The Rugby Alliance Officially Formed: Stade Toulousain and Utah Warriors Unite to Elevate Rugby to New Heights

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 21, 2023) – Stade Toulousain, led by President Didier Lacroix, and the Utah Warriors, under the leadership of CEO  Kimball Kjar, are thrilled to announce the official formation of The Rugby Alliance. Although a memorandum of understanding (MOAU) was created earlier this year, September 19 marks the momentous occasion when this collaborative venture officially came into being, solidifying the partnership between two rugby powerhouses. 

The two organizations made a deliberate decision to utilize the iconic Olympic Torch at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City as the backdrop for this momentous signing ceremony. The Olympic Torch is a permanent structure that has been placed as a monument to Salt Lake City being the home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. The monument symbolizes the contemporary era of sports, highlighting the international dimension of The Rugby Alliance partnership, and underscoring the bond between France and USA in the world of rugby. 

The signing ceremony came on the heels of an epic and historic rugby match between Stade Toulousain and the USA Eagles – the USA national team, last Saturday, September 16. The match, played in front of an electrifying crowd from all over the United States, witnessed the USA emerge victorious with a score of 24-21. In a feat of strength and unity, the same event witnessed a world record attempt for the largest scrum with a staggering 2,938 circle of fans forming an awe-inspiring scrum. 

“Today, we celebrate not only the formation of ‘The Rugby Alliance’ but also the collective vision that Stade Toulousain and the Utah Warriors share for the future of rugby,” said Kimball Kjar, CEO of Utah Warriors. “We have been deliberate and measured over the last year to take the right amount of time to prepare our business plan as well as the operation of the joint venture. As such, we believe we have established four pillars of The Rugby Alliance that represent our blueprint for success, and we are excited to embark on this journey of growth, innovation, and camaraderie.”

1. Rugby: The Rugby Alliance is committed to fostering an exchange of ideas, talent and coaching expertise between the two teams. This collaboration extends to players, coaches, and the development of high-performance content. The focus is on nurturing rugby talent and pushing the boundaries of high-performance development. 
2. Commercial: A significant aspect of this partnership is the identification and creation of assets to further the business interest of both Stade Toulousain and the Utah Warriors. This includes exploring opportunities in sponsorship, hosting compelling events, expanding merchandising efforts, and developing engaging content. Additionally, youth camps and coach camps will play a crucial role in cultivating the next generation of rugby stars. 
3. Marketing: The Rugby Alliance recognizes the power of cross-marketing strategies to elevate the image of both brands beyond their respective borders. By collaborating on marketing efforts, the partnership aims to amplify their presence and impact in the global rugby community. 
4. Innovation: This pillar highlights the commitment to innovation in both sports performance and fan engagement. The Rugby Alliance is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, not only on the field but also in marketing and fan interaction. The pursuit of excellence extends to all aspects of the partnership. 

“Our partnership extends beyond the boundaries of our clubs,” said Didier Lacroix, president of Stade Toulousain. “It’s about pushing the limits of what rugby can achieve, both on and off the pitch. The Rugby Alliance signifies a union of passion, strategy and the relentless pursuit of excellence.” 

The Rugby Alliance is set to redefine the landscape of rugby; uniting fans, players, and partners in an unparalleled experience. This collaboration promises to bring excitement, growth and innovation to rugby.