It is growing because it is the ultimate athletic team sport! It depends on individual talent as well as team chemistry and play strategy! It has everything! Speed, tackling, strength, emotions and above all it doesn't stop every 5sec
My son is a sophomore in High school first year playing and he loves it! Just taking me sometime to understand the game but I love watching him play!! It's Great!
Good man. Yeah there quite of 'laws' especially at the breakdown but you only need to understand the basics to enjoy the game. It's a great game with tradition and friendly fans. Spread the word :)
Glad to see Rugby becoming more popular in the United States. Please support your national team in the world cup, every time I see them play they are getting better and better and they deserve the support of your great people and nation.
American high schooler here in Nebraska. Rugby is getting really big here where I’m from. Our team has won state multiple times and there’s a college just North of us where rugby game attendance has officially passed football attendance (talking about American football)
that's a long ways from now, I"m talking decades. But I would prefer Rugby over soccer. I have no doubt our atheltes can easily transition compared to soccer.
MrBadabimBadabum I really enjoyed that, and it sounded like everyone else did too. Well, everyone except the losers. It helps when you don't have to worry about forward passes and obstruction, mind..
Scranvan Why say such a stupid thing ? In football you have pansies falling when they get close to people and in rugby when people get close to the ball carrier they get pommeled to the ground. Posh people dont do rough. Looks to me like footballs is for posh pansies.
Just play touch rugby fast game 7 aside with a few friends no contact. Its a lead up to Rugby which becomes contact more players longer time one interval
Rugby is already one of the most popular sports in the world, but it is impossible to become more popular than football !! Football is a religion in most of the world !!
Ricardo,soccers only big because most of the countries that play it are no good at anything else and wouldnt be able to foot it in a real mans game.Also,soccer has had far more exposure than any other sport.Rugby only started getting exposure in 1987 with the first RWC,1995 with professionalism and now with its entry into the Olympics.Already in that short time rugby has made giant leaps and is now one of the biggest sports in the world and is getting bigger and more popular every day due to the exposure its getting now.If rugby had the same exposure over many more years like soccer had,i believe it may have been even bigger than soccer now.Exposure is the key and rugby has only had it really for 31 years which is nothing compared to soccer.Already in countries like the US,Madagaskar,Georgia and others,rugby is catching up to soccer and overtaking it due to the exposure rugbys getting now.
I don't think it will. Soccer requires a smaller attention span. Sometimes in rugby you have to stay focused for periods of 5 minutes or more non-stop. A bit like classical music really. And that's beyond a lot of people's patience.
frogindeed,but soccers one of the most one dimensional,boring games you can watch which is why the atmosphere is often bigger than the game when it should be the other way round.Ive yet to watch a soccer game right through without falling asleep or getting bored.
Were talking world cup, All Blacks, Ireland, Wales, France, England, Scotland, Australia these are the elites of rugby. It would be nice to see the US compete and do well but I fear it will take a while to reach the level of the above mentioned teams........
Good question, rabbitss. It's the same for Argentina and, to an extent, emerging nations like Romania, Uruguay, and Georgia, etc. Part of the problem is that the US didn't actually invent the game, or golf, tennis, football, etc. That honour belongs to the UK, mostly England.
Offer the southern hemisphere boys big $$$$$ to play for the USA then you'll see how fast rugby will climb that ladder! Then they can coach the men over there 😀
I prefer union. That’s what I started with when I was in high-school. I loved it so much I joined a men’s club in my area to go against bigger guys. After graduating high school I played in college. Then I studied abroad in wales and played there. A little in Fiji. It’s funny because people always think I’m a boxer because of my fucked up nose. Then I tell them rugby and we always have a nice chat because a lot of people don’t know much about it but are interested in it. I’m happy rugby has grown so much in the US since I was younger.
@i. rob And touch rugby, which I play and love, comes from Rugby League. There IS a rugby league presence, usually in most places where rugby is there, and even a few places where it isn't. Don't sleep on this as touch rugby is played by both codes and benefits both codes, and is so social in it's nature, it can bring in people both as fans AND players, NFL can never do that.
I sincerely hope broadcasters give rugby it's airtime in the states. I'm pretty sure a lot people would find it entertaining and embrace it when they've familiarised themselves with the rules.
I’m hoping that the MLR is successful. Watching developments with interest, especially since the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby Union bought minority shares in the Seattle Seawolves team....hmmmm
They're taking baby steps at the moment. They're meticulously sprinkling it in the mix of the American Sports Market on streaming services and television, and promoting it wherever possible. All they're trying to do is get exposure, and they feel that Rugby Football is naturally interesting enough of a sport that mere exposure will be enough to get people interested. They're not spending more than they're expecting back, so it won't be dependent on success like the AAF or XFL have been, and they're not competing with anyone directly like the aforementioned examples either. They're just introducing Rugger as a new thing that is supposedly totally different than anything we've seen before even though we have (most just aren't well versed in American Football history). I too want it to succeed and I'm confident in the MLR, far moreso than any of the previous attempts at a Rugby Footbal organisation in the past. Its slowly growing. Remember, the MLS had a pretty slow start and look at where they're at now! Its not impossible!
its truly a mans game . Tough game played by warriors and what i like about it there is no faking ,falling on the ground and crying in pain . They just play hard !
That's the idea, if soccer involves pretending to be hurt then rugby would involve pretending that you're not since you just keep going despite some bruises
Not only a 'man's game'. I suggest you have a look at some women's rugby, if you get the chance. Tough, fast, skilful and fantastic to watch. Growing fast here in the UK. The other thing about the game here in the UK is that it is inclusive. We have lots of teams now for participants with varying physical disabilities and other impairments. There might be minor changes and alterations to the laws of the game required, but participation, particularly at the amateur level is what makes the game and the values it espouses what it is: the best team game in the world.
Im from New Zealand we eat, sleep & breathe Rugby its our National sport especially 15 aside rugby! I reckon the USA are doing really well in 7s rugby 😊
That's because them and Fiji take 7s more serious than everyone else.NZs 7s team is only made up of 15s rejects yet they still won the 7s rugby world cup.Imagine if they took it as serious as 15s and could choose anyone.
I'd SO LOVE to see a US Collegiate 7's competition held over a weekend, building on existing rivalries and unleashing the athletic talent already existing there... And helping appreciation of 15's to grow.
this is what i dont like about corporate america....EVERYTHING is classed as a "product" or "property"........it bloody RUGBY....not rocket science.........SHOW it and let the people decide themselves
It's great America is growing into Rugby it's a fabulous game to play and watch . It's a game that brings people together know matter who you support . And if you get to see international Rugby then your into a great day out with the family .
We are currently going through a sportsmanship meltdown in the US. In American Football, showmanship is selling huge right now. And the NFL and NCAA are all for it because it gets them ratings. Basketball has been a showoffy sport for sometime now. And the same happened there in the past, more showmanship = more ratings. Makes for happy owners. Everything revolves around money, and showmanship makes bank here. If Rugby Football makes it here "in the states", brace yourself, it may not exist in its current form in Europe and the southern hemisphere....
They're not cocky at rugby, maybe 7s but not 15 aside because they respect the likes of NZ, SAF, All Europe teams because they are so darn good at the sport!
No contest, it's Rugby Union. League is a totally different sport with simple and boring rules. 5 tackes and a kick. Rinse and repeat. It's also a much smaller sport than real Rugby
@@chocothycflowerio6122 American football players?? Tons. For example, american QB Patrick Mahomes recently landed a 10 year contract worth about $503 million dollars. Rugby players? Depends on the league. The highest paid rugby player makes about $1.2 million a year, or what Mahomes makes playing two games.
