[1] The Empire GU was created in July 2012 as a result of the merger of three governing bodies in the Northeastern United States: Northeast Rugby Union, New York State Rugby Conference (NYSRC) and Metropolitan New York Rugby Union (METNYRFU).

The creation of these new GUs was carried out with the intention of creating a "more streamlined structure, effectively support growth in the game and provide increased member services in local areas".

[2] As of 2013, the GU structure ceased to be seen as a pilot program, being fully adopted as the local governance model for Club Rugby moving forward.

[3] Empire GU comprises teams from New York State, Northern New Jersey and southern Connecticut.

Upon creation of the Empire GU, NRU, NYSRC and METNYRFU were all dissolved.