Yes, US do have the athletes but rugby still niche
I READ with interest Peter Sneddon's letter last week about USA participation in rugby. I was fortunate to be heavily involved in rugby in northern California, based in and around San Francisco for the best part of 10 years from the mid 90s.
I was primarily a referee, but also assisted in the administration of the game, serving on the board of the Northern California RFC, as well as stints as Secretary and Treasurer of the Nor Cal referees Society.
Americans are very evangelical about sport, and quickly take to the game, though many had the opinion they invented the game!
Marilyn Allbright, a USA politician, proudly rounded on some New Zealanders on a trip to NZ, that the USA were Olympic champions, quite correct, as they had won the last time out in 1924, (pre Olympic 7s), but of what relevance in the next century!
Yes, there are loads of athletes available, but rugby in the USA is very niche, with distances between adult teams many miles apart.
High School teams, are in abundance, as is the game at College (University) level, but after that age group, there is a huge fall off.
Take a look at other American sports, how many amateur sports leagues are there?
It seems the vast majority of Americans either make it into pro sport, or are content to play games with mates at the local basketball court or softball diamond, which requires little organisation.
I really enjoyed my time being involved with rugby in the USA, travelling coast to coast, (and Hawaii) refereeing games. The diversity of players, ethnic groups, a strong women's game, made it really enjoyable. You could have a team with current Eagle Test players alongside some rugby rookie.
I hope the critical mass of playing and support is achieved, as there are so many people passionate about the game.
A friend of mine pumped many dollars into The Golden Gate RFC in San Francisco, and there are many like him who have done the same throughout the country, it would help if they could get central funding.
Roger Wilden was quite right to question the red card for Lydia Thompson. It should have been yellow, Lydia's tackle was against “Queen Portia”. Need I say more?
The Red Roses are my world champions.