Problem is... NFL its like trying to start a car that wont start... 3 hr games where statically they say 11 Min of action.... Imagine all the ad revenue during a NFL game? Its sacrilege to air any Ad during any Union (even league) gameplays...... They do in those little stop moments.... 3hrs.... 11 mins, Versus 80min. 2 x 40min... Not much Ad time........ You Get the Gist. Dont fk with Union.
Little stop moments ? Have you seen a game of "high-level" rugby union recently ??? There are lengthy stoppages of play, especially due to scrums and line-outs. And they barely reach 35-40 ' of effective playing time, when league is over 60.
it's growing because majority have talents for sports but once they're not picked up after uni they're pretty much done for with their career. Club rugby will provide many of those unsigned athletes to use their talents and even get paid for it.
I agree. I used to like American football. While I still watch the games, over the years it’s become one of my least favorites. There’s just way too much stop and go for me. And it seems like commercials are more important than the actual game.
I want to point out that NBC has dropped the ball with the HSBC sevens. Since broadcasting has moved to ESPN I have been able to view every match and watch them in almost real time. At this point I prefer ESPN to NBC and am happy that they've taken over the broadcasting rights because they seem to care more about giving it airtime.
Rugby is one of the greatest team sport. Only the majority of americans don't know that yet. I'm being harsh I know ^^ Good on them for trying to make a breakthrough .
I would loved to see Sir Richard Branson's Virgin media Group, create their own 24 hour sports channel either here in U.S. or even more prevalent in the U.K. & Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania and broadcast Both Rugby Union & Rugby League, and also Cricket, Formula 1 Auto Racing, Polo etc..Sort of how NBC Universal/Comcast purchased Sky Sports from FOX Sports, and made it a Sky Sports a division of NBC Sports Universal/Comcast, for their international audience.... My suggestion in the idea for the "24 hour Virgin Sports channel" would for the 24 hour "Virgin Sports channel" to become a division of the FOX Sports Group, and since the idea is for the Virgin Sports channel to become 24 hour sports channel owned exclusively by the FOX Sports Group, I would reccomend for the Virgin Sports channel to be broadcasted outside of the U.S. and broadcasted in the market's of the U.K. & Ireland, mainland Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Oceania, Asia, South Africa, Canada, Middle East, and North Africa and other foreign countries, and have FOX Sports 1 and 2 be easily accessible along with rebranding FOX Soccer plus, to FOX Sports + for the U.S. audience, and may Rugby Union and league, along with Cricket, Formula 1, and a top flight European soccer league, college football, basketball, be all part of the programming FOX Sports 1 & 2 and Fox Sports+ cable channel.
how can you compare UFC to boxing? thats like comparing nike sales with welly sales it makes no sense. the UFC is not a sport its a promotion organization. you can compare mma as a sport to boxing though.. you can get some idea of trends here trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&q=boxing,UFC
EyeQueOneFourSix UFC has become more popular in the US than boxing as far as viewership and rise in popularity. I'm not comparing the two sports you idiot! In the past, most people in the US haven't seen MMA/UFC in the mainstream of sports except for small amount of hardcore fans. Today, there are more mainstream UFC fans and viewers than ever before while boxing is declining due to fixed bouts etc. Same thing with Rugby in the US, only hardcore fans will download a stream and find a watering hole to watch a game. With rugby sevens gaining popularity, NFL ratings in the dump, it opens up a lane for rugby in the US. Same thing happened to soccer in the US, now theres Major League Soccer. Major League Rugby is in its second year, so don't be surprised when a couple of visionaries/investors add more fuel to the fire and bring rugby to mainstream US sports.
EyeQueOneFourSix Rise of you being an IDIOT! If you can't logically comprehend what I wrote, then please remain an IDIOT! Idiots like you are becoming more popular today than ever before 😜
Look y'all, Gridiron Football is the most violent team sport there is. When I heard that Vincent Jackson DRANK HIMSELF TO DEATH because of CTE, I wanted to puke. Head trauma is still a very real problem in Sevens, League and Union but it still pales in comparison to the amount of head trauma in Gridiron. Also, I think the NFL should promote the URC, Top14, Premiership and Super Rugby because it has more in common with Gridiron then Association Football.
Rugby provides an "out" to the big four fatigue (football, baseball, basketball, hockey). Shorter season, reasonable ticket prices, quality players on the field will allow rugby union to find its niche in the USA sports market. Success of the 7's game (which is also played on the collegiate level) will bring people to the 15's game, thus enabling future success of rugby in the USA. Thanks to Mike Friday (coach of USA 7's) and the players he has selected to lead the upsurge of USA 7's as a big part of the resurgence. Long time dedicated local fans (I followed Puget Sound Old Boys, based in Seattle, for years) will ensure that MLR will be a viable entity long into the future. Continued television exposure is what is needed, and as long as CBS, NBCSN or ESPN (or whoever has the television contract in the future) do not overcharge for their services, or, broadcast the games in odd hours of the day, the televised exposure will assist in this endeavor.
Americans don’t play hockey, it is ice hockey. There are two different types of Rugby, they are Rugby League and Rugby Union, two different sports entirely, not to confused.
One small problem for the 15 man game in the USA. Rugby is a winter game and grew up in the milder European climate. It would not be able to cope with the bitter temperatures of a Nth Am. climate without serious compromises. Maybe along the Gulf Coast but beyond that it would require expensive indoor stadia presumably with artificial turf. Saying that Canada gets by with an abbreviated season and her better players get European contracts. But that doesn't produce the depth of experience required to build an international threat. Don't get me wrong. I would love for the USA to fully embrace the game. The personal values gained and traits developed by playing the game are invaluable. One small hint. Rugby is never short of a sponsor. If you can identify from these those who can play the long game and convince them to build smaller stadiums and support a semi-pro competition you could develop players who can get contracts in New Zealand competitions (best coaches) or other Super franchises (Australia) as well as the European leagues. Who knows, Seattle already uses Rugby methods to teach defence. Maybe some NFL teams could be convinced that this may be a decent training resource. The only thing Rugby does not need is the hyper-masculinity bullshit. It is a team game and show-offs undermine that.
To be honest rugby is by far the toughest sport in the world in my opinion. I mean compared to other sports rugby players careers are not as long as someone who plays in another sport. I mean its brutal its fast paced, its non stop and its 80 minutes 40 minutes each half. U have to be strong, fast, tough and have insane endurance. U play both offence and defence. Pacific Islanders are definitely built for this.
Rugby has a future as a mid-major sport in the US the four major US/Canadian sports are loved and long established they are all four in the top five highest grossing leagues in the world but being a mid-major sport in the US/Canadian market not a bad thing golf,tennis,motorsports,combat sports,soccer,Lacrosse all do ok.
Good point. US loves sports and given the decent success of soccer, I don't see why rugby can also have some level of success. No other country can boast what America has done for the Big Four sports; it is arguably the most accepting country to dabble, develop and succeed in any given sports or athletic competition.
Rugby will only grow in the US when the game gets into the high schools which will in turn strengthen the college competition flowing then into post-college leagues and on to state and national teams. Rugby was originally a schoolboys game, and today it is still the lifeblood of the international game.
PLEASE don't bring the same BS showboating that goes on in the NFL to the sport of rugby, America. It is not an ego wars sport, it is a team game through and through. Please respect that.
