American National Rugby League: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Rugby league organization in the United States}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2017}} |
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{{Infobox rugby league |
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| leaguename = American National Rugby League |
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| nativename = |
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| logo = American National Rugby League Logo.gif |
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| logosize = 250px |
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| founded = 1997 |
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| folded = 2014 |
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| RLIF = |
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| region = [[European Rugby League|Americas]] |
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| regionyear = |
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| remit = |
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| headquarters= |
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| Manager = |
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| comps = [[American National Rugby League#Domestic competition|American National Rugby League]] |
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| website = |
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| countryflag = United States |
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| updated = |
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}} |
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The '''American National Rugby League''' ('''AMNRL''') was the national governing body for [[rugby league in the United States]] from 1997 to 2014. |
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The organization was responsible for running the [[American National Rugby League#Domestic competition|domestic club competitions]] and the [[United States national rugby league team]] in addition to other responsibilities during its time of operation |
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The organization was founded by Australian former professional player [[David Niu]] and throughout its existence gained recognition from the [[Rugby League International Federation]] (RLIF) as the governing body for the sport in the United States. |
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The domestic competition began with six teams competing and grew to eleven teams by 2010, with plans for westward expansion. |
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On January 12, 2011, a schism occurred with seven teams departing the AMNRL to form the [[USA Rugby League]] (USARL), a rival governing body.<ref name=Code13>{{cite web|url=http://www.code13rugbyleague.com/2011/01/12/breakaway-league-launched-in-the-us/ |title=Breakaway league launched in the US |date=January 12, 2011 |work=code13rugbyleague.com |access-date=January 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116021032/http://www.code13rugbyleague.com/2011/01/12/breakaway-league-launched-in-the-us/ |archive-date=January 16, 2011 }}</ref> |
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In the years that followed, the AMNRL suffered from competition with the [[USA Rugby League|USARL]], and did not host a domestic competition after the 2013 season, though it continued to organize international team games. |
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The organization folded in 2014, with [[USA Rugby League|USARL]] becoming the recognized body for rugby league in the USA.<ref name=Walter>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/parramatta-eels-star-joseph-paulos-role-as-us-tomahawks-captain-under-threat-as-amnrl-bows-out-20140814-103zlz.html|title=Parramatta Eels star Joseph Paulo's role as US Tomahawks captain under threat as AMNRL bows out|work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref><ref name=Wilson>{{cite web|url=http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_16063-amnrl-slam-rlif-about-american-split.html|title=AMNRL slam RLIF about American split}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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{{see also|Rugby league in the United States}} |
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===Origins=== |
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The roots of the American National Rugby League date to 1997, when Super League America was formed to organize a [[United States national rugby league team|national team]], establish an amateur domestic competition, and build the sport in the United States.<ref name=JBJ1999>{{cite news |title=Room for Rugby |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/1999/12/13/story2.html|newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= December 13, 1999|access-date=January 24, 2011}}</ref> The organization was initially established by [[Rupert Murdoch]]'s [[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]] in an attempt to spread rugby league to the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title= Murdoch's Money Creating A U.S. Toehold For Rugby |author= Christopher K. Hepp |url= http://articles.philly.com/1998-09-18/sports/25756669_1_rugby-national-champions-news-corporation |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120911102142/http://articles.philly.com/1998-09-18/sports/25756669_1_rugby-national-champions-news-corporation |url-status= dead |archive-date= September 11, 2012 |newspaper= [[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |date= September 18, 1998|access-date=August 26, 2011}}</ref> The organization was run by former professional player [[David Niu]], who had come to [[Philadelphia]] in 1992 and had been active in promoting the sport there.<ref name=Hannan>Hannan, Tony (April 2002). [http://tonyhannan.posterous.com/niu-york-niu-york "Niu York, Niu York!"]. ''Rugby League World''. Retrieved June 13, 2011.</ref> Super League America's domestic competition began its inaugural season in 1998, and was contested by six teams all in the Northeastern United States: the Glen Mills Bulls (later the Aston Bulls), the [[Bucks County Sharks|New Jersey Sharks]] (now the Bucks County Sharks in the USARL), the [[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Broncos]] (now the New York Knights in the USARL), the [[Philadelphia Fight|Philadelphia Bulldogs]] (now the Philadelphia Fight in the USARL), the Boston Storm, and the Pennsylvania Raiders.<ref name=JBJ1999/> The Boston and Pennsylvania teams soon dropped out; the others later formed the core of the AMNRL. Super League America organized the domestic competition in 1998 and 1999; the Glen Mills Bulls were declared league champions in both years.<ref name="records">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=ASTONBULLS&t=c&s=htosports&p=records|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208023618/http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=ASTONBULLS&t=c&s=htosports&p=records|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-12-08|title=Aston Bulls RLFC Records & Achievements|date=2011-12-08|access-date=2017-12-13}}</ref> |
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In December 1999, Super League America announced a reorganization. The league headquarters moved to [[Jacksonville, Florida]], with Jacksonville marketing executive Steve Gormley made the organization's new president; David Niu would serve as CEO and maintain the northeastern branch.<ref name=JBJ1999/> The organization was renamed the '''United States Rugby League''', and set its sights on expanding into the Southeastern United States and attracting British rugby league teams to Florida for training camps and international competitions.<ref name=Borger>{{cite news |title=Playing for Keeps |author= Mya M. Borger |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2000/01/10/story5.html|newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= January 10, 2000|access-date=January 24, 2011}}</ref> The USRL was successful in attracting foreign teams and advanced the U.S. national team to the [[Rugby League World Cup]] [[2000 Rugby League World Cup qualifying|qualifiers]] for the first time; however, it was soon beset by internal strife.<ref name=Stuart>{{cite news |title=Gormley sells U.S. rugby league |author= Devan Stuart |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2001/10/01/newscolumn2.html|newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= October 1, 2001|access-date=February 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Revamping Rugby |author= Jessica Gellady |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2003/03/24/story5.html |newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= March 24, 2003|access-date=February 15, 2011}}</ref> |
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Complications over a deal with the British [[Rugby Football League]] led to a dispute that bankrupted the USRL.<ref name=Hannan/> In the midst of the dispute, in May 2001 the five domestic teams announced they would form a new organization, the American National Rugby League, with Niu as its head.<ref name=Hundt>{{cite web |url= http://rlwc2000.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=1385&p=2&stid=8098195|title= Who's in control?|author= David Hundt|date= May 4, 2001|work= 13world.com|publisher= rivals.net |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20020728025641/http://rlwc2000.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=1385&p=2&stid=8098195|archive-date=July 28, 2002 |access-date=January 24, 2011}}</ref> Later that year Gormley sold the USRL's assets to the Rugby Football League, leaving the AMNRL as the sole rugby league body in the United States.<ref name=Stuart/> |
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===Growth=== |
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The AMNRL was affiliated with the [[Rugby League International Federation]], the sport's world governing body, through Super League America.<ref name="amnrl-vision2009">{{cite web|title=The American National Rugby League Vision |url=http://www.amnrl.com/vision/index.html |work=American National Rugby League |access-date=April 18, 2010 |author=AMNRL |author-link=American National Rugby League |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816081515/http://www.amnrl.com/vision/index.html |archive-date=August 16, 2010 |date=July 2, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Expansion of the domestic league became a major goal for the organization, and new teams were added every few years. The [[Northern Raiders|Wilmington Vikings]] (later the New York Raiders) joined the competition in 2002, bringing the number of teams back up to six. The following year the [[Connecticut Wildcats]] of [[Norwalk, Connecticut]] and the [[Washington D.C. Slayers]] joined. |
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In 2006 the league expanded once again to include the [[Jacksonville Axemen]], the [[New Haven Warriors]], and the [[Boston Thirteens|Boston Braves]]. After the end of the season, however, the Boston Braves folded, and two charter teams, the [[Delaware Valley Mantarays|Media Mantarays]] and the Philadelphia Fight, announced they were merging. The [[Northern Virginia Eagles|Fairfax Eagles]] joined the competition in 2007, and the Boston Thirteens joined in 2009. Another charter franchise, the Bucks County Sharks, suspended operations in 2010, while the [[Pittsburgh Sledgehammers|Pittsburgh Vipers]] were added. |
