The Mzansi Rugby League (MRL) says it has been inundated with interest from players locally and abroad as organisers continue preparations for a planned 2027 launch.
League co-founder and chief commercial officer Calvin Smith revealed to Rapport that enquiries have poured in from former professionals, current players and overseas talent despite the competition becoming embroiled in a dispute with SA Rugby and player body MyPlayers.
The MRL last week cancelled its planned player trials, which were scheduled for June, citing concerns over the potential consequences for players who attended but failed to secure contracts.
MORE: MRL’s fight with Saru continues
According to Smith, the decision was taken after SA Rugby reiterated its stance that players participating in the MRL would be ineligible to represent teams operating under its structures, including the SA Cup, Currie Cup, Vodacom URC franchises and national teams.
“We didn’t cancel the trials because we didn’t have the capacity to host them, but purely to protect the players,” Smith told Rapport.
“We received many questions from players asking what would happen if they attended the trials and were not selected. Instead of putting them in that position, we decided to recruit players ourselves.
“You cannot imagine how many emails we receive every day from players and coaches. It’s crazy. Since we cancelled the trials, the messages have doubled.”
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Smith insisted the competition remains on track to launch in March 2027.
The number of teams has been reduced from 16 to 10 for the inaugural season.
The post Breakaway league swamped by player interest appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Mzansi Rugby League (MRL) says it has been inundated with interest from players locally and abroad as organisers continue preparations for a planned 2027 launch.
The post Breakaway league swamped by player interest appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
