RugbyMag.com
The Santa Monica Dolphins Rugby Club (SMRC) has decided to decline participation in the United States Rugby Super League (RSL) for the upcoming 2010 season.
In the wake of Belmont Shore’s decision to drop out of the RSL and league management’s subsequent decision to neither invite a replacement team nor adjust the league schedule, SMRC arrived at this most difficult of resolutions.
“While we absolutely recognize the superior level of competition that exists within the Super League, a team like ours needs to look at the comparative rate of return on our investments,” Team General Manager Dominic Riebli says.
“Put simply, Belmont’s exit made the RSL competition weaker while simultaneously making the Southern California Division 1 competition stronger.
“Given our limited financial resources, a growing youth program, and an influx of new or inexperienced players that require development, the membership decided that we need to consolidate our resources and focus on building and promoting a stronger all-around Club, not just a strong RSL team.
“We are grateful to the Super League for allowing us to participate in the elite domestic competition and have set the goal for re-entry in the near future.”