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PRO Rugby, the year-old professional rugby outfit from the Americas, have put their Canadian expansion plans on hold.

Wednesday, they tweeted on their official account that there would be no teams in Canada in 2017.

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The problem, as acknowledged by both PRO and Rugby Canada, is a question of “exclusivity.” PRO owner Doug Schoninger wants the door closed to overseas competitors; Rugby Canada CEO Allen Vansen made it clear that’s a line his side won’t cross.

“We would love to have PRO Rugby,” he said on Wednesday. “But we can’t make a decision that fits for the next two years but blocks us in 3 to 5 years.”

“We’re very supportive of Doug’s work,” he went on. “None of this happens easily. It takes the work of people like Doug.”

There are opportunities which could pop up in that time frame, Vansen acknowledged. Both Pro12 and Super Rugby have expressed interest in bringing their competitions to North American shores, though neither is imminent.