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In 2010, the AMNRL entered into a relationship with the Star Group to rebrand the league, its assets, and its teams.<ref name=Mascord>{{cite web|url=http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=38212 |title=Discord 2011: Edition 2 |last1=Mascord |first1=Steve |date=January 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222174256/http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=38212 |archive-date=February 22, 2011 |publisher=rleague.com |access-date=January 13, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2012, the AMNRL entered into a partnership arrangement with Grand Prix Entertainment to promote and grow the game in the USA, in return for ownership of the league and TV rights to World Cup matches in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnrl.com/news/amnrl-partners-grand-prix |title=amnrl.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112142359/http://www.amnrl.com/news/amnrl-partners-grand-prix |archive-date=January 12, 2016 }}</ref> This led to complications regarding the ownership of the league. |
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=== Expansion plans === |
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[[File:Logo WAMNRL.jpg|thumb|right|120px|WAMNRL logo]] |
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The AMNRL announced various plans for future expansion at different times. Beginning in 2001 the league announced plans for a Western American National Rugby League (WAMNRL) to develop the sport on the [[West Coast of the United States]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Steven Birchall |date=April 19, 2001 |title=RL in US head west |url=http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=6058 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715191621/http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=6058 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |work=rleague.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The AMNRL has revisited these plans several times since.<ref name="West2011">{{cite news |last=Brian |first=Lowe |date=September 28, 2010 |title=RL Hopes to Move West |work=americanrugbynews.com |publisher=American Rugby News |url=http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/RL_Hopes_To_Move_West.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001195003/http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/RL_Hopes_To_Move_West.shtml |archive-date=October 1, 2010}}</ref> |
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In 2009 league officials announced the creation of a new, fully professional league, the National Rugby League USA (NRLUS), which originally hoped to launch in 2010. The AMNRL would serve as an amateur and semi-professional feeder league for the new competition. However, the new league never got off the ground, with officials blaming the [[Great Recession]].<ref name="TDP">{{cite news |last=Staff |date=February 7, 2010 |title=Big USA money chasing Stacey Jones |newspaper=[[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]] |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/rugby-league/3301130/Big-USA-money-chasing-Stacey-Jones |access-date=January 13, 2011}}</ref> |
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===AMNRL/USARL split and collapse=== |
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On January 12, 2011, seven teams announced they were breaking with the AMNRL to form a new league, the USA Rugby League (USARL). Officials cited the lack of club involvement in the AMNRL's decision-making as the reason for the split; the USA Rugby League implemented a constituency which involved member clubs in its administration.<ref name=Code13/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=38212 |title=Discord 2011: Edition 2 |last1=Mascord |first1=Steve |date=January 12, 2011 |work=rleague.com |access-date=January 13, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222174256/http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=38212 |archive-date=February 22, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbymag.com/news/clubs/mensclubs/new-rugby-league-competition-announced.aspx |title=New Rugby League Competition Announced |date=January 12, 2011 |work=Rugby Magazine |access-date=January 13, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122061503/http://www.rugbymag.com/news/clubs/mensclubs/new-rugby-league-competition-announced.aspx |archive-date=January 22, 2011 }}</ref> The departing teams were the Boston 13s, the D.C. Slayers, the Fairfax Eagles, the Jacksonville Axemen, the New Haven Warriors, the Philadelphia Fight, and the Pittsburgh Vipers (later the Pittsburgh Sledgehammers). Five of these teams (all except Fairfax and Pittsburgh), along with three new teams, participated in the USARL's inaugural [[2011 USARL season|2011 season]]. |
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The AMNRL struggled over the next few years due to the competition from the USARL.<ref name=Walter/> The RLIF stepped in to work with the leagues toward an ultimate goal of reunification, but were unable to find a solution. The AMNRL put its domestic competition on hiatus after the 2013 season, though it continued to organize games for the national team, including the U.S.'s first ever appearance at the [[Rugby League World Cup]] in [[2013 Rugby League World Cup|2013]], in which the Tomahawks reached the quarter-finals.<ref name=Wilson/> The split between the leagues cost the U.S. its automatic qualification to the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup|2017 World Cup]]. In August 2014, the AMNRL announced it would cease operations to end the rift and allow the USARL to seek status as the national governing body.<ref name=Walter/> |
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==Commissioners and presidents== |
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*[[David Niu]] (1998–2012), President |
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*[[Curtis Cunz]] (2013–2014), President |
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==Domestic competition== |
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{{Infobox rugby league football competition |
{{Infobox rugby league football competition |
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| name = AMNRL |
| name = AMNRL |
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| inaugural = [[1998 AMNRL season|1998]] |
| inaugural = [[1998 AMNRL season|1998]] |
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| folded = 2014 |
| folded = 2014 |
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| replaced = |
| replaced = |
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| ceotag = Commissioner |
| ceotag = Commissioner |
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| ceo = |
| ceo = |
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| champion = [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
| champion = [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
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| season = [[2013 AMNRL season|2013]] |
| season = [[2013 AMNRL season|2013]] |
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| most_champs = |
| most_champs = Aston Bulls |
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| count = 6 |
| count = 6 |
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| website = {{URL|http://www.amnrl.org/}} |
| website = {{URL|http://www.amnrl.org/}} |
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| related_comps = |
| related_comps = |
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}} |
}} |
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===Season structure=== |
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The '''American National Rugby League''' ('''AMNRL''') was a [[rugby league]] organization in the United States that operated from 1997 to 2014. The country's first domestic rugby league competition, it hosted an annual league from 1998 through 2013. Throughout its existence, the AMNRL was also recognized by the [[Rugby League International Federation]] (RLIF) as the governing body for the sport in the United States, and oversaw the [[United States national rugby league team]], the Tomahawks. |
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From 1998 through 2013, member teams of the domestic competition competed in a Grand Final for the league championship. The winning team received the "Ferrainola Cup", named for American rugby league promoter Sam Ferrainola.<ref name=Walshaw>{{cite web |url= http://www.newyorkknightsrugby.com/news_prev_3.php|title= First-Year Knights Win Yankee Comp|author= Nick Walshaw|date= September 4, 2002|work= [[Rugby League World]]|publisher= rivals.net |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080705205123/http://www.newyorkknightsrugby.com/news_prev_3.php|archive-date= July 5, 2008|access-date=March 10, 2011}}</ref> Beginning in [[2011 AMNRL season|2011]], the AMNRL season consisted of an eight-round, seven-game regular season followed by a [[playoffs]] series culminating in the Grand Final. All six teams advanced to the playoffs, which consisted of a three-round [[single-elimination tournament]], with the Grand Final winners receiving the championship title.<ref name=schedule>{{cite web |url= http://www.amnrl.com/American-national-rugby-league-schedule|title= AMNRL Official Schedule |year= 2011 |work= amnrl.com|publisher= American National Rugby League|access-date=May 9, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110525040817/http://www.amnrl.com/American-national-rugby-league-schedule| archive-date= May 25, 2011 | url-status= dead}}</ref> |
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One of signature events in the AMNRL's domestic schedule was the War at the Shore. The event, held annually in [[Sea Isle City, New Jersey]], generally consisted of full 13-a-side and [[rugby league sevens]] games between AMNRL teams, local and national [[representative side]]s, and developmental teams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/War_at_the_Shore_i.shtml |title=War at the Shore |date=July 27, 2010 |work=American Rugby News |access-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730112336/http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/War_at_the_Shore_i.shtml |archive-date=July 30, 2010 }}</ref><ref name=wats>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/War_at_the_Shore_Success.shtml |title=War at the Shore Success |author=Brian Lowe |date=August 1, 2010 |work=American Rugby News |access-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804044218/http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/War_at_the_Shore_Success.shtml |archive-date=August 4, 2010 }}</ref> |
