelphia Fight 42–20 Jacksonville Axemen [27][28][29]
2017 Atlanta Rhinos 32–18 New York Knights [30][31]
2018 Jacksonville Axemen 56–16 Brooklyn Kings RLFC [32]
2019 Brooklyn Kings RLFC 12–6 Jacksonville Axemen [33]
2020 Not held due to COVID-19
2021 Tampa Mayhem 60–10 Delaware Black Foxes [34]
2022 Jacksonville Axemen 36–12 Tampa Mayhem [35]
2023 Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans 20–16 Jacksonville Axemen [36]
2024 DC Cavalry w/o Provo Broncos [37]

Winners by club

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Winners Count Years
Philadelphia Fight 4 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016
Jacksonville Axemen 3 2012, 2018, 2022
Brooklyn Kings RLFC 1 2019
Boston 13s 1 2015
Atlanta Rhinos 1 2017
Tampa Mayhem 1 2021
Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans 1 2023
DC Cavalry 1 2024

Development programs

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As part of the 2011 season, a former AMNRL team, the Pittsburgh Sledgehammers, participated as a "developmental team", playing a more limited schedule while developing the club for future seasons.[citation needed]

Representative sides

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National team

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Main articles: United States national rugby league team, United States women's national rugby league team, and United States national wheelchair rugby league team

New England Immortals

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New England Immortals
Badge of New England Immortals team
Team information
NicknameImmortals
Governing bodyAMNRL (2010)
USARL (2011–present)
RegionNew England New England
Head coachEngland Robin Peers
Team results
First game
Immortals New England 12–8  Canada
(New Jersey, United States; 31 July 2010)
Biggest win
Immortals New England 12–8  Canada
(New Jersey, United States; 31 July 2010)
Biggest defeat
Immortals New England 12–68 Royal Marines
(Rhode Island, United States; 27 April 2012)

The New England Immortals are an inactive representative rugby league football team selected from American players born in New England or those who play for clubs in New England.

History

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AMNRL Years (2010)
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The New England Immortals were founded in 2010 and consisted of the top players from the New England–based teams of the AMNRL – the Boston Thirteens, Connecticut Wildcats and the New Haven Warriors. Their logo is based on the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial located on Boston Common at the corner of Beacon and Park Street in Boston, MA. Colonel Shaw commanded the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the civil war. There are six stars which represent the six states that make up New England, while the red white and blue symbolize not only the national colors of the U.S., but also hardiness, valour, vigilance, and perseverance.

They played their inaugural match against the Canadian National Team at the 2010 AMNRL "War at the Shore", on July 31, 2010, defeating the Canadians 12-8 in a tightly contested match.[38]

USARL Years (2011–2012)
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After the AMNRL/USARL split in 2011, the Immortals joined the latter. Due to the regulations of the separation outlined by the RLIF, only players registered in the AMNRL competition qualified for selection to the USA Tomahawks. Under that same ruling, the Connecticut Wildcats (who opted to stay with the AMNRL) were dropped from selections to the Immortals. The Immortals was now the only representative rugby available to USARL players.

In April 2012, Head Coach Robin Peers named the 23-man roster that would make up the New England Immortal side that would represent their region against the British Royal Marines at Tucker Field in Cumberland, Rhode Island, at the end of the month.[39] Despite the loss of the Connecticut, the expanded player pool from newly formed Oneida FC and the Rhode Island Rebellion saw a new breed Immortals, with only three returning veterans. The Immortals took to the field for their second match since their inception, and despite putting up a hard fight, they were out classed by the more experienced Marines, losing by a score of 68–12.[40]

As of 2014, due to budgetary cuts and restructuring of the USARL competition, the Immortals have not played a match since their loss to the Royal Marines.

Results

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Notable players

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The following is a list of New England Immortals who have played representative rugby (league or union) at the National level.

USA Pioneers

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Men's

In 2014, the league established a touring developmental side, the USA Pioneers, to play friendly matches against foreign nations. They completed a two match tour in Jamaica in April 2014, winning their first game against a Jamaican domestic outfit, but fell short to the semi-professional Hurricanes Rugby League whilst still proving to be strong opposition for the Jamaicans.[41] The Pioneers played a friendly against a touring New Zealand Police squad the following August, losing 6–62.

Women's

A women's USA Pioneers side played in the Americas qualification tournament for the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup as a result of Brazil's late withdrawal. Naturally, they were unable to take a qualification spot if victorious. They played Canada who received as semi-final bye as the highest ranked side, and Jamaica who lost there semi-final against the United States. The Pioneers lost 0–88 to Canada, and 12–48 to Jamaica, finishing last.

Presidents Barbarians

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The USARL established another team to play a second match against the New Zealand Police and to 'curtain-raise' the 2014 USARL National Championship between the Philadelphia Fight and the Jacksonville Axemen. This representative consisted of overseas-imports from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and France; similar to Super League's Exiles. They were beaten by the Kiwis 16–46.