I was thinking American Football showboating, but probably only because I don't watch Soccer showboating, which is equally boring, makes less sense, but is without all the commercials.
Also, excessive showboating is definitely frowned upon in the amateur game, touch, sevens, union, or league. Certainly celebrate, but keep it classy. Otherwise, you'll get served. I know, because I play touch and it was done to me as well. I think we have a much deeper rugby respect in our culture than most would realize, due to the history of the game passed down from the previous generations.
To me, rugby is the best sport of all. Much more entertaining than soccer, American football, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, cricket, softball, badminton, volleyball, hockey, etc etc etc etc.
HERE'S SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Show more Women's Rugby. Women at the upper levels play more "textbook" rugby and in a way that's easier for people new to the sport to follow. Also, women's rugby is empowering to women and girls -- in a positive way. -- There, I said it -- Let the hate begin . . .
I agree, and they should advertise it in a way that takes jabs at the male-dominated NFL too! I would find that amusing and it would generate conversation which would bring attention to it. Seriously, though, many of women Ruggers are tougher than most NFL players nowadays. Proof's in the pudding, my friend!
@@jacobfamily4544 wtf no they are not. You know women are allowed to play in the nfl right. They just dont because they wouldnt last a second in it. Same thing with rugby union
The game is getting bigger. I have watched so much mens and womens rugby streaming over the net in the past few years. The amount of colleges and competitions going on in America is amazing. The US has money to fund so many sports compared to organizations in New Zealand. We have to fund our grass roots and school rugby to keep our talent. One thing the US has that we don't is so many track and field stars as well. We don't have Perry Bakers and Carlin Isles type athletes...
I remember reading an article in the Rugby Mag by the CEO of Rugby USA. He's kiwi btw. Anyway he said world rugby would be in real trouble if the Americans take it on board. He said if more people start watching, they will start throwing more money at it to develop it, and that all the major college football programs put more $ into their football than the NZR puts into the game across the entire NZRU.
Candice Barr,the US dont worry me at all if they took rugby serious,the All Blacks would still dominate.America cant even dominate there own games.Baseball world champs-Netherlands,Ice hockey world champs-Sweden.I will just add a couple more in to prove my point,Softball world champs-New Zealand,Americas cup-New Zealand.Just some examples of how overrated the US really are in sport.
purdyteine, womans sports are minor compared to mens sports.Theres no real dominant team in womans soccer which is why the US are up there but NZ dominate mens and womans rugby which is the differance.
Coming from a country where rugby is almost a religion. I am so glad that it is catching on in the US. I'm doing my teacher's license and I want to move to the US. Hoping I can train a team there or contributing to its growth. South African. Go USA.
I don't know if American NBC are dumb or whatever? But Dudes! If you wanna draw viewers to the screen and watch Rugby, then show the Rugby championship. FYI..it is the best playing/experience in Rugby ever! Firstly you have many choices of teams to follow many of whom are World class. IE, NZ players, Aussie players, South African players even Japanese and Argentinian players. Far better viewing entertainment! Anyways that's all I have to say right now.😑😉
6 Nations is the top competition because 1) it generates much more money than Rugby Championship and 2) it's alot more interesting than the Rugby Championship, since the only thing in doubt is the placement of Australia and SA (ie either 2nd or 3rd). AB dominance (I think they've won it every year since 2002?) has killed SH rugby.
Zel it hasn’t killed SH Rugby. Rugby died in Australia because of the NRL, and South Africa haven’t seemed to find a good coach. But they’ve always been good
Since 2012 the All Blacks have won 6 of the 7 championships and argentian have lost 6 of the 7. In the same time period, there have been 3 winners of the 6 nations and 3 losers. The six nations is a better competition because it's far closer and far more competitive.
The reason the rugby World Cup isn’t popular is because the all blacks make it boring. You never know who’s gonna win the six nations, but the rugby World Cup is just New Zealand winning every time
6 Nations is the top competition because 1) it generates much more money than Rugby Championship and 2) it's alot more interesting than the Rugby Championship, since the only thing in doubt is the placement of Australia and SA (ie either 2nd or 3rd). AB dominance (I think they've won it every year since 2002?) has killed SH rugby.
He was right at the end.... we say soccer is a gentleman's sport played by hooligans, and rugby is hooligans game played by gentlemen. Great discipline and mutual respect. Sponsors should be all over it.
Without doubt RU is the best team game ever invented. It's 80 minutes of exciting non stop action by very fit and committed athletes. It's a global sport that the USA should take part in ( Canda, Argentina already do ). I hear the US TV is to start airing the 6 Nations.... enjoy !!
@OP: Actually compared to the AAF or XFL, MLR is actually spending very little and working not to spend over what they can realistically expect back. AAF folded within a year because they pumped millions upon millions into it from the getgo, and depended on it being a success. It wasn't. The XFL learnt nothing from either the AAF or its previous attempt in the early 00s and is going straight down the same path, simply put Vince McMahon is an idiot. MLR isn't dependent on being a success and they're being very careful about expanding. And its actually working!
Carlin Aisle and Perry Baker could make it into NZ 7s team on talent alone also we currently have a couple of Yanks in our top team's in Aotearoa so I believe USA Eagles aren't too far from knocking on higher honours in both forms of the game!!! Kia Kaha Kia Maia Kia Manawanui You got this USA Rugby!!!🏉🏉🏉
well the home win in vegas certainly helped,two years ago their sevens mens team couldnt make a final,now they are winning rounds,womens too.We ,kiwis always thought that USA would become a force eventually,got so many good athletes
TheSilatiger,thats only because most countries take 15s more seriously than 7s.To most rugby fans,15s and the RWC will always be bigger and better than 7s and the Olympics.
If nothing else this will increase the competition for NZ/Aus/SA/Pacific player imports. Actually that should make the French happy; they often complain about too many foreigners in their league.
That's good news then lads, both codes are good, but League is a better game in my opinion. FYI Toronto Wildcats RLFC are in their second season in England and have done really well.
FOX SPORTS WORLD, used to broadcast Rugby from it's launch in 1997 to 2003 -2004....until it became the FOX Soccer channel, and FOX Sports World was no more!
If you get ESPN plus For five bucks a month you can follow the world rugby sevens in 2019 and USA is leading the series. It's a great way to spend the weekend because there are many games as each rugby sevens game is only 14 mins. And playoff are on sundays.
Anyone to play rugby with me in Texas? Please, I'm a big fan of this wonderful sport and US Eagles, but I'm alone and I don't have people who share my passion.
The potential of the USA Eagles was interresting in 2015, unfortunately some good or essential players like Todd Clever, Scott LaValla, Adam Siddall,Tom Cooligan,Nick Wallace, Chad London were absent during the World Cup in England.
True - The yanks are hardcore with their sports and seemingly unlimited resources so if they do get real serious ie sports club politics- tv networks etc etc why not would be great for the game could imagine a RWC hosted in the US Wow you know how huge that'll be
This is great news for U.S Rugby. T.V and social media is a critical part of the equation to sell the Rugby in the America. As the game grows in U.S we must take care our players welfare! This way they can able to support their families.
It never ceases to amaze me that "men's" team sports in the US are all padding, helmets and gloves (a "product" to sell to kids of course, even though you don't need one to catch a ball - watch any cricket highlights vid on youtube), whereas young US women tend to take up team sports like "soccer" or rugby and get kicked to bits with no padding.