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Australian former professional player [[David Niu]] founded the competition that became the AMNRL in 1997, with six teams competing in the first season the following year. The league grew to eleven teams by 2010, with plans for westward expansion. On January 12, 2011, seven teams announced they were departing the AMNRL to form the new [[USA Rugby League]].<ref name=Code13>{{cite web |url= http://www.code13rugbyleague.com/2011/01/12/breakaway-league-launched-in-the-us/ |title= Breakaway league launched in the US |last1=|first1= |date= January 12, 2011|work= code13rugbyleague.com|accessdate=January 18, 2011}}</ref> |
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===Teams=== |
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The AMNRL suffered from competition with the USARL, and did not host a domestic competition after the 2013 season, though it continued to organize international team games. The organization folded in 2014.<ref name=Walter>http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/parramatta-eels-star-joseph-paulos-role-as-us-tomahawks-captain-under-threat-as-amnrl-bows-out-20140814-103zlz.html</ref><ref name=Wilson>http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_16063-amnrl-slam-rlif-about-american-split.html</ref> |
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==History== |
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{{see also|Rugby league in the United States}} |
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===Origins=== |
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The competition that became the modern American National Rugby League was founded in 1997, when [[Super League America]] was formed to organize a [[United States national rugby league team|national team]], establish an amateur domestic competition, and build the sport in the United States.<ref name=JBJ1999>{{cite news |title=Room for Rugby |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/1999/12/13/story2.html|newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= December 13, 1999|accessdate=January 24, 2011}}</ref> The organization was initially established by [[Rupert Murdoch]]'s [[News Corporation]] in an attempt to spread rugby league to the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title= Murdoch's Money Creating A U.S. Toehold For Rugby |author= Christopher K. Hepp |url= http://articles.philly.com/1998-09-18/sports/25756669_1_rugby-national-champions-news-corporation |newspaper= [[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |date= September 18, 1998|accessdate=August 26, 2011}}</ref> The organization was run by former professional player [[David Niu]], who had come to [[Philadelphia]] in 1992 and had been active in promoting the sport there.<ref name=Hannan>Hannan, Tony (April 2002). [http://tonyhannan.posterous.com/niu-york-niu-york "Niu York, Niu York!"]. ''Rugby League World''. Retrieved June 13, 2011.</ref> Super League America's domestic competition began its inaugural season in 1998, and was contested by six teams all in the Northeastern United States: the [[Glen Mills Bulls]] (now the [[Aston Bulls]]), the [[New Jersey Sharks]] (now the [[Bucks County Sharks]]), the [[New York Broncos]] (now the [[New York Knights]]), the [[Philadelphia Fight|Philadelphia Bulldogs]] (now the [[Philadelphia Fight]]), the Boston Storm, and the Pennsylvania Raiders.<ref name=JBJ1999/> The Boston and Pennsylvania teams soon dropped out; the others formed the core of the modern AMNRL. Super League America organized the domestic competition in 1998 and 1999; the Glen Mills Bulls were declared league champions in both years.<ref name=records>[http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=ASTONBULLS&t=c&s=htosports&p=records ]{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref> |
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In December 1999 Super League America announced a reorganization. The league headquarters moved to [[Jacksonville, Florida]], with Jacksonville marketing executive Steve Gormley made the organization's new president; David Niu would serve as CEO and maintain the northeastern branch.<ref name=JBJ1999/> The organization was renamed the '''United States Rugby League''', and set its sights on expanding into the Southeastern United States and attracting British rugby league teams to Florida for training camps and international competitions.<ref name=Borger>{{cite news |title=Playing for Keeps |author= Mya M. Borger |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2000/01/10/story5.html|newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= January 10, 2000|accessdate=January 24, 2011}}</ref> The USRL was successful in attracting foreign teams and advanced the U.S. national team to the [[Rugby League World Cup]] [[2000 Rugby League World Cup qualifying|qualifiers]] for the first time; however, it was soon beset by internal strife.<ref name=Stuart>{{cite news |title=Gormley sells U.S. rugby league |author= Devan Stuart |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2001/10/01/newscolumn2.html|newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= October 1, 2001|accessdate=February 15, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Revamping Rugby |author= Jessica Gellady |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2003/03/24/story5.html |newspaper= [[Jacksonville Business Journal]]|date= March 24, 2003|accessdate=February 15, 2011}}</ref> |
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Complications over a deal with the British [[Rugby Football League]] led to a dispute that bankrupted the USRL.<ref name=Hannan/> In the midst of the dispute, in May 2001 the five domestic teams announced they were forming a new organization, the American National Rugby League, with Niu as its head.<ref name=Hundt>{{cite web |url= http://rlwc2000.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=1385&p=2&stid=8098195|title= Who's in control?|author= David Hundt|date= May 4, 2001|work= 13world.com|publisher= rivals.net |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20020728025641/rlwc2000.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=1385&p=2&stid=8098195|archivedate= November 19, 2005|accessdate=January 24, 2011}}</ref> Later that year Gormley sold the USRL's assets to the Rugby Football League, leaving the AMNRL as the sole rugby league body in the United States.<ref name=Stuart/> |
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===Growth=== |
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The AMNRL is affiliated to the [[Rugby League International Federation]], the sport's world governing body, through [[Super League America]].<ref name="amnrl-vision2009">{{cite web|title=The American National Rugby League Vision|url=http://www.amnrl.com/vision/index.html|work=American National Rugby League|accessdate=April 18, 2010|author=AMNRL|authorlink=American National Rugby League|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5rjWRCJSQ|archivedate=April 18, 2010|date=July 2, 2009}}</ref> Expansion of the domestic league became a major goal for the organization, and new teams were added every few years. The [[Wilmington Vikings]], now the [[New York Raiders]], joined the competition in 2002, bringing the number of teams back up to six. The following year the [[Connecticut Wildcats]] of [[Norwalk, Connecticut]] and the [[Washington, D.C. Slayers]] were added. |
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In 2006 the league expanded once again to include the [[Jacksonville Axemen]], the [[New Haven Warriors]], and the [[Boston Braves RLFC|Boston Braves]]. After the end of the season, however, the Boston Braves folded, and two charter teams, the Media Mantarays and the Philadelphia Fight, announced they were merging. The [[Fairfax Eagles]] joined the competition in 2007, and the [[Boston Thirteens]] joined in 2009. Another charter franchise, the [[Bucks County Sharks]], suspended operations in 2010, while the [[Pittsburgh Vipers]] were added. |
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In 2010, the AMNRL entered into a relationship with the Star Group to rebrand the league, its assets, and its teams.<ref name=Mascord>{{cite web |url= http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=38212|title= Discord 2011: Edition 2|last1=Mascord |first1= Steve|authorlink=|date=January 12, 2011|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vrHpLvf8|archivedate=January 19, 2011 |publisher=rleague.com |accessdate=January 13, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, the AMNRL entered into a partnership arrangement with [[Grand Prix Entertainment]] to promote and grow the game in the USA, in return for ownership of the league and TV rights to World Cup matches in 2013.<ref>http://www.amnrl.com/news/amnrl-partners-grand-prix</ref><ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/Story/story/rescue?SourceUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketwatch.com%2Fstory%2Fgrand-prix-entertainment-expands-acquires-american-national-rugby-league-2012-05-11</ref> At present, the ownership of the league is uncertain. |
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===AMNRL/USARL split and collapse=== |
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On January 12, 2011, seven teams announced they were breaking with the AMNRL to form a new league, the [[USA Rugby League]] (USARL). Officials have given the lack of club involvement in the AMNRL's decision making as the reason for the split; the USA Rugby League will involve member clubs in its administration.<ref name=Code13/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=38212|title= Discord 2011: Edition 2|last1=Mascord |first1= Steve|date= January 12, 2011|work= rleague.com|accessdate=January 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rugbymag.com/news/clubs/mensclubs/new-rugby-league-competition-announced.aspx |title= New Rugby League Competition Announced |last1=|first1= |date= January 12, 2011|work=Rugby Magazine|accessdate=January 13, 2011}}</ref> The departing teams are the [[Boston 13s]], the [[D.C. Slayers]], the [[Fairfax Eagles]], the [[Jacksonville Axemen]], the [[New Haven Warriors]], the [[Philadelphia Fight]], and the [[Pittsburgh Vipers]] (later the Pittsburgh Sledgehammers). Five of these teams (all except Fairfax and Pittsburgh), along with three new teams, participated in the USARL's inaugural [[2011 USARL season|2011 season]]. |
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The AMNRL struggled over the next few years due to the competition from the USARL.<ref name=Walter/> The RLIF stepped in to work with the leagues toward an ultimate goal of reunification, but were unable to find a solution. The AMNRL put its domestic competition on hiatus after the 2013 season, though it continued to organize games for the national team, including the U.S.' first ever appearance at the [[Rugby League World Cup]] in [[2013 Rugby League World Cup|2013]], in which the Tomahawks reached the quarter finals.<ref name=Wilson/> The split between the leagues cost the U.S. its automatic qualification to the [[2017 Rugby League World Cup|2017 World Cup]]. In August 2014, the AMNRL announced it would cease operations to end the rift and allow the USARL to seek status as the national governing body.<ref name=Walter/> |
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===Expansion plans=== |
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[[File:Logo WAMNRL.jpg|thumb|right|120px|WAMNRL logo]] |
