Bryce Campbell

10/10 Having a players association in place can make the league a long-term breading ground for local talent, which is what fans want, what @usarugby and @WorldRugby need, and what the rugby world fears!

9/10 Finally, think about the young North American players dreaming of a home world cup quarterfinal in 8 years. Right now these young players are some of the MLRs most vulnerable yet important assets.

8/10 After recognition, we would at some point in the future begin negotiating a contract with @usmlr. That contract needs to be agreed upon by players and league + reflect both the financial position of teams and asks of players. Its not without compromise that a CBA gets done

7/10 That being said, the vast majority of MLR players have signed up to@usarugbyplayers and asked us to represent them. If the election is successful, that's when the real work starts.

6/10 In a labor election, politics become complex. We fully expect the league to make their case to players that voting YES isn't in their best interest. We hope they play it by the book.

5/10 Recognition of the Player's Association by the @usmlr would be the first step in this relationship. Barring voluntary recognition, this will be pursued through a labor board election.

4/10 Our goal as an org is to build a future-focused, codified relationship with the league that gives players the best chance to pursue rugby as a full-time career in North America, while growing the sport as a whole.

3/10 The league will not go broke BECAUSE there is to be a players association. In fact, throughout the history of professional sport in the US, the introduction of a players association has with very few exceptions led to both revenue and value growth for leagues.

2/10 Our primary concern as @usarugbyplayers is the future of the sport in North America. We understand the financial realities of growing rugby as a professional sport and any future collective agreement between the players and the league will have to reflect that.

THREAD 1/10 Figured I should share some thoughts about @rugbyunionnow @usarugbyplayers and relationship with @umslr as we head towards an election.

1/2 The @usmlr needs to bring the players to the table. When LA/Austin were disbanded last year, the lack of protections for MLR players was laid bare. Players were without access to healthcare, with bills going to collection, with families and jobs and housing in flux for months

Thank you @MartinPengelly and @therugbynetwork for spreading our message. Cooperation between the players and league has to be the way forward. We are #BetterTogether I'm proud to be a part of @USARugbyPlayers.