Rugby is better than American football as a game easily but has so so far to go-eventhough the USA is away behind Europe in Rugby as a sport here in Europe it isn't the most popular, only one country in the world where rugby is number one that's new Zealand so it won't be anytime soon rugby will get big.
once the u.s sinks its teeth into it and throws money at their team they will be hard to stop. Americans are notorious for being stats and numbers driven vs performance and i would like to see the running abilities on show, side step vs the juke, goose step vs the spin, rugbys looking good for the future
Sports market too oversaturated in US for the 15 man game. And the rules too complex for the average American fan. If it’s number 4 or below sport in Australia not much chance of it being any better in USA IMO. Maybe find a small niche, but not much more IMO. 7s has a better chance, but not the same game.
Its a shame most of what I've seen in the US is Rugby 7's, full 15 man Rugby union is the best form but in time that may change. There is also rugby league which has 13 players.
I would love to see the NFL crumble to the sport of Rugby 🏉! Probably a pipe dream but I have grown tired of the political issues in the NFL taking over what once was the greatest game ever played. I’m now 100% Rugby 🏉
Right now about half of NFL fans are very upset with all of the politics of NFL... They could easily be swayed into Rugby if the product is good. That includes me
khwezi c why? I mean not currently as there's not enough interest but if rugby was to pick up over there then it would make sense I mean the average state is the size of most country's!
There is absolutely NO DOUBT that rugby is immeasurably better than so-called "football". There is NO contest, so it's not surprising if the evidently better game that growing in the US. Two halves of 40 minutes uninterrupted coverage - priceless.
Not sure how you guys got Gollings as a coach? but that was the best move any team could have done. your Olympic chances went from, qualifying, to competing for the gold.
Please don't get offended my American cuzzy's , but you can't even compare Rugby to American Football. Rugby's the greatest game on the planet to play and to watch. Rugby's the game they play in heaven and once you give it a go you'll never be the same , especially if you give it a go playing it. The club atmosphere is second to none , you won't just gain a new hobby or sport , you'll gain a family!.
Some one commented that, 'Would the USA get fed up seeing their team get beaten year in, year out, similar to the Italians, by the best rugby teams in the world?'. All i would say is, if they take the game of fifteens seriously, I somehow don't believe it will take the Americans that long to become a world force, after all American football is just an adaptation of Rugby they use the same style ball, and they run with the ball in hand, so the concept is not unfamiliar to them.
How could they take the game of fifteens seriously, if they happen to learn that rugby union is more dangerous than their own form of football, in a time of awareness of the dangerousness of contact sports ? Try the game of thirteens.
I've read in the comments that Rugby is a game played by the men of men. I guess South Africa being the current world champs, makes our guys the ultimate men of men🤣👍🏼👊🇿🇦
But is it really growing? The same has been said since the 1970s. I see less amateur clubs where I live, and believe me, having been a scheduling secretary of my old club back in the 80s, there still is a problem with even getting places to play the game, as many cities have recreation departments, or county rec departments, that allow soccer over rugby, and do not want their grass fields chewed up during the rainy time of the year. I have seen in the high schools in Northern California and Central California the sport of la crosse become more popular. I see more colleges, but then again, some somewhat newer programs stopped even before Covid, notably at two of the smaller private universities in Northern California that shall remain unnamed. I do not consider Major League Rugby as very American either, because so many players are from overseas. I don't think it will last long anyway. There are some clubs that already folded, and newer ones replaced them, but for how long? Unfortunately, for most American kids, they want to play football, baseball, and basketball, so rugby will remain one of those alternate sports. Nothing wrong with that. It's been that way for many decades.
It is growing because it is the ultimate athletic team sport! It depends on individual talent as well as team chemistry and play strategy! It has everything! Speed, tackling, strength, emotions and above all it doesn't stop every 5sec
And its very similar to football another America favorite. Just waiting on Gaelic Football to take off here.
My son is a sophomore in High school first year playing and he loves it! Just taking me sometime to understand the game but I love watching him play!! It's Great!
Good man. Yeah there quite of 'laws' especially at the breakdown but you only need to understand the basics to enjoy the game. It's a great game with tradition and friendly fans. Spread the word :)
Glad to see Rugby becoming more popular in the United States. Please support your national team in the world cup, every time I see them play they are getting better and better and they deserve the support of your great people and nation.
American high schooler here in Nebraska. Rugby is getting really big here where I’m from. Our team has won state multiple times and there’s a college just North of us where rugby game attendance has officially passed football attendance (talking about American football)
It’s growing because its better than football 😀😀
Georgian Nationalist it’s two different sports you can not compare it
Dean Kruger I know I just said it as a joke
that's a long ways from now, I"m talking decades. But I would prefer Rugby over soccer. I have no doubt our atheltes can easily transition compared to soccer.
MrBadabimBadabum I really enjoyed that, and it sounded like everyone else did too. Well, everyone except the losers. It helps when you don't have to worry about forward passes and obstruction, mind..
Scranvan Why say such a stupid thing ? In football you have pansies falling when they get close to people and in rugby when people get close to the ball carrier they get pommeled to the ground. Posh people dont do rough. Looks to me like footballs is for posh pansies.
Rugby is the best and most exciting field game on the planet! That's why it's growing.. I'm very pleased to see it grow in the USA!
Brian M rugby is for white people lol
purdyteine rubbish! its the number 1 sport played amongst polynesians. many legends of rugby are pacific islanders.
purdyteine That's a stupid comment. I can't really say anymore than that as there's no need to explain. You are an idiot.
purdyteine - hush yo mouth , yo carpet bagger !
Second only to the REAL football game. Check the numbers.
Every American rugger is like.. "I told you it was awesome!!"
Not me. I'm like ... "Aren't you pissed at the NFL for keeping this from you for so long?"
@@dougearnest7590 I would be, but that's just because the AFL hid it from me too lmao
rugby really is growing on me. I would love to see it here in the US! PLEASE MAKE IT happen :)
Follow MLR. Pick a team close by. I'll follow the LA Gilitinis now.
Just play touch rugby fast game 7 aside with a few friends no contact. Its a lead up to Rugby which becomes contact more players longer time one interval
I would love for this sport to become one of the top sports in the world even more famous then soccer
Rugby is already one of the most popular sports in the world, but it is impossible to become more popular than football !! Football is a religion in most of the world !!
Ricardo probably but I said I would love for it to be bigger, not it will be bigger
Ricardo,soccers only big because most of the countries that play it are no good at anything else and wouldnt be able to foot it in a real mans game.Also,soccer has had far more exposure than any other sport.Rugby only started getting exposure in 1987 with the first RWC,1995 with professionalism and now with its entry into the Olympics.Already in that short time rugby has made giant leaps and is now one of the biggest sports in the world and is getting bigger and more popular every day due to the exposure its getting now.If rugby had the same exposure over many more years like soccer had,i believe it may have been even bigger than soccer now.Exposure is the key and rugby has only had it really for 31 years which is nothing compared to soccer.Already in countries like the US,Madagaskar,Georgia and others,rugby is catching up to soccer and overtaking it due to the exposure rugbys getting now.
I don't think it will. Soccer requires a smaller attention span. Sometimes in rugby you have to stay focused for periods of 5 minutes or more non-stop. A bit like classical music really. And that's beyond a lot of people's patience.
frogindeed,but soccers one of the most one dimensional,boring games you can watch which is why the atmosphere is often bigger than the game when it should be the other way round.Ive yet to watch a soccer game right through without falling asleep or getting bored.
thing is, could the USA public tolerate seeing their team getting beaten over and over like Italy until they come good?
