Claim: USA Rugby League and American National Rugby League sought for unification in 2013, but did not happens and subsequently USARL commissioner Peter Illfield blamed apparent dysfunction and disorganization in the AMNRL organization for this, but then invited AMNRL clubs to join their ranks as full members and initiated a four-team expansion.
Evidence: In 2013 the USARL and AMNRL increased their focus on reunification, particularly after the United States' encouraging showing at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. An independent commission assembled to lead negotiations, however the USARL clubs eventually pulled out. USARL commissioner Peter Illfield blamed apparent dysfunction and disorganization in the AMNRL organization for this decision. The USARL subsequently invited AMNRL clubs to join their ranks as full members and initiated a four-team expansion.