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US, All Blacks ink deal
30/01/2008 09:30 - (SA)
Boulder - USA Rugby and the New Zealand Rugby Union have signed a five-year agreement on Tuesday to promote rugby in America, including the possibility of high profile matches on US soil.
The deal will involve commercial development as well as Kiwi support for US rugby with youth, referee and coaching development programs that could boost the sport at the grass-roots level.
"The rugby world wants to see the game grow in the United States and we're taking concrete steps to help USA Rugby," said New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew.
That could include the creation of an age-group event involving the nations as well as the famed All Blacks playing a US match.
"We welcome New Zealand's help as we work to tap the potential in the United States," USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville said.
"The coaching resources are an immediate benefit but longer term we'd like to look at joint sponsorships, merchandise agreements and anything that can benefit both unions."
New Zealand will play host to the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the deal should help pitch the event to the US sports market.
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Rugby