List

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USARL Representative teams
Club Representation Established Match history
New England New England Immortals New England 2010 W 12–8 Canada Canada July 31, 2010
L 12–68 United Kingdom Royal Marines April 27, 2012
United States USARL Pioneers Development
(non-internationals) 		2013 W 46–26 Jamaica Duhaney Park Red Sharks April 3, 2013
L 30–50 Jamaica Hurricanes Rugby League April 7, 2013
L 6–62 New Zealand New Zealand Blue Thunder August 16, 2013
Presidents Barbarians 'Exiles'
(overseas imports) 		2013 L 16–46 New Zealand New Zealand Blue Thunder August 23, 2013
United States NORTH Conference All-Stars North of America 2015 L 20–34 United States SOUTH Conference All-Stars August 29, 2015

L 32–38 United States SOUTH Conference All-Stars October 22, 2016

United States SOUTH Conference All-Stars South of America 2015 W 34–20 United States NORTH Conference All-Stars August 29, 2015

W 38–32 United States NORTH Conference All-Stars October 22, 2016

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b Now New England Rugby League
  2. ^ Now Florida Rugby League

References

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  1. ^ "United States".
  2. ^ "USARL become members of the rugby league European federation". November 6, 2014.
  3. ^ Mascord, Steve (January 12, 2011). "Discord 2011: Edition 2". rleague.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  4. ^ "New Rugby League Competition Announced". rugbymag.com. Rugby Magazine. January 12, 2011. Archived from the original on January 22, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  5. ^ "Breakaway league launched in the US". code13rugbyleague.com. January 12, 2011. Archived from the original on January 16, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  6. ^ "Eagles Cease Operations". fairfaxeagles.com. April 12, 2011. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
  7. ^ Mark Reynolds (July 23, 2011). "Providence-based rugby team battles for recognition". The Providence Journal. Retrieved December 13, 2011.
  8. ^ "USARL Constitution, Teams, Entry Qualifications Announced". Philadelphia Fight Rugby News and Press. fightrugby.com. February 18, 2011. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  9. ^ "USA Rugby League (USARL) Names Peter Illfield Chairman". usarugbyleague.com. USA Rugby League. January 13, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
  10. ^ "USA Rugby League name a Chairman-the Fight's own Peter Illfield". Philadelphia Fight Rugby News and Press. fightrugby.com. January 13, 2011. Archived from the original on January 16, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  11. ^ Daniel Andruczyk (August 28, 2011). "It's Hard to Keep a Game of Rugby League Down". rugbyleagueinternationalscores.com. Retrieved August 30, 2011.
  12. ^ Mascord, Steve (March 12, 2014). "American Civil War Wages On". Forty20 Magazine. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  13. ^ "2014 Season IV schedule is here". www.usarl.com. USA Rugby League. March 16, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  14. ^ "USARL | USA Rugby League | American Rugby League « Uncategorized « 4th Annual USARL Annual General Meeting – Sunday February 16, 2014". Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 17, 2014.
  15. ^ "2018 Season Preview at a Glance".
  16. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  17. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  18. ^ "USARL Announces Major Developments in Domestic Rugby League Structure and Management". www.usarl.org. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  19. ^ a b "USARL Announces Major Developments in Domestic Rugby League Structure and Management". europeanrugbyleague.com. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  20. ^ "Kenya, South Africa, USA in running for 2030 Rugby League World Cup". July 31, 2024.
  21. ^ "Fight 2011 USARL Champs". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  22. ^ "Axemen 2012 USARL Champs in epic encounter". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  23. ^ "Fight win National Championship". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  24. ^ "Axemen Take Tough Loss in USARL Championship Game". Jax Axe. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  25. ^ "Philadelphia create dynasty with 3rd National title". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  26. ^ "USARL Crowns a New National Champion". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  27. ^ "Philadelphia Fight Defeats Jacksonville Axemen 42-20, Claims 2016 USARL Championship". Rugby Wrap Up. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  28. ^ "Fight defeat Axemen 42 to 20, win USARL Championship". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  29. ^ "Axemen Fall To Fight in National Championship". Jax Axe. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  30. ^ "Atlanta Rhinos Win 1st USA National Championship". Total Rugby League. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  31. ^ "Atlanta Rhinos win USA National Championship". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  32. ^ "Axemen dethrone Brooklyn in Championship, become new kings of USA Rugby". Eagle News. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  33. ^ "USARL Club Champions". USARL. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  34. ^ National Championship. Retrieved April 30, 2024 – via www.youtube.com.
  35. ^ "Jacksonville Wins 2022 USARL Championship". USARL. Retrieved August 21, 2022.
  36. ^ "Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans crowned national men's champions in PCRL first year". Pacific Coast Rugby League. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  37. ^ "USARL Official Statement Regarding the Men's National Championship". www.usarl.org. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  38. ^ a b "Official Site of the Canada Rugby League: War at the Shore match reports". Archived from the original on October 27, 2014., July 2010.
  39. ^ "Official Site of the USA Rugby League (USARL): New England select ready for action"., April 26, 2012
  40. ^ a b "Rugby League International Scores: Immortals Show Guts Against the Marines"., April 29, 2012
  41. ^ "USARL | USA Rugby League | American Rugby League « Uncategorized « Pioneers begin a new era for USA development teams". www.usarl.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2014.
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