The Professional Rugby Organization (Pro Rugby) has confirmed that a professional league will take place in the United States for the first time from April 2016.

The new competition will comprise of six teams from the north east of America, the Rocky Mountains and California.

Pro Rugby, who confirmed the news via a statement on their official website, said that venues and coaches for the teams will start being announced this week.

Brett Gosper, chief executive officer of World Rugby, said: "We welcome North American teams into the international rugby family.

"With Pro Rugby in place, US and Canadian players will be able to train year round and play in elite competition, something that has been sorely missing from rugby development in North America."

The development of a professional league will come as a big boost to USA Rugby, who have been keen to grown the sport in the country, with world champions New Zealand and Australia having taken sides to the USA in the past 12 months.

"Rugby is a natural fit for our country. Participation and interest in the sport is at an all-time high and the demand for a professional competition is clear," Pro Rugby chief executive David Schnoninger added.