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The AMNRL has announced various plans for future expansion at different times. Beginning in 2001 the league announced plans for a [[Western American National Rugby League]] (WAMNRL) to develop the sport on the [[West Coast of the United States]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=6058|title= RL in US head west |author= Steven Birchall |date= April 19, 2001 |work= rleague.com |accessdate=June 9, 2011| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110715191621/http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=6058| archivedate= July 15, 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The AMNRL has revisited these plans several times since.<ref name=West2011>{{cite news |title= RL Hopes to Move West |first= Lowe|last= Brian |url= http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/RL_Hopes_To_Move_West.shtml |work= americanrugbynews.com| publisher= American Rugby News|date= September 28, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref> |
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In 2009 league officials announced the creation of a new, fully professional league, the [[National Rugby League USA]] (NRLUS), which originally hoped to launch in 2010. The AMNRL would serve as an amateur and semi-professional feeder league for the new competition. However, the new league never got off the ground, with officials blaming the [[Great Recession]].<ref name=TDP>{{cite news |title=Big USA money chasing Stacey Jones |last= Staff|newspaper= [[The Dominion Post (Wellington)|The Dominion Post]]|date= February 7, 2010|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/rugby-league/3301130/Big-USA-money-chasing-Stacey-Jones|accessdate=January 13, 2011}}</ref> |
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==Season structure== |
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Since 1998 member teams of the domestic competition have competed in a Grand Final for the league championship. The winning team receives the "Ferrainola Cup", named for American rugby league promoter Sam Ferrainola.<ref name=Walshaw>{{cite web |url= http://www.newyorkknightsrugby.com/news_prev_3.php|title= First-Year Knights Win Yankee Comp|author= Nick Walshaw|date= September 4, 2002|work= [[Rugby League World]]|publisher= rivals.net |archiveurl= http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20080705205123/http://www.newyorkknightsrugby.com/news_prev_3.php|archivedate= July 5, 2008|accessdate=March 10, 2011}}</ref> Beginning in [[2011 AMNRL season|2011]], the AMNRL season consisted of an eight-round, seven-game regular season followed by a [[playoffs]] series culminating in the Grand Final. All six teams advanced to the playoffs, which consisted of a three-round [[single-elimination tournament]], with the Grand Final winners receiving the championship title.<ref name=schedule>{{cite web |url= http://www.amnrl.com/American-national-rugby-league-schedule|title= AMNRL Official Schedule |year= 2011 |work= amnrl.com|publisher= American National Rugby League|accessdate=May 9, 2011| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110525040817/http://www.amnrl.com/American-national-rugby-league-schedule| archivedate= May 25, 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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One of signature events in the AMNRL's domestic schedule was the War at the Shore. The event, held annually in [[Sea Isle City, New Jersey]], generally consisted of full 13-a-side and [[rugby league sevens]] games between AMNRL teams, local and national [[representative side]]s, and developmental teams.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/War_at_the_Shore_i.shtml| title = War at the Shore | date = July 27, 2010| work = American Rugby News| accessdate =January 27, 2011}}</ref><ref name=wats>{{cite web | url = http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/rugby_league/War_at_the_Shore_Success.shtml| title = War at the Shore Success | author = Brian Lowe| date = August 1, 2010| work = American Rugby News| accessdate =January 27, 2011}}</ref> |
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===List of championship titles=== |
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{| border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:92%; width:1000px;" |
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|- style="background:#c1d8ff;" |
|||
!rowspan=2 |Season |
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!colspan=3 |Championship Final Information |
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!rowspan=2 |Regular Season Premiers |
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|- style="background:#efefef;" |
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!Champions |
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!Score |
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!|Runners-Up |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[1998 AMNRL season|1998]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''[[Glen Mills Bulls]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 66–12 |
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| {{leagueicon|Philadelphia Fight|16}} [[Philadelphia Fight|Philadelphia Bulldogs]] |
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| |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[1999 AMNRL season|1999]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''[[Glen Mills Bulls]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 28–10 |
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| {{leagueicon|Cronulla|16}} [[Bucks County Sharks|New Jersey Sharks]] |
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| |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[2000 AMNRL season|2000]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''[[Glen Mills Bulls]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 38–26 |
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| {{leagueicon|Philadelphia Fight|16}} [[Philadelphia Fight|Philadelphia Bulldogs]] |
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| |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2001 AMNRL season|2001]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''[[Glen Mills Bulls]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 26–16 |
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| {{leagueicon|Delaware Valley Mantarays|16}} [[Delaware Valley Mantarays|Media Mantarays]] |
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| |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[2002 AMNRL season|2002]] |
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| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 18–12 |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} [[Glen Mills Bulls]] |
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| |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[2003 AMNRL season|2003]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 38–14 |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} [[Glen Mills Bulls]] |
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| |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[2004 AMNRL season|2004]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''[[Glen Mills Bulls]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 32–24 |
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| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
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| |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[2005 AMNRL season|2005]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''[[Glen Mills Bulls]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 32–30 |
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| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
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| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2006 AMNRL season|2006]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 36–28 |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} [[Glen Mills Bulls]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} [[Glen Mills Bulls]] |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[2007 AMNRL season|2007]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 22–18 |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} [[Aston Bulls|Aston DSC Bulls]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
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| [[2008 AMNRL season|2008]] |
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| {{leagueicon|New Haven Warriors|16}} '''[[New Haven Warriors]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 50–18 |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} [[Aston Bulls|Aston DSC Bulls]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} [[Aston Bulls|Aston DSC Bulls]] |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2009 AMNRL season|2009]] |
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| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights RLFC|New York Knights]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 32–12 |
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| {{leagueicon|Jacksonville Axemen|16}} [[Jacksonville Axemen]] |
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| {{leagueicon|Jacksonville Axemen|16}} [[Jacksonville Axemen]] |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2010 AMNRL season|2010]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Jacksonville Axemen|16}} '''[[Jacksonville Axemen]]''' |
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| style="text-align:center;"| 34–14 |
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| {{leagueicon|New Haven Warriors|16}} [[New Haven Warriors]] |
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| {{leagueicon|New Haven Warriors|16}} [[New Haven Warriors]] |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2011 AMNRL season|2011]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights RLFC|New York Knights]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 38–4 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} [[New York Knights]] |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2012 AMNRL season|2012]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights RLFC|New York Knights]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 60–40 |
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| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} [[New York Knights]] |
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|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2012 AMNRL season|2013]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 42–10 |
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| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} [[New York Knights RLFC|New York Knights]] |
|||
| |
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|} |
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==Teams== |
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<div style="float: center; clear; center; "> |
<div style="float: center; clear; center; "> |
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<div style="position: absolute; left: 640px; top: 232px">[[File:Red Dot.svg|10px]]</div> <!--Storm--> |
<div style="position: absolute; left: 640px; top: 232px">[[File:Red Dot.svg|10px]]</div> <!--Storm--> |
||
{{Image label small|x=0.912|y=0.244|scale=1000|text=[[New York Knights|Knights]]}} |