USA 7s is a very solid team.
Were talking world cup, All Blacks, Ireland, Wales, France, England, Scotland, Australia these are the elites of rugby. It would be nice to see the US compete and do well but I fear it will take a while to reach the level of the above mentioned teams........
Good question, rabbitss. It's the same for Argentina and, to an extent, emerging nations like Romania, Uruguay, and Georgia, etc. Part of the problem is that the US didn't actually invent the game, or golf, tennis, football, etc. That honour belongs to the UK, mostly England.
Offer the southern hemisphere boys big $$$$$ to play for the USA then you'll see how fast rugby will climb that ladder! Then they can coach the men over there 😀
@@cathalodiubhain5739 ,oops,Scotland lost to America the last time didn't they?
Sevens is a great gateway drug for Americans that don't know about Union.
Or maybe they'd be happy with sevens and stop there.
I prefer union. That’s what I started with when I was in high-school. I loved it so much I joined a men’s club in my area to go against bigger guys. After graduating high school I played in college. Then I studied abroad in wales and played there. A little in Fiji. It’s funny because people always think I’m a boxer because of my fucked up nose. Then I tell them rugby and we always have a nice chat because a lot of people don’t know much about it but are interested in it. I’m happy rugby has grown so much in the US since I was younger.
MrGrenade McBoom union is way better tbh
@i. rob And touch rugby, which I play and love, comes from Rugby League. There IS a rugby league presence, usually in most places where rugby is there, and even a few places where it isn't. Don't sleep on this as touch rugby is played by both codes and benefits both codes, and is so social in it's nature, it can bring in people both as fans AND players, NFL can never do that.
@@charliegreen1697 nah
I sincerely hope broadcasters give rugby it's airtime in the states. I'm pretty sure a lot people would find it entertaining and embrace it when they've familiarised themselves with the rules.
I’m hoping that the MLR is successful. Watching developments with interest, especially since the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby Union bought minority shares in the Seattle Seawolves team....hmmmm
I just hope Major League Rugby fares better than PRO Rugby, which only had 5 teams, and lasted one season.
I keep looking for announcements for the next season and potential expansion cities... I want MLR to succeed..
@@Emper0rH0rde They've added two teams and are having preseason games for their second season now. So, it's already doing better.
Gotta start from somewhere bro.
They're taking baby steps at the moment. They're meticulously sprinkling it in the mix of the American Sports Market on streaming services and television, and promoting it wherever possible. All they're trying to do is get exposure, and they feel that Rugby Football is naturally interesting enough of a sport that mere exposure will be enough to get people interested. They're not spending more than they're expecting back, so it won't be dependent on success like the AAF or XFL have been, and they're not competing with anyone directly like the aforementioned examples either. They're just introducing Rugger as a new thing that is supposedly totally different than anything we've seen before even though we have (most just aren't well versed in American Football history). I too want it to succeed and I'm confident in the MLR, far moreso than any of the previous attempts at a Rugby Footbal organisation in the past. Its slowly growing. Remember, the MLS had a pretty slow start and look at where they're at now! Its not impossible!
It's a great time for rugby in the USA and when NBC gets involved, it's a game-changer for all.
its truly a mans game . Tough game played by warriors and what i like about it there is no faking ,falling on the ground and crying in pain . They just play hard !
That's the idea, if soccer involves pretending to be hurt then rugby would involve pretending that you're not since you just keep going despite some bruises
Not only a 'man's game'. I suggest you have a look at some women's rugby, if you get the chance. Tough, fast, skilful and fantastic to watch. Growing fast here in the UK. The other thing about the game here in the UK is that it is inclusive. We have lots of teams now for participants with varying physical disabilities and other impairments. There might be minor changes and alterations to the laws of the game required, but participation, particularly at the amateur level is what makes the game and the values it espouses what it is: the best team game in the world.
strong women's game too😉
Im from New Zealand we eat, sleep & breathe Rugby its our National sport especially 15 aside rugby! I reckon the USA are doing really well in 7s rugby 😊
That's because them and Fiji take 7s more serious than everyone else.NZs 7s team is only made up of 15s rejects yet they still won the 7s rugby world cup.Imagine if they took it as serious as 15s and could choose anyone.
I'd SO LOVE to see a US Collegiate 7's competition held over a weekend, building on existing rivalries and unleashing the athletic talent already existing there... And helping appreciation of 15's to grow.
this is what i dont like about corporate america....EVERYTHING is classed as a "product" or "property"........it bloody RUGBY....not rocket science.........SHOW it and let the people decide themselves
It’s the showing it to the people that is the product.
Come now, you should know by now that's how America works. Everything is on sale and we will lap it up at the right price only. lol
It's great America is growing into Rugby it's a fabulous game to play and watch . It's a game that brings people together know matter who you support . And if you get to see international Rugby then your into a great day out with the family .
Respect is a big part of rugby. Usa players seem to be too cocky,they are like that in most sports so not sure if they will change that lol
We are currently going through a sportsmanship meltdown in the US. In American Football, showmanship is selling huge right now. And the NFL and NCAA are all for it because it gets them ratings. Basketball has been a showoffy sport for sometime now. And the same happened there in the past, more showmanship = more ratings. Makes for happy owners. Everything revolves around money, and showmanship makes bank here. If Rugby Football makes it here "in the states", brace yourself, it may not exist in its current form in Europe and the southern hemisphere....
They're not cocky at rugby, maybe 7s but not 15 aside because they respect the likes of NZ, SAF, All Europe teams because they are so darn good at the sport!
As an American, Rugby Union is the best sport in the world! Go NZ All Blacks! Year round...
There is 2 Rugby's Rugby League 13 a side or Rugby Union 15 a side. Watch both then decide what is the better sport
No contest, it's Rugby Union. League is a totally different sport with simple and boring rules. 5 tackes and a kick. Rinse and repeat. It's also a much smaller sport than real Rugby
Rugby's a thug sport played by gentlemen, Soccer a gentlemen sport played by thugs, Gridiron just a game of chess played by crash test dummies...
How much they make??? I don't trust google that's why
The saying goes: Rugby is a sport played by thugs, but watched by gentleman, while football is a sport played by gentleman, and watched by thugs!
@@chocothycflowerio6122 American football players?? Tons. For example, american QB Patrick Mahomes recently landed a 10 year contract worth about $503 million dollars. Rugby players? Depends on the league. The highest paid rugby player makes about $1.2 million a year, or what Mahomes makes playing two games.
Problem is... NFL its like trying to start a car that wont start...
3 hr games where statically they say 11 Min of action....
Imagine all the ad revenue during a NFL game?
Its sacrilege to air any Ad during any Union (even league) gameplays...... They do in those little stop moments....
3hrs.... 11 mins,
Versus 80min. 2 x 40min... Not much Ad time........
You Get the Gist.
Dont fk with Union.
Little stop moments ? Have you seen a game of "high-level" rugby union recently ??? There are lengthy stoppages of play, especially due to scrums and line-outs. And they barely reach 35-40 ' of effective playing time, when league is over 60.
it's growing because majority have talents for sports but once they're not picked up after uni they're pretty much done for with their career.
Club rugby will provide many of those unsigned athletes to use their talents and even get paid for it.
Hope to go it gets big!
An NFL game is as stop/start as an American car.
I agree. I used to like American football. While I still watch the games, over the years it’s become one of my least favorites. There’s just way too much stop and go for me. And it seems like commercials are more important than the actual game.
