[1][2] RSL was developed in 1996 due to the increased demand for greater visibility and a higher competitive structure for rugby union in the United States.

[3] The management structures of the 14 best rugby organizations in the United States, created RSL and regular competition started in 1997.

Following the 2012 season most of the remaining Super League teams entered the USA Rugby Elite Cup competition.

Super League celebrated a decade of competition in 2006, with OMBAC defeating Belmont Shore 36–33 in the final in Santa Clara, California.

[5] In 2008 the Chicago Griffins joined RSL, replacing the Kansas City Blues, who self-relegated to the USA Rugby Division I men's club competition.

[3] In the 2008 season ESPN Classic showed a live broadcast of the RSL final between NYAC and Belmont Shore.

[3] In part due to the Great Recession, longtime RSL powers Belmont Shore decided to only compete in Southern California's Division I competition for the 2010 season.

With eight teams remaining in two divisions, the RSL was relaunched as the USA Rugby Elite Cup for the 2013 season.