National Collegiate Rugby is releasing an open letter to its members outlining its current relationship with USA Rugby.

The letter essentially says what USA Rugby representatives have been saying for the last couple of months: "we'd like the other side to see things our way, but right now we're at an impasse."

NCR outlines in their letter how they were able to offer a pathway to play and register in 2020 when USA Rugby was undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, and pointed out that USA Rugby owed NSCRO (NCR's predecessor organization) a not insignificant amount of $80,000 due to the bankruptcy. NCR's letter says the money was misappropriated but they were eventually paid.

The letter also outlines some of the negotiations NCR and USA Rugby have pursued, but provides details only on the initial proposals, and didn't go into specifics on what was an area of common interest or what was rejected by USA Rugby's Collegiate Council. There is no mention of NCR rejecting any proposals, but according to GRR sources NCR has rejected proposals as well.

But there appears to be something of an olive branch in this statement:

We remain hopeful that a positive and healthy partnership can be established with USA Rugby despite the recent challenges. While our organization is exempt by law from national governing body oversight, we know that rugby could be stronger through greater collaboration across all rugby organizations.

With 15 years of success serving the college rugby community, NCR is the best positioned Amateur Sports Organization to lead American college rugby. National Collegiate Rugby has the vision, infrastructure, leadership and resources to accelerate the growth of college rugby and further improve the student-athlete, stakeholder and fan experience. NCR is committed to building a productive working relationship with USA Rugby and looks forward to future collaboration to grow our sport at all levels.

See the full letter here>>