ACME Hits Rugby Major Leagues with Launch of MLR Partnership
Referees overseeing top-level rugby in North America are now guaranteed the finest handcrafted whistles after a new partnership with world-leading whistle maker ACME Whistles was announced today.
Founded in 2017, Major League Rugby (MLR) has grown in strength gaining international recognition for bringing together the top 13 teams from across the US and Canada.
The new partnership will help support referees and officials with MLR branded ACME Thunderer whistles designed and made by iconic Birmingham maker ACME Whistles.
The deal will support full-time MLR referees and officials, while also helping to celebrate and develop future talent.
Harry Hardy, chief commercial officer at MLR, said: “As the highest standard of professional rugby in North America we strive to partner with best-in-class brands, ACME Whistles has been designing and making the world’s best whistles for the last 150 years.
“We are proud to have world-class officials overseeing MLR, including former World Cup referees. This partnership will ensure they have the best tools available to do their jobs to the highest standard.”
Sanctioned by USA rugby, this year will be the fifth season of Major League Rugby, which is set to begin this Saturday, February 5.
Since 2021, refereeing legend Jonathan Kaplan joined MLR to lead the appointment and development of match officials, alongside ex-international referee Chris Pollock, who was given a technical advisor role.
Kaplan said: “Clear communication is key to effectively managing the game. Add to that the excitement and noise of the crowd, which is electrifying in the MLR, and your whistle becomes one of your most important tools.
“You want absolute confidence and consistency behind every signal. That’s what we need for our referees and that’s what you get from ACME Whistles.”
“Between us, Chris and I have refereed at six Rugby World Cups, five British Lions tours and almost 100 internationals – and I used an ACME Thunderer for every one of them.
“When it came to choosing the best partner to equip our MLR officials with, there really was only one option.”
The partnership has been agreed for the 2022 season, with a view to extending for many seasons to come.
Ben McFarlane, marketing director at ACME Whistles, said: “We are working with some of the best rugby leagues and associations around the world, but the new partnership with MLR feels like a real milestone in our support for the sport on a global scale.
“Over the last five seasons, MLR has focused on attracting the very best talent with the clear vision of creating a world-class championship – and they are doing just that.
“The rugby community has really taken note of MLR and we are proud to help it equip its referees and officials with whistles hand-built in Birmingham.”
For more information visit www.acmewhistles.co.uk
