Rugby in America

Why isn’t rugby popular in America?

Since the Rugby world cup was founded in 1987  the United States has participated in 8 of 9 tournaments. The results?  Terrible. America has yet to advance to a knockout stage. We are lucky if we muster up one win in pool play.  America has the best athletes in the world.  We are competitive in the olympic sports that we don’t already dominate in. We’ve even had recent success in sports like cross country skiing and curling which we historically have failed in. So why not Rugby? 

The answer is simple. Lack of exposure and fear for safety. 

Im currently watching the Rugby World Cup but I’m sure many of you had no idea its going on. A major sports tournament like this should have the country buzzing but while everyone sleeps in America, On the other side of the globe in Japan the atmosphere is electric. And when the games are replayed they’re on during the drive home from work. Unlike the Soccer World Cup where all the games are on cable or network television, If you want access to all the rugby matches NBC requires a you to pay for their NBC sports gold streaming service.  How can the sport be expected to grow if avid sports fans who aren’t familiar with it are expected to pay extra to see it? 

• Safety in sports has become highlighted in recent years. Football stars like Gronk And Patrick Willis retired in their prime from fear of longterm effects concussions and other injuries may cause. To prevent head injuries, more parents aren’t allowing their children to play football. Even some great NFL players have said they don’t want their kids to grow up and play the game that made them rich and famous. Yet when you mention rugby to a casual sports fan they will probably tell you that it’s more dangerous than football. That’s  where there is a disconnect. People think that no pads means when you get hit you’re going to automatically break something. Not true. No pads and the pace of play almost eliminates the possibility of a full speed collision in a rugby match. Players don’t have free space like a safety running full speed at a a receiver ready to launch themselves headfirst at them as soon as they catch the ball. This isn’t just because there are no pads but the fact that the pace of play is like soccer and its constantly moving for two 40 minute halves the only time theres an opportunity to for a water break is after a score or during an injury time out or substitution. Rugby players don’t lead with their unprotected heads and its a penalty to tackle above the shoulders. 

There is hope. Major League Rugby is entering its third season and with it they have expanded to 12 teams. major sports regions on the East Coast have joined and with it the fan base and understanding for the great sport should grow. It’s a step in the right direction. A step which I believe is the foundation to a sports that will be a staple of American sports in the 20 years. 

Do yourselves a favor and check out some rugby on television or youtube and see what the great sport you’ve been missing out on all your lives. 

Let's Keep this in Vegas

Last night's elation turns to today's sorrow.  The USA Eagles follow up their unbelievable comeback with a performance that left the crowd wondering what happened.  USA got off to a tremendous start against heavy favorite South Africa.  Folau Niua played the wind perfectly on his restart kicks that drifted back to his team. USA scored quickly off of the opening kick off. They followed up with another textbook kick into the wind which again found it's way back to the eagles.  USA went up 12-0 and it seemed as though they would carry that momentum into halftime.  Not the case at all.  USA got sloppy and managed to squander the big lead to end the half 12-10.  The second half was back and fourth but the Eagles still had a chance to win it on a last second try.  Back in their own D zone with possession Madison Hughes took a risk by kicking it deep for Perry Baker to track down.  Unfortunately for Hughes and the Eagles the wind had different plans and the ball sailed out to touch. USA had another last chance when they stole the South Africa line out but with time expired they lost the ball and with it their chance to play in the finals.  It'll be interesting to see how the Eagles bounce back as they are set to face the New Zealand All Blacks in bronze medal match.   South Africa is on to battle defending Olympic gold medalists Fiji, who made a  comeback of their own to defeat the All Blacks in the semi finals. 

Eagles Keep Flying

WHAT A COMEBACK!  After starting off the match miserably USA found themselves down early in the second half of their quarterfinal match 19-0.  The Eagles rally was sparked by two consecutive tries by newly substituted Maka Unafe.  Captain Madison Hughes Converted the drop kick after from a tough angle despite heavy winds.  Down 19-14 Speedster Perry Baker flew past Argentina's defense to score the go ahead try right between the posts.  Hughes converted to go up 21-19 but there was still time left on the clock.  Argentina gained possession and were driving down the pitch after time expired.  With their backs against the wall the Eagles made a terrific defensive stand to seal the victory and advance to the semifinals of the Las Vegas tournament.

The question is did you watch?  I certainly hope so, it was as thrilling as any 7 minutes can be.  Rugby is a beautiful game.  A sport that in recent years has gained exposure in the States.  The Sevens variety is more popular than 15s.  Rugby puts on display a combination of brute strength complimented by some of the fastest athletes in the world. It requires physical and mental endurance along with intelligence. For those not familiar with rugby, it may seem like just athletes without a helmet or pads running into each other full speed ahead.  Though that does happen it's so much more than that.  Ask yourself this, what other sport will a referee tell a 6'5" 250 pound grown man to serve a penalty and the player's response is "Sorry Sir" before sprinting over to the sin bin?  Don't take my word for it, see for yourself tomorrow as USA plays for a chance to make the finals.  I think you'll like what you see.