04/25/24
October 13, 2006
Nigel Melville's article in the Guardian: about the future of American rugby. He has just been appointed chief exec & president or rugby operations for USA rugby. This follows on from the US qualifying for the Rugby World Cup 07 by beating Uruguay. Of course their pool also includes England and South Africe so they'll have a few hard games.
but I wouldn't be surprised if the game grows in popularity a bit because of it. Chico, here's hoping it does. I've lived overseas long enough to be exposed to rugby on a high level. I love the sport! I have often wondered why no one has yet put forth the effort to put together a group of fast "linebacker" types, with a few fullbacks and tight ends, who feature speed as well as size. I'm sure there are many college football players who could adapt to the game of rugby and do well at it.
posted by Howard_T at 10:20 AM on October 13, 2006
I've met quite a few rugby players over the years and there are a lot of club teams in colleges and universities throughout the US, so there is always a possibility it can grow. But, I have to dispute a couple of chico's points. It looks like American Football, and the rules are similar enough that people will understand what they're looking at. It may look similar, but I don't think that's enough to get people interested. It's sort of the same thing with Aussie Rules Football and Rugby. They look similar, but they're different enough that it can be confusing to follow. An action in one sport that's viewed as a heroic play can be a penalty taken at the wrong time. Plus, with the similarity angle, people might just say, "We've already got football, why do we need rugby." Also, for all intents and purposes, college and pro football are the same game. Yet, there are people that prefer one over the other because it's not the same game. ...it has that patina of worldwide acceptance that (believe it or not, rest of the world) does have some sway among the suburban rank & file. Often, this is enough reason for Americans to not like something. I'm not saying this is true for all Americans, but sentiments like that exist. As far as the kids playing it angle, I don't think it will be really a viable youth sport. A lot of parents hate the thought of their kids playing football because of the violence and they're fully padded. Can you imagine their reaction when their kid tells them they want to play a game just as violent as football but without the padding? Don't get me wrong, I like watching rugby and am grateful to my English and Irish friends that introduced me to it when I moved to Belgium. I just thought some counter points need to be presented. I forgot to mention that I think the article makes some good points and if it can attract the LBs and RBs from college that don't go on to the pros, they've got a really good chance to create something.
posted by cabuki at 10:43 AM on October 13, 2006
Well, Aussie Rules Football (like, frex, Canadian Rules Football) isn't really an international sport. It's essentially soccer played with a rugby ball, & with uprights instead of a net. And you can use your hands, but you can't throw the ball, and it's full contact, and, well, yeah, okay, point taken.
posted by chicobangs at 11:19 AM on October 13, 2006
Rugby might have a better chance to succeed in the US than some of us think. I say this because my wife, who has not become a soccer despite me watching matches constantly (two TVs, two PCs make for a happy home ;), went to one Rugby game at Stanford, US v. Ireland, a few months back after a girlfriend won tickets. Now she talks about going all the time and is very upset about not knowing the US-Uruguay tilt was played locally, free admission.
posted by billsaysthis at 02:48 PM on October 13, 2006
As someone who has followed the Broncos, (no, not the Denver ones) as much as one can on the internet and a friend in Australia who sends me clips and tapes, I would love to see rugby come to the United States. I got as much of a thrill watching them (albeit belatedly) win their 6th premiership in 12 yrs as I did the Steelers winning the Super Bowl. I think, if people give it a chance, and learn the game, they will come to enjoy it as much as football.
posted by steelergirl at 03:46 PM on October 13, 2006
Broncos? You're not thinking about rugby league are you? That's an entirely different sport.
posted by salmacis at 06:12 PM on October 13, 2006
Oops! Guess I was. Thanks salmacis.
posted by steelergirl at 08:17 PM on October 13, 2006
The US have qualified for the RWC before, and not been humiliated. The number of pool games will ensure they get at least 2 chances against opposition of about the same quality. The other 2, well... Since the advent of professionalism, the gap between the top nations and the middle ranking ones had grown appreciably. In the old days, teams like Tonga beat Australia on the odd occasion. That doesn't happen now. Professional development for the US (where there are already lots of players) could be a good step. And sorry, steelergirl, but you chose the wrong team. The Brisbane Broncos are the Rugby League equivalent of the Yankees. As a Steeler fan (I'm assuming), you might consider a good Sydney blue collar team such as Souths, Canterbury or the Wests Tigers.
posted by owlhouse at 12:44 AM on October 14, 2006
Aussie Rules turns into an international sport when mixed up with Gaelic Football for the International Rules series between Ireland and Australia. Though I do wonder if just two countries counts as international ;) I'm a big rugby fan, so want to see as many countries playing as possible, once we (Ireland) beat them, of course.
posted by Fence at 10:38 AM on October 14, 2006
My knowledge of international rugby is spotty, but I'd assume that the US is going to go for the experience, get whupped, and come home wiser for next time, just like in soccer a decade-plus ago. Rugby could go over very well in the States if it's marketed right. It looks like American Football, and the rules are similar enough that people will understand what they're looking at. It's at least as violent & dramatic (if not more so), it's a field sport with minimal equipment so the kids can pick it up, and it has that patina of worldwide acceptance that (believe it or not, rest of the world) does have some sway among the suburban rank & file. The USA should stink out the World Cup, but I wouldn't be surprised if the game grows in popularity a bit because of it.