The Colorado Raptors have played their final Major League Rugby match after withdrawing from the competition immediately.
One of the competition's foundation teams and a finalist in the league's inaugural season in 2018, the Raptors confirmed their withdrawal over the weekend in a statement.
Major League rugby's 2020 season was officially cancelled last month amid the coronavirus pandemic and the Raptors had been rumoured to be considering pulling out of future tournaments even before the pandemic hit.
In a statement, the Raptors said they wanted US Rugby to focus more on the development of players for the national team.
Major League Rugby has become a hotspot for high-profile international recruits but there have been criticisms of the competition's lack of focus on developing local players.
"It is with a heavy heart that we tell you all that the Colorado Raptors will be withdrawing from Major League Rugby effective May 2, 2020," the club said in a statement.
"While we would have preferred to go out with a huge celebration honoring both players and fans, the sudden end of the season due to the COVID-19 health crisis has made that impossible.
"Glendale has been supportive of Major League Rugby since the moment of its inception, and we certainly wish the League every success. But we believe that our greater responsibility lies in the development of American players who can go on to win the World Cup for the United States.
"Glendale is RugbyTown USA, and we will always have a huge stake in the sport of rugby; this decision doesn’t change that. Thank you for your support of the Colorado Raptors; and please continue to be fans of all rugby that is played at Infinity Park. When we get to the other side of this health crisis, and we WILL get to the other side, the party’s at our place!!
The news comes at a turbulent time for the game in the USA.
USA Rugby, which is not involved in the funding or organisation of Major League Rugby, declared bankruptcy last month.
