USARL Completes Extensive Review of US National Program, Appoints Football Leaders, and Opens Key Role Recruitment for Men’s, Women’s & U19 National Teams
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2025 — The United States Association of Rugby League (USARL), the governing body for Rugby League in the United States, today announced two major developments for the future of the sport: the strategic appointments of Shane Morris and Kurt Stocks, who will play key roles in the implementation of a new national program structure, and the opening for recruitment for key positions across the U.S. Men’s, Women’s, and U19 national teams.
These steps follow the completion of a comprehensive six-month review of the national program, conducted by the USARL National Program Subcommittee that evaluated more than 40 candidates and established a new national program structure.
New Strategic Football Leadership
Shane Morris brings over 20 years of experience across elite Rugby League environments, including leadership with the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, Dolphins NRL, and as CEO of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League. He has overseen national programs, governance reforms, and grassroots-to-elite pathways in Australia, PNG, and Fiji.
Kurt Stocks a former senior player with the Newcastle Knights, North Sydney Bears, and Hunter Mariners, adds both Rugby League and corporate leadership credentials. Now based in California, he serves as President of LEGOLAND California Resort, where he has led major operational turnarounds and stakeholder engagement, while maintaining close ties to Rugby League in both the U.S. and Australia.
“This is another positive step forward for Rugby League in America,” said USARL Chair Matt Goschnick. “The synergy and combined experience of Shane and Kurt will help us better resource and establish sustainable structures and support systems for our pathways and national programs. We are excited to have them driving the top-level strategy and look forward to the flow-on effects of strengthening the domestic game and creating more opportunities for players, coaches, and referees to upskill.”
Recruitment Open for National Team Roles
With leadership in place, the USARL is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for critical national team positions across the Men’s, Women’s, and U19 programs:
- National Team Head Coach
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Apply by clicking here - National Team Assistant Coaches
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Apply by clicking here - National Team Managers
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Apply by clicking here - Video Analysts
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Apply by clicking here - Strength & Conditioning
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Apply by clicking here - Certified Athletic Trainer
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Alternatively if you are having difficulty accessing the form you can email your application including role interested in, why you would be a good fit and your football cv to This email has been obfuscated.
Applications are being overseen by the USARL Head of Football, Assistant Head of Football with assistance of the USARL Nation Program Subcommittee. Current staff are encouraged to reapply, and candidates from both the U.S. and abroad are welcome.
Role descriptions and application links are available at www.usarl.org.
EOIs close September 14, 2025
This role recruitment drive and leadership reset comes as the U.S. prepares for the next international benchmarks: the 2028 Women’s Rugby League World Cup and the 2030 Men’s World Cup. Recent progress has seen the U.S. Men climb into the Top 20 and the Women rank just outside the Top 10, providing a strong foundation for the future.
About the USARL
The United States Association of Rugby League (USARL) is the official governing body for Rugby League in the United States, recognized by the International Rugby League (IRL). As a nonprofit, the USARL oversees domestic competitions, youth and grassroots development, referee and coach accreditation, and the U.S. national representative teams. Guided by principles of transparency, good governance, and fairness, the USARL is committed to growing Rugby League across the country and building a competitive presence on the international stage.
Contact:
Email: This email has been obfuscated.
Website: www.usarl.org