{{Image label small|x=0.912|y=0.244|scale=1000|text=[[New York Knights (rugby league)|Knights]]}} |
||
{{Image label small|x=0.854|y=0.226|scale=1000|text=[[ |
{{Image label small|x=0.854|y=0.226|scale=1000|text=[[Northern Raiders|Raiders]]}} |
||
{{Image label small|x=0.892|y=0.266|scale=1000|text= |
{{Image label small|x=0.892|y=0.266|scale=1000|text=Bulls}} |
||
{{Image label small|x=0.85|y=0.25|scale=1000|text=[[Bucks County Sharks|Sharks]]}} |
{{Image label small|x=0.85|y=0.25|scale=1000|text=[[Bucks County Sharks|Sharks]]}} |
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{{Image label small|x=0.918|y=0.228|scale=1000|text=[[Connecticut Wildcats|Wildcats]]}} |
{{Image label small|x=0.918|y=0.228|scale=1000|text=[[Connecticut Wildcats|Wildcats]]}} |
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Line 193: | Line 120: | ||
{{Image label small|x=0.648|y=0.26|scale=1000|text=[[Chicago Stockyarders|Stockyarders]]}} |
{{Image label small|x=0.648|y=0.26|scale=1000|text=[[Chicago Stockyarders|Stockyarders]]}} |
||
{{Image label small|x=0.21|y=0.27|scale=1000|text=[[Utah Avalanche|Avalanche]]}} |
{{Image label small|x=0.21|y=0.27|scale=1000|text=[[Utah Avalanche|Avalanche]]}} |
||
{{Image label small|x=0.633|y=0.236|scale=1000|text=[[Western Storm|Storm]]}} |
{{Image label small|x=0.633|y=0.236|scale=1000|text=[[Western Storm (rugby league)|Storm]]}} |
||
</div> |
</div> |
||
</div> |
</div> |
||
Six teams played in the [[2011 AMNRL season|2011 season]]. Four of these teams, the |
Six teams played in the [[2011 AMNRL season|2011 season]]. Four of these teams, the Aston Bulls, the [[Connecticut Wildcats]], the [[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]], and the [[Northern Raiders|New York Raiders]], played in the AMNRL the previous season. The [[Bucks County Sharks]], who did not compete in the 2010 season, also rejoined the league in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/buckscountysharksrlc/news/sharks-commit-to-amnrl-for-sea-250399.html|title=Sharks commit to AMNRL for season 2011|author=Tim McCall|date=January 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020040322/http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/buckscountysharksrlc/news/sharks-commit-to-amnrl-for-sea-250399.html|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=March 3, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A sixth team, the Delaware Vipers, were announced in April 2011 and played during the season. Ostensibly based in [[Wilmington, Delaware]], the AMNRL considered them successors to the [[Media Mantarays]], who played in the competition from 2000–2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://76.12.239.222/teams/delaware-vipers |title=Delaware Vipers |year=2011 |work=amnrl.com |publisher=American National Rugby League |access-date=April 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810223614/http://76.12.239.222/teams/delaware-vipers |archive-date=August 10, 2011 }}</ref> |
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In 2011 the AMNRL launched a Hawaii-based competition in partnership with the Hawaii Rugby League.<ref name=hawaii>{{cite web |
In 2011 the AMNRL launched a Hawaii-based competition in partnership with the Hawaii Rugby League.<ref name=hawaii>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnrl.com/teams/hawaii-expansion |title=Hawaii Expansion |year=2011 |work=amnrl.com |publisher=American National Rugby League |access-date=April 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430021159/http://www.amnrl.com/teams/hawaii-expansion |archive-date=April 30, 2011 }}</ref> The AMNRL dubbed this the "Pacific Conference", while the East Coast-based competition was named the "Atlantic Conference". Teams listed in the Pacific Conference as of July 16, 2011 are the Hawaii Islanders, Honolulu Titans, Kalihi Raiders, Marist Marauders, Maui Voyagers, and Tama Suma Ie. However, as of that time, only the Marist, Maui, Tama Sulu, and Kalihi teams had played games, and had not played consistently.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnrl.com/American-national-rugby-league-standings |title=Standings | American National Rugby League |publisher=Amnrl.com |access-date=September 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828134947/http://www.amnrl.com/American-national-rugby-league-standings |archive-date=August 28, 2012 }}</ref> |
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In addition, other teams competed in AMNRL-sponsored tournaments. The [[Chicago Stockyarders]] played two [[rugby league nines]] games in 2010.<ref name=sponsor>{{cite web |
In addition, other teams competed in AMNRL-sponsored tournaments. The [[Chicago Stockyarders]] played two [[rugby league nines]] games in 2010.<ref name=sponsor>{{cite web|url=http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/chicago-stockyarders-sign-first-sponsor |title=Chicago Stockyarders Sign First Sponsor |date=October 13, 2010 |work=wearerugby.com |access-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718010952/http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/chicago-stockyarders-sign-first-sponsor |archive-date=July 18, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/usa-strategic-plan |title=USA Strategic Plan |author=Brian Lowe |date=November 1, 2010 |work=wearerugby.com |access-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118073213/http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/usa-strategic-plan |archive-date=January 18, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/sharks-rejoin-amnrl |title=Sharks To Rejoin AMNRL |author=Brian Lowe |date=January 8, 2011 |work=wearerugby.com |access-date=January 27, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116052628/http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/sharks-rejoin-amnrl |archive-date=January 16, 2011 }}</ref> On June 10, 2011, the Utah Avalanche of [[Salt Lake City]], Utah, announced they were joining the AMNRL as a developing team.<ref name="wearerugby.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/utah-avalanche-joins-league |title=Utah Avalanche Joins League |publisher=We Are Rugby |date=June 13, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313180610/http://www.wearerugby.com/news/articles/utah-avalanche-joins-league |archive-date=March 13, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.utahrugbyleague.com/2011/06/utah-avalanche-join-american-national-rugby-league/ | title = Utah Avalanche join American National Rugby League | date = June 10, 2011 | work = utahrugbyleague.com | access-date =June 10, 2011}}</ref> The Avalanche were formed in early 2011 and were previously aligned with the USARL, playing in a USARL rugby league nines tournament in [[Philadelphia]] in May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usarugbyleague.com/2011/05/inaugural-9s-tournament-philadelphia-saturday-may-28/ |title=USARL | USA Rugby League | American Rugby League « Uncategorized « Inaugural 9′s Tournament May 28 in Conshohocken, Philadelphia |publisher=USA Rugby League |date=May 15, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321045227/http://www.usarugbyleague.com/2011/05/inaugural-9s-tournament-philadelphia-saturday-may-28/ |archive-date=March 21, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usarugbyleague.com/2011/02/usarl-constitution-teams-entry-qualifications-announced/ |title=USARL | USA Rugby League | American Rugby League « Uncategorized « USARL Constitution & Teams announced |publisher=USA Rugby League |date=February 18, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513210426/https://www.usarugbyleague.com/2011/02/usarl-constitution-teams-entry-qualifications-announced/ |archive-date=May 13, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.utahrugbyleague.com/2011/06/usarl-9s-tournament-results-and-photos/|title=USARL 9s Tournament 2011 in Philadelphia - Results & Photos|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325053508/http://www.utahrugbyleague.com/2011/06/usarl-9s-tournament-results-and-photos/|archive-date=March 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2011 they announced they were re-aligning with the AMNRL.<ref name="wearerugby.com"/><ref>[http://www.utahrugbyleague.com/2011/06/joining-amnrl/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325053504/http://www.utahrugbyleague.com/2011/06/joining-amnrl/|date=March 25, 2012}}</ref> |
||
On November 26, 2011 the AMNRL announced that the [[Northern Virginia Eagles]], formerly the Fairfax Eagles, would be reforming and joining the competition.<ref>{{cite web |
On November 26, 2011 the AMNRL announced that the [[Northern Virginia Eagles]], formerly the Fairfax Eagles, would be reforming and joining the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnrl.com/news/nova-eagles-have-landed |title=NOVA Eagles have landed! |date=November 26, 2011 |work=amnrl.com |publisher=American National Rugby League |access-date=December 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419070729/http://www.amnrl.com/news/nova-eagles-have-landed |archive-date=April 19, 2012 }}</ref> In the new year the AMNRL released its 2011 review and announced its "Road to the [[2013 Rugby League World Cup]]" which includes launching teams and competitions in the East, Midwest, West and Southwest. A further two teams were announced to be joining the league on January 13 – the Las Vegas Warriors and Colorado Blizzard were announced to be part of a Western Conference as well as new teams forming from Los Angeles and San Francisco.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=42008 |title=More teams for AMNRL |publisher=rleague.com |access-date=September 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007153910/http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=42008 |archive-date=October 7, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnrl.com/news/2011-year-review |title=2011 – YEAR IN REVIEW | American National Rugby League |publisher=Amnrl.com |access-date=September 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214150322/http://www.amnrl.com/news/2011-year-review |archive-date=December 14, 2013 }}</ref> |
||
=== Final AMNRL teams (2014) === |
|||
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 99%" |
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 99%" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| style="background:#f00; text-align:center;" |
| colspan="5" style="background:#f00; text-align:center;" |'''<span style="color:#fff;">Final AMNRL teams (2014)</span>''' |
||
|- |
|- |
||
!Team |
!Team |
||
Line 215: | Line 143: | ||
!Championships |
!Championships |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} ''' |
|{{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''Pennsylvania Bulls''' |
||
|Sun Valley High School |
|[[Sun Valley High School (Pennsylvania)|Sun Valley High School]] |
||
|[[Aston Township |
|[[Aston Township, Pennsylvania]] |
||
|1998 |
|1998 |
||
|6 (as [[Glen Mills Bulls]]) |
|6 (as [[Glen Mills Bulls]]) |
||
Line 223: | Line 151: | ||
|{{leagueicon|Bucks County Sharks|16}} '''[[Bucks County Sharks]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|Bucks County Sharks|16}} '''[[Bucks County Sharks]]''' |
||
|Falls Township Community Park |
|Falls Township Community Park |
||
|[[Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania]] |
