PRO Rugby kicks off with sudden death drama

10:02 AM GMT

The PRO Rugby league kicked off in the United States on Sunday with Denver beating Ohio in sudden death extra time.

Four of the five PRO league teams were in action on the opening round with Denver and Sacramento recording maiden victories. The tournament is America's first-ever professional league and it started in the most dramatic of fashion with Will Magie's extra-time touchline penalty securing a win for Denver.

Denver, captained by former South Africa back-row Pedrie Wannenburg, were playing against visitors Ohio at their Infinity Park home in the snow but after 80 minutes they were locked at 13 apiece with Michael Al-Jiboori and Nick Wallace crossing for Denver and USA Eagles centre Roland Suniula scoring for Denver.

One of the rule tweaks for the PRO league sees overtime played to decide drawn matches and Magie's penalty won it for Ohio two minutes into sudden death extra time.

In the league's second match, Sacramento defeated San Francisco 37-25 at Bonney Field.

Sacramento, who had ex-Italy star Mirco Bergamasco kicking, outscored San Francisco five tries to three. Sacramento forced a penalty try and also scored through Jope Motokana, Garrett Brewer, Olive Kilifi and Ryan Koewler while Alec Gletzer, Volney Rouse and Siupeli Sakalia scored for San Francisco.

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PRO Rugby kicks off with sudden death drama