Best of the Rest

Our first collection of articles from around cyberspace of the new year. This time we’ve got a pretty good stash that includes pieces on domestic rugby in the USA, an American abroad, modern coaching practices, Major League Rugby, Chilean rugby, Argentina, and a few Canadians.

 

Memphis Inner-City Project Tackles Social Change – by Martin Pengelly / The Guardian

“Five years ago, Young and O’Brien brought rugby to a place that would be strange to most of its fans worldwide. Partnering with Power Center Academy, a Memphis high school, they lured students by pretending the first meeting was about football, a sport the school could not afford to run. In contrast, rugby required only a ball and a patch of grass.”

 

We need a System to take Coaches to the top of the game – by Ian McGeechan / The Telegraph

“They are getting somebody with experience for what feels like a six-month appointment, and he will almost be mentoring the existing coaches. If they get the coaching balance right, the immediate knock-on effect to the players will be positive.”

 

The Most Successful Yank in European Rugby – by Pat Clifton / Rugby Today

“I figured these sports need to learn how to make money. I figured out how to make money – maybe it was my American mindset – and I thought, alright, you’ll always have work. It was on the business side of rugby, but because I played rugby and studied rugby, I had a really good insight into the playing side, too.”

 

Players Pick the Best Club for their Wallets Now, Not for their Rugby – by Nik Simon / The Mail on Sunday

“Basically, we have a load of public school boys who are too soft. They win every game in sixth form and they’re told how great they are. It’s just a very comfortable place. When you get to the professional system, it’s unforgiving. Suddenly you’re not winning everything and you need to work f***ing hard.”

 

SaberCats Bullish about latest US Rugby Venture – by Tom Dart / The Guardian

“At Saturday night’s SaberCats exhibition against Uruguay, though, most spectators seemed to be spectating. The merry-go-round and splash pad were deserted. Even the 15ft inflatable dartboard had few takers. The attendance – about 3,500 tickets were sold – justified the SaberCats’ gamble that demand to see a new team in an obscure sport is strong enough to warrant hiring a premium venue and charging high prices.”

 

The Legion is Here – by The Rugby Republic

“We feel that everyone will face challenges in the first few seasons as each team finds their footing. Players are drawn to a team, by a few specific pieces we believe. Coaching, training environment, professionalism and location. We check those boxes and provide a fantastic environment for any player to come in to and take the next steps in their career.”

 

Carpenter Reflects on Stellar Rugby Career – by Brian Smiley / Brantford Expositor

“Basically every time I got hit, I got another concussion. Maybe back in the day I would have shook them off but I had to think if it was worth it for me and my family. I decided it was best to maybe take this opportunity and get back into a normal life.”

 

Have Whistle, Will Travel – by Doug Crosse / Aedelhard

“MacDowell knows all about hard work. He never just walked into a spot on the Canadian Sevens team. As a sevens player, you could slot the diminutive MacDowell in the category of the fabled football player Rudy Ruettiger of Notre Dame fame. A lot of perseverance saw him crack the Canadian team after seven years of trying at age 26.”

 

Fernández hopes Argentina change Eligibility rule – by Lisandro Olearo / A Pleno Rugby (Spanish)

“I always say the same thing when they ask me about the Pumas and the UAR system. One of my biggest dreams is to wear the Pumas shirt, to represent my country, my family, my friends, my club, my city and a lot of people who helped me to be here. I always think about it, I will not lie.”

 

Crisis in Chilean Rugby: The Resignation of Charreyre – by Deportes 13 (Spanish)

“The situation became untenable after the board of the Federation did not accept his plan to build the future of the national team around the under 20 representatives, a group that has already incorporated the Charreyre system, and add players willing to submit. In addition to a change of attitude, with a lot of discipline, intense work in the defensive aspect, the work of the Frenchman included cutting all intake of soft drinks.”