|[[Levittown, Pennsylvania|Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania]] |
||
|1997 |
|1997 |
||
|0 |
|0 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Connecticut|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|Connecticut|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
||
| |
|Brien McMahon Stadium |
||
|[[Norwalk, Connecticut]] |
|[[Norwalk, Connecticut]] |
||
|2003 |
|2003 |
||
|3- 2003,2006,2007 |
|3- 2003,2006,2007 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]]''' |
||
|[[Hudson River Park]] |
|[[Hudson River Park]] |
||
|[[New York City]], [[New York]] |
|[[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] |
||
|1997 |
|1997 |
||
|2- 2002,2009 |
|2- 2002,2009 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Northern Raiders|16}} '''[[New York Raiders]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|Northern Raiders|16}} '''[[Northern Raiders|New York Raiders]]''' |
||
|[[Rockland Lake State Park]] |
|[[Rockland Lake State Park]] |
||
|[[Rockland County, New York]] |
|[[Rockland County, New York]] |
||
Line 262: | Line 190: | ||
!Final Year |
!Final Year |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Melbourne Storm|16}} '''[[Boston Storm]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|Melbourne Storm|16}} '''[[Boston Storm (rugby league)|Boston Storm]]''' |
||
|[[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] |
|[[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] |
||
|1998 |
|1998 |
||
|1998 |
|1998 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Canberra|16}} ''' |
|{{leagueicon|Canberra|16}} '''Pennsylvania Raiders''' |
||
|[[Pennsylvania]] |
|[[Pennsylvania]] |
||
|1998 |
|1998 |
||
Line 278: | Line 206: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Boston|16}} '''[[Boston Braves (rugby league)|Boston Braves]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|Boston|16}} '''[[Boston Braves (rugby league)|Boston Braves]]''' |
||
| |
|Boston, Massachusetts |
||
|2006 |
|2006 |
||
|2006 |
|2006 |
||
Line 303: | Line 231: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Ipswich Jets|16}} '''[[Boston Thirteens]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|Ipswich Jets|16}} '''[[Boston Thirteens]]''' |
||
| |
|Boston, Massachusetts |
||
|2009 |
|2009 |
||
|2010 ([[USARL]]) |
|2010 ([[USARL]]) |
||
Line 312: | Line 240: | ||
|2010 ([[USARL]]) |
|2010 ([[USARL]]) |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|{{leagueicon|Carcassonne|16}}'''[[Delaware Vipers]]''' |
|{{leagueicon|Carcassonne|16}} '''[[Delaware Vipers]]''' |
||
|[[Wilmington, Delaware]] |
|[[Wilmington, Delaware]] |
||
|2011 |
|2011 |
||
|2011 |
|2011 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
|''' |
|{{leagueicon|Melbourne Storm|16}} '''Iowa City Crash''' |
||
|[[Iowa City, Iowa]] |
|[[Iowa City, Iowa]] |
||
|2012 |
|2012 |
||
Line 331: | Line 259: | ||
|2007 |
|2007 |
||
|2014 ([[USARL]]) |
|2014 ([[USARL]]) |
||
|- |
|||
|{{leagueicon|Bucks County Sharks|16}} '''[[Bucks County Sharks]]''' |
|||
|[[Levittown, Pennsylvania|Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania]] |
|||
|1997 |
|||
|2015 ([[USARL]]) |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{leagueicon|Connecticut|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
|||
|[[Norwalk, Connecticut]] |
|||
|2003 |
|||
|2015 ([[USARL]]) |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]]''' |
|||
|[[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]] |
|||
|1997 |
|||
|2015 ([[USARL]]) |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
<sup>Note</sup> [[Delaware Valley Mantarays]] merged with [[Philadelphia Fight|Philadelphia Bulldogs]] in 2006. The AMNRL considers the |
<sup>Note</sup> [[Delaware Valley Mantarays]] merged with [[Philadelphia Fight|Philadelphia Bulldogs]] in 2006. The AMNRL considers the Delaware Vipers to be successors to the Mantarays.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} |
||
===List of championship titles=== |
|||
==Commissioners and presidents== |
|||
{| border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:92%; width:1000px;" |
|||
*[[David Niu]] (1998–2012), President |
|||
|- style="background:#c1d8ff;" |
|||
*[[Curtis Cunz]] (2013–Present), President |
|||
!rowspan=2 |Season |
|||
!colspan=3 |Championship Final Information |
|||
!rowspan=2 |Regular Season Premiers |
|||
|- style="background:#efefef;" |
|||
!Champions |
|||
!Score |
|||
!|Runners-Up |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 1998 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''Glen Mills Bulls''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 66–12 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Philadelphia Fight|16}} [[Philadelphia Fight|Philadelphia Bulldogs]] |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 1999 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''Glen Mills Bulls''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 28–10 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Cronulla|16}} [[Bucks County Sharks|New Jersey Sharks]] |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2000 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''Glen Mills Bulls''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 38–26 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Philadelphia Fight|16}} Philadelphia Bulldogs |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2001 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''Glen Mills Bulls''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 26–16 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Delaware Valley Mantarays|16}} [[Delaware Valley Mantarays|Media Mantarays]] |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2002 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''[[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 18–12 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} Glen Mills Bulls |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2003 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''[[Connecticut Wildcats]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 38–14 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} Glen Mills Bulls |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2004 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''Glen Mills Bulls''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 32–24 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2005 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} '''Glen Mills Bulls''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 32–30 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} Connecticut Wildcats |
|||
| |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2006 AMNRL season|2006]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''Connecticut Wildcats''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 36–28 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} Glen Mills Bulls |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} Glen Mills Bulls |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2007 AMNRL season|2007]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''Connecticut Wildcats''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 22–18 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} Aston DSC Bulls |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} [[Connecticut Wildcats]] |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2008 AMNRL season|2008]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New Haven Warriors|16}} '''[[New Haven Warriors]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 50–18 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} Aston DSC Bulls |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Aston Bulls|16}} Aston DSC Bulls |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2009 AMNRL season|2009]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''New York Knights''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 32–12 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Jacksonville Axemen|16}} [[Jacksonville Axemen]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Jacksonville Axemen|16}} [[Jacksonville Axemen]] |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2010 AMNRL season|2010]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Jacksonville Axemen|16}} '''[[Jacksonville Axemen]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 34–14 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New Haven Warriors|16}} [[New Haven Warriors]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New Haven Warriors|16}} [[New Haven Warriors]] |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| [[2011 AMNRL season|2011]] |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''New York Knights''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 38–4 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} Connecticut Wildcats |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} [[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]] |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2012 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} '''New York Knights''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 60–40 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} Connecticut Wildcats |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} New York Knights |
|||
|- style="background:#f5faff;" |
|||
| 2013 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|Connecticut Wildcats|16}} '''Connecticut Wildcats''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;"| 42–10 |
|||
| {{leagueicon|New York Knights|16}} [[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]] |
|||
| |
|||
|} |
|||
==Statistics and awards== |
===Statistics and awards=== |
||
===League records=== |
====League records==== |
||
'''Largest victory''': Jacksonville Axemen 90 – 8 Philadelphia Fight (2006) |
'''Largest victory''': Jacksonville Axemen 90 – 8 Philadelphia Fight (2006) |
||
===Most |
====Most Valuable Player Winners==== |
||
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2010}} |
|||
At the conclusion of each [[Season (sports)|season]], the title of [[Most Valuable Player]] is awarded to the individual who accumulates the most points via a voting system that is undertaken after every game. Each official at the conclusion of a regular-season fixture awards either three, two or one points for the most deserving players on game day; these points are then added up to determine the MVP. Performance is not only measured by individual feats but also the influence that player has had on the performance of his respective team. |
At the conclusion of each [[Season (sports)|season]], the title of [[Most Valuable Player]] is awarded to the individual who accumulates the most points via a voting system that is undertaken after every game. Each official at the conclusion of a regular-season fixture awards either three, two or one points for the most deserving players on game day; these points are then added up to determine the MVP. Performance is not only measured by individual feats but also the influence that player has had on the performance of his respective team. |
||
{| style="width:60%; margin:auto;" |
{| style="width:60%; margin:auto;" |
||
Line 358: | Line 404: | ||
|align=center|2012 |
|align=center|2012 |
||
|align=center|Matt Walsh |
|align=center|Matt Walsh |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Connecticut Wildcats |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2011 |