Ive heard people say that most people go to the games for the entertainment not the game itself.
I want to point out that NBC has dropped the ball with the HSBC sevens. Since broadcasting has moved to ESPN I have been able to view every match and watch them in almost real time. At this point I prefer ESPN to NBC and am happy that they've taken over the broadcasting rights because they seem to care more about giving it airtime.
The USA can be the ones to grow the sport of Rugby to become worldwide
EA Sports Rugby for the PS2 was what got me and my friends and family into rugby back in 2004.
Glad it is growing in the states ,,,roll on the Ireland v USA game
Rugby is one of the greatest team sport. Only the majority of americans don't know that yet. I'm being harsh I know ^^ Good on them for trying to make a breakthrough .
I love rugby I will always love rugby
I would loved to see Sir Richard Branson's Virgin media Group, create their own 24 hour sports channel either here in U.S. or even more prevalent in the U.K. & Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania and broadcast Both Rugby Union & Rugby League, and also Cricket, Formula 1 Auto Racing, Polo etc..Sort of how NBC Universal/Comcast purchased Sky Sports from FOX Sports, and made it a Sky Sports a division of NBC Sports Universal/Comcast, for their international audience....
My suggestion in the idea for the "24 hour Virgin Sports channel" would for the 24 hour "Virgin Sports channel" to become a division of the FOX Sports Group, and since the idea is for the Virgin Sports channel to become 24 hour sports channel owned exclusively by the FOX Sports Group, I would reccomend for the Virgin Sports channel to be broadcasted outside of the U.S. and broadcasted in the market's of the U.K. & Ireland, mainland Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Oceania, Asia, South Africa, Canada, Middle East, and North Africa and other foreign countries, and have FOX Sports 1 and 2 be easily accessible along with rebranding FOX Soccer plus, to FOX Sports + for the U.S. audience, and may Rugby Union and league, along with Cricket, Formula 1, and a top flight European soccer league, college football, basketball, be all part of the programming FOX Sports 1 & 2 and Fox Sports+ cable channel.
You sponsored by virgin media or something
@@jamessamps235 No, I'm not sponsored by the Virgin media group, I'm just a fan and loyal customer
@@Estrad43 bit weird but ok lol
America has great potential for rugby
Rugby reminds me of where UFC was once at in the US. It only took a few visionaries and now UFC has surpassed boxing
how can you compare UFC to boxing? thats like comparing nike sales with welly sales it makes no sense. the UFC is not a sport its a promotion organization. you can compare mma as a sport to boxing though.. you can get some idea of trends here trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&q=boxing,UFC
EyeQueOneFourSix
UFC has become more popular in the US than boxing as far as viewership and rise in popularity. I'm not comparing the two sports you idiot! In the past, most people in the US haven't seen MMA/UFC in the mainstream of sports except for small amount of hardcore fans. Today, there are more mainstream UFC fans and viewers than ever before while boxing is declining due to fixed bouts etc. Same thing with Rugby in the US, only hardcore fans will download a stream and find a watering hole to watch a game. With rugby sevens gaining popularity, NFL ratings in the dump, it opens up a lane for rugby in the US. Same thing happened to soccer in the US, now theres Major League Soccer. Major League Rugby is in its second year, so don't be surprised when a couple of visionaries/investors add more fuel to the fire and bring rugby to mainstream US sports.
rise in popularity or more popular? calls me an idiot... where did you learn to speak?
EyeQueOneFourSix
Rise of you being an IDIOT! If you can't logically comprehend what I wrote, then please remain an IDIOT! Idiots like you are becoming more popular today than ever before 😜
Dunning Kruger at its finest.
Look y'all, Gridiron Football is the most violent team sport there is. When I heard that Vincent Jackson DRANK HIMSELF TO DEATH because of CTE, I wanted to puke. Head trauma is still a very real problem in Sevens, League and Union but it still pales in comparison to the amount of head trauma in Gridiron. Also, I think the NFL should promote the URC, Top14, Premiership and Super Rugby because it has more in common with Gridiron then Association Football.
Rugby provides an "out" to the big four fatigue (football, baseball, basketball, hockey). Shorter season, reasonable ticket prices, quality players on the field will allow rugby union to find its niche in the USA sports market. Success of the 7's game (which is also played on the collegiate level) will bring people to the 15's game, thus enabling future success of rugby in the USA. Thanks to Mike Friday (coach of USA 7's) and the players he has selected to lead the upsurge of USA 7's as a big part of the resurgence. Long time dedicated local fans (I followed Puget Sound Old Boys, based in Seattle, for years) will ensure that MLR will be a viable entity long into the future. Continued television exposure is what is needed, and as long as CBS, NBCSN or ESPN (or whoever has the television contract in the future) do not overcharge for their services, or, broadcast the games in odd hours of the day, the televised exposure will assist in this endeavor.
Americans don’t play hockey, it is ice hockey.
There are two different types of Rugby, they are Rugby League and Rugby Union, two different sports entirely, not to confused.
Rugby Union is a game of rugby where u don't stop until the whistle blows. You think you guys can do that?
The whistle blows often because of complicated rules. Have a look at France's Top 14 (but that might disgust you from rugby union).
I look forward to seeing Saudi Arabia play Indonesia in women's rugby.
Cheers from Aotearoa NZ.
One small problem for the 15 man game in the USA. Rugby is a winter game and grew up in the milder European climate. It would not be able to cope with the bitter temperatures of a Nth Am. climate without serious compromises. Maybe along the Gulf Coast but beyond that it would require expensive indoor stadia presumably with artificial turf.
Saying that Canada gets by with an abbreviated season and her better players get European contracts. But that doesn't produce the depth of experience required to build an international threat.
Don't get me wrong. I would love for the USA to fully embrace the game. The personal values gained and traits developed by playing the game are invaluable.
One small hint. Rugby is never short of a sponsor. If you can identify from these those who can play the long game and convince them to build smaller stadiums and support a semi-pro competition you could develop players who can get contracts in New Zealand competitions (best coaches) or other Super franchises (Australia) as well as the European leagues.
Who knows, Seattle already uses Rugby methods to teach defence. Maybe some NFL teams could be convinced that this may be a decent training resource. The only thing Rugby does not need is the hyper-masculinity bullshit. It is a team game and show-offs undermine that.
To be honest rugby is by far the toughest sport in the world in my opinion. I mean compared to other sports rugby players careers are not as long as someone who plays in another sport. I mean its brutal its fast paced, its non stop and its 80 minutes 40 minutes each half. U have to be strong, fast, tough and have insane endurance. U play both offence and defence. Pacific Islanders are definitely built for this.
Rugby has a future as a mid-major sport in the US the four major US/Canadian sports are loved and long established they are all four in the top five highest grossing leagues in the world but being a mid-major sport in the US/Canadian market not a bad thing golf,tennis,motorsports,combat sports,soccer,Lacrosse all do ok.
Good point. US loves sports and given the decent success of soccer, I don't see why rugby can also have some level of success. No other country can boast what America has done for the Big Four sports; it is arguably the most accepting country to dabble, develop and succeed in any given sports or athletic competition.
@@TickleMeElmo55 You should check out Major League Rugby
@@krousaj Just discovered it! Thanks!
RWC needs to be hosted in the US
Why??? What give the US a jump over tradsitionaly strong rugby nations ??? Earn the right to host the RWC.
@@TheTheotherfoot, but if we want to expand the game the US should host it one day like Japan this year.
