In my inaugural column for the Worcester Herald it seemed appropriate to not only introduce myself, but also to introduce Pro Rugby USA, and why you need to care about this new kid on the block.
Rugby has frequently been referred to as “a game for hooligans played by gentlemen” with its raw, visceral, high impact nature seemingly at odds with the charming nature exhibited by the players off field. I’ve been involved with this sport from a media perspective for a little over three years, but coming from New Zealand rugby is a part of my cultural psyche.
What you may not be aware of though is, even with attention currently focussed on the developing MLB series, as well the final fights of the Stanley Cup and the crowning of another NBA championship, for the past eight weeks Pro Rugby USA has also been quietly achieving a success of its own.
While rugby has a massive global following, with fans in every corner of the globe, it is a sport that has struggled to find a real toehold in the US market, despite solid performances in the HSBC World Sevens Series and regular appearances at the Rugby World Cup. This could be attributed to many factors, such as the failed attempts by Minnesota based RugbyLaw to bring their own National Rugby Football league (NRFL) to fruition, and on-going issues that have divided colleges, clubs and the national rugby body.
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The obvious question then is what makes Pro Rugby USA worthy of attention then? In simple terms the answer is: Pro Rugby USA have done the job properly.
The key differences between Pro Rugby USA and the RugbyLaw attempts include basic areas of business, such as getting on-board with USA Rugby, the national governing body of rugby in the USA. They’ve also engaged with World Rugby, and have managed to source quality players from North America and around the world, notable signings including All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina, the mountainous Ray Barkwill from Canada (pictured) and Tongan International Kurt Morath.
This has lead to not only a solid player base, it has also given this fledgling union credibility and the potential for a real long term lifecycle. Pro Rugby USA’s director of rugby, Stephen lewis, also brings a sense of purpose to the union with a background steeped in European and US Rugby, most notably his roles with elite level New York club Old Blue.
Lewis has spoken extensively to the media about the vision and direction of Pro Rugby USA, taking a “softly, softly” approach which again differs from the more grandiose vision of RugbyLaw. All of the games are currently live streamed on the Pro Rugby YouTube channel, as well as offered via online platforms such as OneSports and AOL.com. The games are then made available post match to view on the various teams Facebook pages, YouTube channels and other social media feeds. Simply put, Pro Rugby USA actively wants you to be involved and be engaged.
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Currently a five team union, with franchises based in San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Ohio and Denver, there is already talk of expansion opportunities, which may well see a franchise based in New England. Rugby already has a strong grass roots following with the Boston Rugby Union club and Boston Irish Wolfhounds competing on an elite level in the Atlantic premiership. The question is though, can Rugby find a niche in a market already abundant in quality sport?
One of the big things Pro Rugby needs to do, and has already started doing, is create a regional interest in the game. One of the biggest hurdles this league faces is the justifiable statement that most sports fans in the US simply don’t know – or don’t care – about this sport. It is seen as a fledgling market that will need to prove itself, just as Major League Soccer has had to do, and to a degree is still doing.
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That said, like Major League Soccer, Pro Rugby USA has one major asset in an extremely dedicated and hard-core fan base that consistently turns up to support their teams. Lewis has been very realistic in not expecting to sell out Gillette Stadium in the first year of operation, but there is no reason why something like Pro Rugby USA could not become a natural companion league to the NFL. The seasons do not clash, and like Football, rugby is a fast, brutal and action packed game. If Pro Rugby handles it’s business well, and all the indications are that the union is in very sensible hands, then the USA – and in fact North America, with suggestions of franchises looking to set up in Canada – may be witnessing the birth of the next big thing.
This season of Pro Rugby USA is just on half way done, with week eight of the 16 week series upon us, seeing a top of the table clash between Denver and San Diego at Terero stadium 5Pm PT, before San Diego travels to Ohio for their match on June 12.
I’ll be bringing you match reports from Pro Rugby USA starting this weekend, along with updates and commentary from rugby in USA and around the world as part of the ever growing sports team here at the Worcester Herald.
Image Credit: Pro Rugby Usa
Kyle Willoughby is a New Zealand based rugby writer, Boston Sports fan and former media manager for the Tongan Rugby Union operating internationally to share rugby news from the USA around the world. Follow Kyle’s Twitter feed for more rugby and sports tweets.