|align=center|2011 |
||
|align=center|Nigel Milgate |
|align=center|Nigel Milgate |
||
|align=center|[[New York Knights]] |
|align=center|[[New York Knights (rugby league)|New York Knights]] |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2010 |
|align=center|2010 |
||
Line 370: | Line 416: | ||
|align=center|2009 |
|align=center|2009 |
||
|align=center|Luke Hume |
|align=center|Luke Hume |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|New York Knights |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2008 |
|align=center|2008 |
||
Line 377: | Line 423: | ||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2007 |
|align=center|2007 |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Tim Gee |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Connecticut Wildcats |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2006 |
|align=center|2006 |
||
|align=center|Jason |
|align=center|Jason Gangaram |
||
|align=center|[[Glen Mills Bulls]] |
|align=center|[[Glen Mills Bulls]] |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2005 |
|align=center|2005 |
||
|align=center|Andrew Webster / [[Erik Hollingsworth]] |
|align=center|Andrew Webster / [[Erik Hollingsworth]] |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Connecticut Wildcats / Glen Mills Bulls |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2004 |
|align=center|2004 |
||
|align=center|Marcus Acidopholus |
|align=center|Marcus Acidopholus |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Glen Mills Bulls |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2003 |
|align=center|2003 |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Danny Bull |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Connecticut Wildcats |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2002 |
|align=center|2002 |
||
|align=center|Shayne Mains |
|align=center|Shayne Mains |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Glen Mills Bulls |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2001 |
|align=center|2001 |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Dave DiValerio |
||
|align=center|[[Delaware Valley Mantarays]] |
|align=center|[[Delaware Valley Mantarays]] |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|2000 |
|align=center|2000 |
||
|align=center|Ed Woodbridge |
|align=center|Ed Woodbridge |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Glen Mills Bulls |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|1999 |
|align=center|1999 |
||
|align=center|Shayne Mains |
|align=center|Shayne Mains |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Glen Mills Bulls |
||
|- style="background:#fff;" |
|- style="background:#fff;" |
||
|align=center|1998 |
|align=center|1998 |
||
|align=center|Bill Hansbury |
|align=center|Bill Hansbury |
||
|align=center| |
|align=center|Glen Mills Bulls |
||
|} |
|} |
||
Every season to date has seen an individual awarded the MVP excluding the 2005 season where both Andrew Webster and Erik Hollingsworth were awarded the Most Valuable player after they finished with equal points. |
Every season to date has seen an individual awarded the MVP excluding the 2005 season where both Andrew Webster and Erik Hollingsworth were awarded the Most Valuable player after they finished with equal points. |
||
==Representative sides== |
|||
{{main|United States national rugby league team|United States women's national rugby league team}} |
|||
==See also== |
==See also== |
||
{{Portal| |
{{Portal|Sports|Canada|United States}} |
||
* |
*[[Rugby league in the United States]] |
||
*[[List of American rugby league champions]] |
|||
*[[List of defunct rugby league clubs in the United States]] |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
Line 427: | Line 478: | ||
==External links== |
==External links== |
||
;Official websites |
;Official websites |
||
* [http://www.amnrl.org/ American National Rugby League Online] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140304204526/http://www.amnrl.org/ American National Rugby League Online] |
||
{{Rugby League in the USA}} |
{{Rugby League in the USA}} |
||
{{Sports governing bodies of the United States}} |
|||
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2013}} |
|||
[[Category:American National Rugby League| ]] |
[[Category:American National Rugby League| ]] |
||
[[Category:Rugby league competitions]] |
|||
[[Category:Sports governing bodies in the United States|Rugby league]] |
[[Category:Sports governing bodies in the United States|Rugby league]] |
||
[[Category: |
[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1998]] |
||
[[Category: |
[[Category:1998 establishments in the United States]] |
||
[[Category:2014 disestablishments in the United States]] |
|||
[[Category:Sports organizations disestablished in 2014]] |
Latest revision as of 21:33, 13 November 2024
American National Rugby League | |
---|---|
Founded | 1997 |
Ceased | 2014 |
Competitions | American National Rugby League |
The American National Rugby League (AMNRL) was the national governing body for rugby league in the United States from 1997 to 2014.
The organization was responsible for running the domestic club competitions and the United States national rugby league team in addition to other responsibilities during its time of operation
The organization was founded by Australian former professional player David Niu and throughout its existence gained recognition from the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) as the governing body for the sport in the United States.
The domestic competition began with six teams competing and grew to eleven teams by 2010, with plans for westward expansion.
On January 12, 2011, a schism occurred with seven teams departing the AMNRL to form the USA Rugby League (USARL), a rival governing body.[1]
In the years that followed, the AMNRL suffered from competition with the USARL, and did not host a domestic competition after the 2013 season, though it continued to organize international team games.
The organization folded in 2014, with USARL becoming the recognized body for rugby league in the USA.[2][3]
History
[edit]Origins
[edit]The roots of the American National Rugby League date to 1997, when Super League America was formed to organize a national team, establish an amateur domestic competition, and build the sport in the United States.[4] The organization was initially established by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation in an attempt to spread rugby league to the United States.[5] The organization was run by former professional player David Niu, who had come to Philadelphia in 1992 and had been active in promoting the sport there.[6] Super League America's domestic competition began its inaugural season in 1998, and was contested by six teams all in the Northeastern United States: the Glen Mills Bulls (later the Aston Bulls), the New Jersey Sharks (now the Bucks County Sharks in the USARL), the New York Broncos (now the New York Knights in the USARL), the Philadelphia Bulldogs (now the Philadelphia Fight in the USARL), the Boston Storm, and the Pennsylvania Raiders.[4] The Boston and Pennsylvania teams soon dropped out; the others later formed the core of the AMNRL. Super League America organized the domestic competition in 1998 and 1999; the Glen Mills Bulls were declared league champions in both years.[7]
In December 1999, Super League America announced a reorganization. The league headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida, with Jacksonville marketing executive Steve Gormley made the organization's new president; David Niu would serve as CEO and maintain the northeastern branch.[4] The organization was renamed the United States Rugby League, and set its sights on expanding into the Southeastern United States and attracting British rugby league teams to Florida for training camps and international competitions.[8] The USRL was successful in attracting foreign teams and advanced the U.S. national team to the Rugby League World Cup qualifiers for the first time; however, it was soon beset by internal strife.[9][10]
Complications over a deal with the British Rugby Football League led to a dispute that bankrupted the USRL.[6] In the midst of the dispute, in May 2001 the five domestic teams announced they would form a new organization, the American National Rugby League, with Niu as its head.[11] Later that year Gormley sold the USRL's assets to the Rugby Football League, leaving the AMNRL as the sole rugby league body in the United States.[9]
Growth
[edit]The AMNRL was affiliated with the Rugby League International Federation, the sport's world governing body, through Super League America.[12] Expansion of the domestic league became a major goal for the organization, and new teams were added every few years. The Wilmington Vikings (later the New York Raiders) joined the competition in 2002, bringing the number of teams back up to six. The following year the Connecticut Wildcats of Norwalk, Connecticut and the Washington D.C. Slayers joined.
In 2006 the league expanded once again to include the Jacksonville Axemen, the New Haven Warriors, and the Boston Braves. After the end of the season, however, the Boston Braves folded, and two charter teams, the Media Mantarays and the Philadelphia Fight, announced they were merging. The Fairfax Eagles joined the competition in 2007, and the Boston Thirteens joined in 2009. Another charter franchise, the Bucks County Sharks, suspended operations in 2010, while the Pittsburgh Vipers were added.
In 2010, the AMNRL entered into a relationship with the Star Group to rebrand the league, its assets, and its teams.[13] In 2012, the AMNRL entered into a partnership arrangement with Grand Prix Entertainment to promote and grow the game in the USA, in return for ownership of the league and TV rights to World Cup matches in 2013.[14] This led to complications regarding the ownership of the league.
Expansion plans
[edit]The AMNRL announced various plans for future expansion at different times. Beginning in 2001 the league announced plans for a Western American National Rugby League (WAMNRL) to develop the sport on the West Coast of the United States.[15] The AMNRL has revisited these plans several times since.[16]
In 2009 league officials announced the creation of a new, fully professional league, the National Rugby League USA (NRLUS), which originally hoped to launch in 2010. The AMNRL would serve as an amateur and semi-professional feeder league for the new competition. However, the new league never got off the ground, with officials blaming the Great Recession.[17]
AMNRL/USARL split and collapse
[edit]On January 12, 2011, seven teams announced they were breaking with the AMNRL to form a new league, the USA Rugby League (USARL). Officials cited the lack of club involvement in the AMNRL's decision-making as the reason for the split; the USA Rugby League implemented a constituency which involved member clubs in its administration.[1][18][19] The departing teams were the Boston 13s, the D.C. Slayers, the Fairfax Eagles, the Jacksonville Axemen, the New Haven Warriors, the Philadelphia Fight, and the Pittsburgh Vipers (later the Pittsburgh Sledgehammers). Five of these teams (all except Fairfax and Pittsburgh), along with three new teams, participated in the USARL's inaugural 2011 season.
