Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
I hope that everyone is having a splendid summer! Well… that about covers the formalities, so let’s talk about some rugby.
Dan’s the Man
There was a Dan that I had expected to one day take over the leadership of USA Rugby. Dan Lyle that is. However the recent appointment of Dan Payne to lead USA Rugby is excellent. I didn’t get a chance to comment when the appointment was made, but I am beyond excited for Dan Payne as the new CEO for USA Rugby. Dan is a great guy and a great rugby man that has already done so much for American rugby. The fact that he is now leading us will hopefully unify everyone from the grassroots all the way through the elite levels in a common goal to grow rugby in the USA. He brings exactly the type of experience, and more importantly perspective, to lead USA Rugby to the next level.
Pro 12 Rumors? Again?
I’ve been quietly watching the rumor mill swirl over the past few weeks. As seems to happen around this time every year we get news of either Super Rugby or the Pro 12 wanting to break into the American sporting market. So, I found it little surprise when the Pro 12 said, for what I believe is the 5th or 6th time, that they were thinking of placing a team on the East Coast of the USA. While the most recent statement said that talked were ongoing with USA Rugby, I have a very hard time putting much credence into the rumor.
Why?
It’s all about logistics. Let me paraphrase by saying that if any foreign competition could pull off placing a franchise in the USA it would be the Pro 12, not Super Rugby. That said, it is a logistical nightmare. I’m not a fan of the idea of placing a single team in a foreign competition for many reasons. The travel alone should be enough to make anyone take a second look at the idea. Any USA-based team would spend half of their season on another continent, likely requiring tour-like trips where they play 3-4 games at a time before returning home. Thus creating questions of player welfare issues and significantly increasing expenses for whomever decides to fund this club.
To make matters worse, any Pro 12 rumor suggests placing teams in New York or Boston. Any of the folks that play rugby in those areas of the country know what it is like to attempt to play from December-April. New York and Boston sound great, but realistically speaking any chance of the Pro 12 placing a team in the USA needs to involve discussions with a location in the mid-Atlantic region. This doesn’t even take into account the discussion regarding appropriate facilities to host such a team. The number of World Rugby approved facilities in the USA is low as is and any Pro 12 move to the USA would inevitably face the same issues other pro startups have faced in America.
It wouldn’t be fair to shoot holes in the idea without also offering a counter-point. So, how could it work?
As mentioned above, they’ll need to look at locations in the mid-Atlantic like DC, Virginia, and even the Carolinas. Winter weather in DC can be dicey at best, so they may need something even further South if they want a more secure chance at playing games from December-April.
What else?
A second franchise in the USA. To cut back on some of the travel and provide more US-based match opportunities serious consideration should be given to adding two American teams. Finally, and this is the big one, we have the matter of the global rugby season. This is likely the most important factor in the entire discussion. If World Rugby can ever decide on a global rugby season and competitions like the Pro 12 change their playing season to something more like the Super Rugby or PRO Rugby season, then it opens up even more opportunity for the Pro 12 in the USA. Now, all of a sudden, the Pro 12 can look at placing teams in the Northeast which appears to be where they want a team. Keep an eye on the global rugby season discussion. It will have a large impact on whether this rumor ever grows legs.
In closing, who knows? With a solid season of PRO Rugby in the books, I find it disheartening to hear a rumor like this which would essentially gut PRO of many of their best players. I think USA Rugby should keep their options open, but they have something already in place with PRO and can built upon it. The fact that USA Rugby is entertaining alternatives may say a bit about their relationship with PRO.
PRO Crowns a Champ
That’s it folks! The first season of PRO Rugby is in the books. It feels like we were just breaking news of the competition and here we are with Denver as champs. They edged out Ohio on points despite losing the final match of the season to the Aviators 32-25. After some early bumps, the competition settled in and produced some solid rugby. The quality is as expected of an entry level professional competition, but anyone expecting Super Rugby in year one is delusional. The important factor is that the seal was broken, adjustments were made, and the play was entertaining. On top of that, a lot of developing players gained significant experience and were paid to do it.
Everything we’re hearing points towards PRO adding three teams for 2017. Expect at least one Canadian team to be one of the three teams, possibly two. Any other new franchise is likely to be placed in the East or Midwest.
With the season done and dusted, now comes the time for the organization to use this momentum to build an even better 2017. Fans are going to expect to see a number of improvements both on and off the pitch. The 2017 season may be a ways off, but the work is just beginning for PRO Rugby. In the meantime, I’d like to send out congratulations to all of those involved with PRO Rugby… leadership, players, coaches, and the fans. Many people wondered if we would ever get professional rugby in the USA. Not only did we get it, we got something that was quite enjoyable.
Cheers everyone!
