[bbgunn]

NARC to expand to 12 teams in 1997

LOS ANGELES - Just halfway into their first season, the North American Rugby Conference is already looking to expand its presence in the United States and Canada. Commissioner Delmar Scrivens announced that the NARC's owners have given him permission to add two more teams for the 1997 season. That would bring the total number of teams from ten to twelve.

"We think the time is right for expansion," said Scrivens in a phone interview. "We have been pleased with what we've seen so far. Attendance and TV ratings have gone up weekly in most of our markets. People now have more of an awareness of the NARC and of rugby union in general."

Commissioner Scrivens said that the NARC has not yet looked at potential bids for the two new teams, nor have they prioritized any markets. However, the commissioner has been vocal in the past about having more of a presence in Canada, where rugby is more popular per capita than in the United States. NARC wanted two teams in Canada for the current 1996 season, but settled for one in Edmonton after having trouble finding suitable stadiums without AstroTurf.

Potential targets in the United States include Charlotte, North Carolina - where a state-of-the-art NFL stadium goes unused in the spring and summer - and Salt Lake City, Utah. Florida may be a target as well.

Commissioner Scrivens also announced that there will be changes to the schedule and playoff format in 1997. The schedule will remain at 12 games, but will become almost completely balanced. Scrivens said that it makes for easier scheduling. Despite that, the two-division structure will remain in place. Regarding the playoff format, like 1996, six teams will make the playoffs, including the two division winners, who will receive a first-round bye. However, instead of the second- and third-place teams from each division going to the playoffs, the other four teams will be decided by standings points. The four best available teams will make the playoffs, regardless of division.

(TO THE FOFCers: If you guys would like to make a suggestion for one of the two expansion teams, go ahead!)