USARL Secures Official Ball Partnership with Messenger Churchill Group

USARL and Messenger Churchill Group Announce Official Ball Partnership to Power Growth of Rugby League in the U.S.

A Bold Step Forward for the Future of American Rugby League

The USA Rugby League (USARL) is proud to unveil a landmark partnership with the Messenger Churchill Group (MCG), who will serve as the official ball supplier for the USA Rugby League, the USA Hawks national team, and the USARL National Competition for the next three seasons.

This partnership is more than just a supply agreement — it’s a critical step toward building the foundation for Rugby League’s long-term growth across the United States. From coast to coast, clubs, players, and communities will benefit from reliable access to quality match and training balls — something that has been a persistent challenge at every level of the game.

Laying the Groundwork for National Growth

As the governing body of Rugby League in the U.S., the USARL is committed to expanding the sport beyond its traditional pockets and into new cities, communities, and schools. However, no grassroots effort can succeed without the most basic tool of the trade: a ball.

USARL Chair Matt Goschnick emphasized this point:

“The board has remained deeply connected to what’s happening at the grassroots level and has been working hard behind the scenes to support our clubs. One of the most consistent challenges raised by our stakeholders has been access to quality Rugby League balls. This partnership directly addresses that need, and we’re thrilled to have a committed partner in MCG that shares our vision for growth and development across the country.”

Under this partnership, registered clubs will receive official Dally M-branded balls for both matches and training, easing a major logistical and financial burden for many teams. By lowering that barrier to participation, USARL aims to empower more clubs to start, expand, and thrive.

Honoring the Past While Shaping the Future

For the Messenger Churchill Group, this collaboration represents both a practical opportunity and a symbolic one — a chance to tie the modern expansion of Rugby League in the U.S. to the sport’s storied past.

MCG’s Jason McLean and Steve Small shared their excitement:

“On the back of what the NRL has done over the last 2 years to lift the profile of Rugby League in the USA, we see this partnership as an amazing opportunity. We can also see history repeating itself, as the great Dally Messenger (The Master) was the player that kickstarted the fledgling game in Australia nearly 120 years ago. We see tremendous potential in the growth of Rugby League in the United States, and we’re excited to be part of that journey.”

The balls will proudly feature the Dally M name, connecting U.S. players with one of the game’s earliest legends. For MCG and the USARL, this is about more than playing equipment — it’s about legacy, vision, and making Rugby League a household name in America.

Leadership Aligned on the Vision

USARL Board Member and Sydney Roosters CEO, Joe Kelly, who previously helped launch a Game Development Partnership with USARL, emphasized how impactful this partnership will be in removing barriers to entry and fueling the sport’s expansion:

“The more people we can get with a ball in their hands, the more the sport will grow — and that’s what this is all about.”

Kelly also noted the historical resonance of the branding:

“Having the Dally M name on the ball adds a special dimension to this partnership. It honors the game’s heritage while helping us build a new future for Rugby League here in the United States.”

His comments reflect the board’s collective focus on taking tangible steps that promote accessibility, reduce friction, and drive sustainable growth in both established and emerging regions.

More Than a Ball — A Catalyst for Growth

With this partnership, the USARL is signaling its commitment to sustainable, scalable growth. Having a consistent, quality ball in players’ hands across all regions — from the elite USA Hawks to grassroots clubs — is essential to developing skill, growing awareness, and inspiring the next generation of Rugby League athletes.

Whether it’s the first ball tossed around in a backyard, a training session at a local club, or a high-stakes national match, every touch of the ball now carries the weight of purpose — and a shared belief in Rugby League’s future on American soil.

This is the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter defined by investment, progress, and belief in what Rugby League can become in the United States.

Welcome to the new era — powered by passion, precision, and the Messenger Churchill Group.

Visit Dally M Collections to learn more https://www.dallymcollection.com/