Under the terms of the agreement, REP will provide resources and representation to the USRPA as it seeks to develop and manage a group licensed and player-marketing program. In addition, REP Worldwide will situate and manage USRPA licensing partnerships across merchandise categories including digital, apparel and hard lines.

“Timing could not be better for us to welcome this extraordinary group of athletes to the REP Worldwide team,” says Steve Scebelo, president, REP Worldwide. “The tenacity and toughness that rugby players exhibit in the game will be a huge support in building a new group licensing program featuring their likenesses, as this global powerhouse of a sport continues to gain momentum and appeal in the U.S.”

The USRPA is independently controlled by the league's players and includes athletes who represent all of the sport's U.S. National Teams.