Rugby will only grow in the US when the game gets into the high schools which will in turn strengthen the college competition flowing then into post-college leagues and on to state and national teams. Rugby was originally a schoolboys game, and today it is still the lifeblood of the international game.
John Hill,rugby is the fastest growing game amongst the youth in the US and one of the fastest growing games overall there.
PLEASE don't bring the same BS showboating that goes on in the NFL to the sport of rugby, America. It is not an ego wars sport, it is a team game through and through. Please respect that.
Yes! Yes yes yes. Yes. Yes. Oh please God, don't let it become like football.
+Doug Earnest
Football?
I was thinking American Football showboating, but probably only because I don't watch Soccer showboating, which is equally boring, makes less sense, but is without all the commercials.
Yeah if you showboat in rugby you can either get a yellow or red card and that affects the entire team because they will be down a man then
Also, excessive showboating is definitely frowned upon in the amateur game, touch, sevens, union, or league. Certainly celebrate, but keep it classy. Otherwise, you'll get served. I know, because I play touch and it was done to me as well. I think we have a much deeper rugby respect in our culture than most would realize, due to the history of the game passed down from the previous generations.
I would love to see this grow there is rumour US want's to stage the rugby world cup in 2027 or 2031
To me, rugby is the best sport of all. Much more entertaining than soccer, American football, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, cricket, softball, badminton, volleyball, hockey, etc etc etc etc.
HERE'S SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Show more Women's Rugby. Women at the upper levels play more "textbook" rugby and in a way that's easier for people new to the sport to follow.
Also, women's rugby is empowering to women and girls -- in a positive way.
--
There, I said it -- Let the hate begin . . .
Haha,I was expecting you to get replies from the chauvinists and guys who think woman's sports are boring.
I agree, and they should advertise it in a way that takes jabs at the male-dominated NFL too! I would find that amusing and it would generate conversation which would bring attention to it. Seriously, though, many of women Ruggers are tougher than most NFL players nowadays. Proof's in the pudding, my friend!
Wtf women dont know how to play sports
@@jacobfamily4544 wtf no they are not. You know women are allowed to play in the nfl right. They just dont because they wouldnt last a second in it. Same thing with rugby union
@@Coda_Shorts i dunno what to tell you buddy
The game is getting bigger. I have watched so much mens and womens rugby streaming over the net in the past few years. The amount of colleges and competitions going on in America is amazing. The US has money to fund so many sports compared to organizations in New Zealand. We have to fund our grass roots and school rugby to keep our talent. One thing the US has that we don't is so many track and field stars as well. We don't have Perry Bakers and Carlin Isles type athletes...
I remember reading an article in the Rugby Mag by the CEO of Rugby USA. He's kiwi btw. Anyway he said world rugby would be in real trouble if the Americans take it on board. He said if more people start watching, they will start throwing more money at it to develop it, and that all the major college football programs put more $ into their football than the NZR puts into the game across the entire NZRU.
Candice Barr,the US dont worry me at all if they took rugby serious,the All Blacks would still dominate.America cant even dominate there own games.Baseball world champs-Netherlands,Ice hockey world champs-Sweden.I will just add a couple more in to prove my point,Softball world champs-New Zealand,Americas cup-New Zealand.Just some examples of how overrated the US really are in sport.
Kupa Cronk what about women's soccer team?
purdyteine, womans sports are minor compared to mens sports.Theres no real dominant team in womans soccer which is why the US are up there but NZ dominate mens and womans rugby which is the differance.
@@Trajan2401majority of time they are dominant
Coming from a country where rugby is almost a religion. I am so glad that it is catching on in the US. I'm doing my teacher's license and I want to move to the US. Hoping I can train a team there or contributing to its growth. South African. Go USA.
I don't know if American NBC are dumb or whatever? But Dudes! If you wanna draw viewers to the screen and watch Rugby, then show the Rugby championship. FYI..it is the best playing/experience in Rugby ever! Firstly you have many choices of teams to follow many of whom are World class. IE, NZ players, Aussie players, South African players even Japanese and Argentinian players. Far better viewing entertainment! Anyways that's all I have to say right now.😑😉
6 Nations is the top competition because 1) it generates much more money than Rugby Championship and 2) it's alot more interesting than the Rugby Championship, since the only thing in doubt is the placement of Australia and SA (ie either 2nd or 3rd). AB dominance (I think they've won it every year since 2002?) has killed SH rugby.
Zel it hasn’t killed SH Rugby. Rugby died in Australia because of the NRL, and South Africa haven’t seemed to find a good coach. But they’ve always been good
Rugby's greatest championship the six nations ... really lol? There is a reason why the southern hemisphere has THE Rugby Championship
And 7 out of the last 8 rugby world cups
Since 2012 the All Blacks have won 6 of the 7 championships and argentian have lost 6 of the 7. In the same time period, there have been 3 winners of the 6 nations and 3 losers. The six nations is a better competition because it's far closer and far more competitive.
The reason the rugby World Cup isn’t popular is because the all blacks make it boring. You never know who’s gonna win the six nations, but the rugby World Cup is just New Zealand winning every time
@@hahahachucklechuckle8432 Yeah thats partly because Australia and SA have really dropped as quality opponents too! Not just because NZ is so good
6 Nations is the top competition because 1) it generates much more money than Rugby Championship and 2) it's alot more interesting than the Rugby Championship, since the only thing in doubt is the placement of Australia and SA (ie either 2nd or 3rd). AB dominance (I think they've won it every year since 2002?) has killed SH rugby.
Just broadcast it alot more then it will grow in America, Rugby is absolutely awesome to watch.
He was right at the end.... we say soccer is a gentleman's sport played by hooligans, and rugby is hooligans game played by gentlemen. Great discipline and mutual respect. Sponsors should be all over it.
Rugby Codes:
7's
League (13/side)
Union (15/side)
7s is union. same rules just less players
League is a totally different sport. 7s and Rugby Union are different versions of the same sport.
Without doubt RU is the best team game ever invented. It's 80 minutes of exciting non stop action by very fit and committed athletes. It's a global sport that the USA should take part in ( Canda, Argentina already do ). I hear the US TV is to start airing the 6 Nations.... enjoy !!
RUGBY is LIFE the rest is just details!
Simple. Because they're throwing tonnes of money at it
lifeofluke tonnes?
@@joemartin1253 Yes, the plural for ton
@OP: Actually compared to the AAF or XFL, MLR is actually spending very little and working not to spend over what they can realistically expect back. AAF folded within a year because they pumped millions upon millions into it from the getgo, and depended on it being a success. It wasn't. The XFL learnt nothing from either the AAF or its previous attempt in the early 00s and is going straight down the same path, simply put Vince McMahon is an idiot. MLR isn't dependent on being a success and they're being very careful about expanding. And its actually working!
Carlin Aisle and Perry Baker could make it into NZ 7s team on talent alone also we currently have a couple of Yanks in our top team's in Aotearoa so I believe USA Eagles aren't too far from knocking on higher honours in both forms of the game!!!
Kia Kaha
Kia Maia
Kia Manawanui
You got this USA Rugby!!!🏉🏉🏉
well the home win in vegas certainly helped,two years ago their sevens mens team couldnt make a final,now they are winning rounds,womens too.We ,kiwis always thought that USA would become a force eventually,got so many good athletes
TheSilatiger,thats only because most countries take 15s more seriously than 7s.To most rugby fans,15s and the RWC will always be bigger and better than 7s and the Olympics.
Thank god the MLR exists and is in its second season. Go Seawolves!