The AMNRL struggled over the next few years due to the competition from the USARL.[2] The RLIF stepped in to work with the leagues toward an ultimate goal of reunification, but were unable to find a solution. The AMNRL put its domestic competition on hiatus after the 2013 season, though it continued to organize games for the national team, including the U.S.'s first ever appearance at the Rugby League World Cup in 2013, in which the Tomahawks reached the quarter-finals.[3] The split between the leagues cost the U.S. its automatic qualification to the 2017 World Cup. In August 2014, the AMNRL announced it would cease operations to end the rift and allow the USARL to seek status as the national governing body.[2]
Commissioners and presidents
[edit]- David Niu (1998–2012), President
- Curtis Cunz (2013–2014), President
Domestic competition
[edit]Sport | Rugby league |
---|---|
Inaugural season | 1998 |
Ceased | 2014 |
Number of teams | 5 |
Country | USA |
Champions | Connecticut Wildcats (2013) |
Most titles | Aston Bulls (6 titles) |
Website | www |
Season structure
[edit]From 1998 through 2013, member teams of the domestic competition competed in a Grand Final for the league championship. The winning team received the "Ferrainola Cup", named for American rugby league promoter Sam Ferrainola.[20] Beginning in 2011, the AMNRL season consisted of an eight-round, seven-game regular season followed by a playoffs series culminating in the Grand Final. All six teams advanced to the playoffs, which consisted of a three-round single-elimination tournament, with the Grand Final winners receiving the championship title.[21]
One of signature events in the AMNRL's domestic schedule was the War at the Shore. The event, held annually in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, generally consisted of full 13-a-side and rugby league sevens games between AMNRL teams, local and national representative sides, and developmental teams.[22][23]
Teams
[edit]Six teams played in the 2011 season. Four of these teams, the Aston Bulls, the Connecticut Wildcats, the New York Knights, and the New York Raiders, played in the AMNRL the previous season. The Bucks County Sharks, who did not compete in the 2010 season, also rejoined the league in 2011.[24] A sixth team, the Delaware Vipers, were announced in April 2011 and played during the season. Ostensibly based in Wilmington, Delaware, the AMNRL considered them successors to the Media Mantarays, who played in the competition from 2000–2006.[25]
In 2011 the AMNRL launched a Hawaii-based competition in partnership with the Hawaii Rugby League.[26] The AMNRL dubbed this the "Pacific Conference", while the East Coast-based competition was named the "Atlantic Conference". Teams listed in the Pacific Conference as of July 16, 2011 are the Hawaii Islanders, Honolulu Titans, Kalihi Raiders, Marist Marauders, Maui Voyagers, and Tama Suma Ie. However, as of that time, only the Marist, Maui, Tama Sulu, and Kalihi teams had played games, and had not played consistently.[27]
In addition, other teams competed in AMNRL-sponsored tournaments. The Chicago Stockyarders played two rugby league nines games in 2010.[28][29][30] On June 10, 2011, the Utah Avalanche of Salt Lake City, Utah, announced they were joining the AMNRL as a developing team.[31][32] The Avalanche were formed in early 2011 and were previously aligned with the USARL, playing in a USARL rugby league nines tournament in Philadelphia in May.[33][34][35] In June 2011 they announced they were re-aligning with the AMNRL.[31][36]
On November 26, 2011 the AMNRL announced that the Northern Virginia Eagles, formerly the Fairfax Eagles, would be reforming and joining the competition.[37] In the new year the AMNRL released its 2011 review and announced its "Road to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup" which includes launching teams and competitions in the East, Midwest, West and Southwest. A further two teams were announced to be joining the league on January 13 – the Las Vegas Warriors and Colorado Blizzard were announced to be part of a Western Conference as well as new teams forming from Los Angeles and San Francisco.[38][39]
Final AMNRL teams (2014)
[edit]Final AMNRL teams (2014) | ||||
Team | Stadium | City/Area | Foundation Year | Championships |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pennsylvania Bulls | Sun Valley High School | Aston Township, Pennsylvania | 1998 | 6 (as Glen Mills Bulls) |
Bucks County Sharks | Falls Township Community Park | Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania | 1997 | 0 |
Connecticut Wildcats | Brien McMahon Stadium | Norwalk, Connecticut | 2003 | 3- 2003,2006,2007 |
New York Knights | Hudson River Park | New York City, New York | 1997 | 2- 2002,2009 |
New York Raiders | Rockland Lake State Park | Rockland County, New York | 2002 | 0 |
Former teams
[edit]Note Delaware Valley Mantarays merged with Philadelphia Bulldogs in 2006. The AMNRL considers the Delaware Vipers to be successors to the Mantarays.[citation needed]
List of championship titles
[edit]Season | Championship Final Information | Regular Season Premiers | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Champions | Score | Runners-Up | ||
1998 | Glen Mills Bulls | 66–12 | Philadelphia Bulldogs | |
1999 | Glen Mills Bulls | 28–10 | New Jersey Sharks | |
2000 | Glen Mills Bulls | 38–26 | Philadelphia Bulldogs | |
2001 | Glen Mills Bulls | 26–16 | Media Mantarays | |
2002 | New York Knights | 18–12 | Glen Mills Bulls | |
2003 | Connecticut Wildcats | 38–14 | Glen Mills Bulls | |
2004 | Glen Mills Bulls | 32–24 | Connecticut Wildcats | |
2005 | Glen Mills Bulls | 32–30 | Connecticut Wildcats | |
2006 | Connecticut Wildcats | 36–28 | Glen Mills Bulls | Glen Mills Bulls |
2007 | Connecticut Wildcats | 22–18 | Aston DSC Bulls | Connecticut Wildcats |
2008 | New Haven Warriors | 50–18 | Aston DSC Bulls | Aston DSC Bulls |
2009 | New York Knights | 32–12 | Jacksonville Axemen | Jacksonville Axemen |
2010 | Jacksonville Axemen | 34–14 | New Haven Warriors | New Haven Warriors |
2011 | New York Knights | 38–4 | Connecticut Wildcats | New York Knights |
2012 | New York Knights | 60–40 | Connecticut Wildcats | New York Knights |
2013 | Connecticut Wildcats | 42–10 | New York Knights |
Statistics and awards
[edit]League records
[edit]Largest victory: Jacksonville Axemen 90 – 8 Philadelphia Fight (2006)
Most Valuable Player Winners
[edit]At the conclusion of each season, the title of Most Valuable Player is awarded to the individual who accumulates the most points via a voting system that is undertaken after every game. Each official at the conclusion of a regular-season fixture awards either three, two or one points for the most deserving players on game day; these points are then added up to determine the MVP. Performance is not only measured by individual feats but also the influence that player has had on the performance of his respective team.
Year | Player | Club |
---|---|---|
2013 | Mike Schacter | Connecticut Wildcats |
2012 | Matt Walsh | Connecticut Wildcats |
2011 | Nigel Milgate | New York Knights |
2010 | Adrian Grayson | Jacksonville Axemen |
2009 | Luke Hume | New York Knights |
2008 | Siose Muliumu | New Haven Warriors |
2007 | Tim Gee | Connecticut Wildcats |
2006 | Jason Gangaram | Glen Mills Bulls |
2005 | Andrew Webster / Erik Hollingsworth | Connecticut Wildcats / Glen Mills Bulls |
2004 | Marcus Acidopholus | Glen Mills Bulls |
2003 | Danny Bull | Connecticut Wildcats |
2002 | Shayne Mains | Glen Mills Bulls |
2001 | Dave DiValerio | Delaware Valley Mantarays |
2000 | Ed Woodbridge | Glen Mills Bulls |
1999 | Shayne Mains | Glen Mills Bulls |
1998 | Bill Hansbury | Glen Mills Bulls |
Every season to date has seen an individual awarded the MVP excluding the 2005 season where both Andrew Webster and Erik Hollingsworth were awarded the Most Valuable player after they finished with equal points.
Representative sides
[edit]See also
[edit]- Rugby league in the United States
- List of American rugby league champions
- List of defunct rugby league clubs in the United States
References
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External links
[edit]- Official websites