Antoine Dupont Joins RFCLA Ownership To Help Grow Rugby In The U.S.
Antoine Dupont Joins RFCLA Ownership To Help Grow Rugby In The U.S.
France star Antoine Dupont joins RFCLA ownership, aiming to boost rugby's growth in the United States ahead of the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups.
France captain Antoine Dupont, one of rugby’s most electrifying talents, has entered the world of American sports ownership.
The former World Rugby Player of the Year and Olympic gold medalist has joined the ownership group of Major League Rugby side Rugby Football Club Los Angeles through his company, Ouest Coast.
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RFCLA, currently languishing second from bottom in the Western Conference after 12 rounds, has managed just five wins, equaling the record the team posted in its inaugural season.
The squad will be looking to ignite a late-season surge when hosting the Miami Sharks this Sunday. Despite the struggles on the field, there’s newfound buzz surrounding the franchise, thanks to Dupont’s star power.
“Rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a community with strong values,” Dupont said. “Beyond competitive success on the pitch for RFCLA, I am excited by the opportunity to grow rugby’s popularity in the States and establish an energetic hub of rugby culture that attracts players, fans, teams and partners from around the world.”
The 27-year-old scrumhalf, widely regarded as the best in the world, is the latest international icon to invest in U.S. rugby — and his timing couldn’t be more strategic.
With the United States set to host the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033, respectively, Dupont’s involvement offers commercial clout and cultural relevance.
“Los Angeles is a unique place, combining the best of sports, entertainment, fashion and culture,” he added. “I can’t think of any other place that provides such opportunities for youth development, high performance and commercial success to go hand-in-hand.”
RFCLA CEO Pete Sickle hailed Dupont’s arrival as a transformative moment for the franchise and the league at large.
“We feel very privileged that Antoine has chosen RFCLA as the pathway to inspire new rugby players and fans," Sickle said. "His vision for integrating the athleticism and core values of rugby will prove invaluable.”
Led on the field by former Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano, RFCLA features a diverse and international roster.
With Dupont now in the fold behind the scenes, the club’s ambition off the pitch may finally match the global potential of American rugby.
With a superstar’s name and a visionary’s intent, Dupont’s arrival could mark the beginning of a new era for rugby in the United States.
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