If nothing else this will increase the competition for NZ/Aus/SA/Pacific player imports. Actually that should make the French happy; they often complain about too many foreigners in their league.
And that's showing on the national team as well, affecting them dearly
yes
major league rugby in the u.s is in its first year
That's good news then lads, both codes are good, but League is a better game in my opinion. FYI Toronto Wildcats RLFC are in their second season in England and have done really well.
Major League Rugby is union.
no union is better
FOX SPORTS WORLD, used to broadcast Rugby from it's launch in 1997 to 2003 -2004....until it became the FOX Soccer channel, and FOX Sports World was no more!
If you get ESPN plus For five bucks a month you can follow the world rugby sevens in 2019 and USA is leading the series. It's a great way to spend the weekend because there are many games as each rugby sevens game is only 14 mins. And playoff are on sundays.
I keep looking for expansion news for MLR and I am hoping it will succeed... USA has been denied professional Rugby way too long.
Anyone to play rugby with me in Texas? Please, I'm a big fan of this wonderful sport and US Eagles, but I'm alone and I don't have people who share my passion.
Learn touch footy,get a group of friends and teach them. You will develop you passing and running game, no tackling involved.
Well, Bandai America will form The Joint Mexican-American-Canadian Rugby league.
The potential of the USA Eagles was interresting in 2015, unfortunately some good or essential players like Todd Clever, Scott LaValla, Adam Siddall,Tom Cooligan,Nick Wallace, Chad London were absent during the World Cup in England.
Said it for many years now... If the Yanks truly adopt rugby and pump money into its development, they will become a powerhouse in world rugby.
Any country with that many people can be a powerhouse in any sport
True - The yanks are hardcore with their sports and seemingly unlimited resources so if they do get real serious ie sports club politics- tv networks etc etc why not would be great for the game could imagine a RWC hosted in the US Wow
you know how huge that'll be
Hopefully NBC would throw Super Rugby and MLR in there to.
This is great news for U.S Rugby. T.V and social media is a critical part of the equation to sell the Rugby in the America. As the game grows in U.S we must take care our players welfare! This way they can able to support their families.
It never ceases to amaze me that "men's" team sports in the US are all padding, helmets and gloves (a "product" to sell to kids of course, even though you don't need one to catch a ball - watch any cricket highlights vid on youtube), whereas young US women tend to take up team sports like "soccer" or rugby and get kicked to bits with no padding.
Please talk about topics you understand. Clearly you do not understand which you criticize.
Rugby is better than American football as a game easily but has so so far to go-eventhough the USA is away behind Europe in Rugby as a sport here in Europe it isn't the most popular, only one country in the world where rugby is number one that's new Zealand so it won't be anytime soon rugby will get big.
I am glad that US is growing about Rugby Union and I have no doubt Rugby will be popular in US. I hope they continue to explore lots of games. 😃
once the u.s sinks its teeth into it and throws money at their team they will be hard to stop. Americans are notorious for being stats and numbers driven vs performance and i would like to see the running abilities on show, side step vs the juke, goose step vs the spin, rugbys looking good for the future
Rugby is a great game, better then MLB and NBA and you don’t have to wait 7 games to decide a winner
I'm screaming 💰🤑💸 money!!!!
They need camera men that know how to capture the game to often you are rugby filmed by people that are use to NFL and it looks ugly
How can they? You can't stop every 10 minutes for adverts
Interesting at 5:20 that guy looked more like he was playing NFL stop/start style.
Sports market too oversaturated in US for the 15 man game. And the rules too complex for the average American fan. If it’s number 4 or below sport in Australia not much chance of it being any better in USA IMO. Maybe find a small niche, but not much more IMO. 7s has a better chance, but not the same game.
Bada Bing888 complex? you cant get anymore complex than nfl
Its a shame most of what I've seen in the US is Rugby 7's, full 15 man Rugby union is the best form but in time that may change.
There is also rugby league which has 13 players.
The United States won a couple of Gold Medals in the Olympics back in the 1920's for Rugby ... It's True !
Bob Bitchin,LOL,there were only 2 countries in the first one and 3 in the second one.
I would love to see the NFL crumble to the sport of Rugby 🏉! Probably a pipe dream but I have grown tired of the political issues in the NFL taking over what once was the greatest game ever played. I’m now 100% Rugby 🏉
Jake Vanzandy,greatest game only in the US but nothing outside of the US.
Right now about half of NFL fans are very upset with all of the politics of NFL... They could easily be swayed into Rugby if the product is good. That includes me
Leigh Diffey! Logical choice I guess if he's already over in the USA for motorsports coverage.
I struggle with the USA entering as a country I feel the US should enter as states almost like how the united kingdom enters as individuals
BAD IDEA
khwezi c why? I mean not currently as there's not enough interest but if rugby was to pick up over there then it would make sense I mean the average state is the size of most country's!
There is absolutely NO DOUBT that rugby is immeasurably better than so-called "football". There is NO contest, so it's not surprising if the evidently better game that growing in the US. Two halves of 40 minutes uninterrupted coverage - priceless.
4:14 The six nations is rugby's greatest championship? Really???
Not sure how you guys got Gollings as a coach? but that was the best move any team could have done. your Olympic chances went from, qualifying, to competing for the gold.
Please don't get offended my American cuzzy's , but you can't even compare Rugby to American Football. Rugby's the greatest game on the planet to play and to watch. Rugby's the game they play in heaven and once you give it a go you'll never be the same , especially if you give it a go playing it. The club atmosphere is second to none , you won't just gain a new hobby or sport , you'll gain a family!.
Just saw this , my god no mention of rugby just tv channels
Great to hear it growing in the US.. But just don't ever get better than the All Blacks or you'll devastate the people of NZ. 😂
I didn't even know we had a rugby team until I searched it up.
The nfl always has a game In England. I think there should be premiership rugby in us.
Jack S I’m pretty sure they do that
Some one commented that, 'Would the USA get fed up seeing their team get beaten year in, year out, similar to the Italians, by the best rugby teams in the world?'. All i would say is, if they take the game of fifteens seriously, I somehow don't believe it will take the Americans that long to become a world force, after all American football is just an adaptation of Rugby they use the same style ball, and they run with the ball in hand, so the concept is not unfamiliar to them.
How could they take the game of fifteens seriously, if they happen to learn that rugby union is more dangerous than their own form of football, in a time of awareness of the dangerousness of contact sports ? Try the game of thirteens.
@@daunte8106 it's possible
I've read in the comments that Rugby is a game played by the men of men. I guess South Africa being the current world champs, makes our guys the ultimate men of men🤣👍🏼👊🇿🇦
Me like Rugby.... me subscribe!!!
But is it really growing? The same has been said since the 1970s. I see less amateur clubs where I live, and believe me, having been a scheduling secretary of my old club back in the 80s, there still is a problem with even getting places to play the game, as many cities have recreation departments, or county rec departments, that allow soccer over rugby, and do not want their grass fields chewed up during the rainy time of the year. I have seen in the high schools in Northern California and Central California the sport of la crosse become more popular. I see more colleges, but then again, some somewhat newer programs stopped even before Covid, notably at two of the smaller private universities in Northern California that shall remain unnamed. I do not consider Major League Rugby as very American either, because so many players are from overseas. I don't think it will last long anyway. There are some clubs that already folded, and newer ones replaced them, but for how long? Unfortunately, for most American kids, they want to play football, baseball, and basketball, so rugby will remain one of those alternate sports. Nothing wrong with that. It's been that way for many decades.