Antoine Dupont joins Major League Rugby in America as stakeholder in LA franchise

The France scrumhalf, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, and his company Ouest Coast have decided to invest in the American outfit.

Rumours were already circulating about Dupont's potential involvement after he twice appeared in public with an RFCLA cap on.

"Rugby is more than just a sport; it's a community with strong values. 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 French star said.

"Los Angeles is a unique place, combining the best of sports, entertainment, fashion, and culture - 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 are currently in their second season in the MLR, having finished bottom in 2024, winning just five of their 16 matches, but they evidently have grand ambitions by getting Dupont on board.

The Toulouse and France playmaker has connections with the Californian city, having won his first World Rugby SVNS tournament there in preparation for the Olympics.

He also visited NFL outfit the LA Chargers last year and was given a tour around their facility.

"We feel very privileged that Antoine has chosen RFCLA as the pathway to inspire new rugby players and fans and to join us in growing a global rugby brand," RFCLA chief executive Pete Sickle said.

"He is as dedicated to expanding the rugby community as he is to competing on the pitch and his vision for integrating the athleticism and core values of rugby will prove invaluable to building a bright future for rugby in LA and throughout the U.S."

The MLR has yet to break through in the American market, and there are concerns about the state of US rugby heading into the 2031 men's Rugby World Cup, which is being held there.

Last week, it was reported that World Rugby and Super Rugby were in communication about setting up a franchise on the West Coast.

With the national team struggling, having missed out on the 2023 global tournament, that is seen as a way of potentially fast-tracking their progress.

Dupont's involvement in America's domestic competition could also help the US develop, with the French star now committing his resources to the LA franchise.

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