I understand it's quite widely played in schools and colleges, so people clearly do like it. But because of the dominance of American Football, Baseball, Basketball etc on TV we don't hear much about US rugby here in Europe.
shareI remember reading a couple of months ago that it is currently the 2nd fastest growing sport in the US. The main problem for the US in the past was that most players only discovered the game when they reached college so they were nowhere near as good as countries like NZ,Australia,England e.t.c where players had been learning the game since they were kids.But there has been a dramatic improvement in standards lately, with the game being taken to elementary and high schools with the hope of attracting players at a much earlier age so that when they eventually reach college, they will have already acquired all the fundamental skills needed and hopefully choose to play rugby rather then American football.I think the future of US rugby is looking very bright and the inclusion of sevens in the Olympics will only accelerate the popularity of the game.
shareI remember reading a couple of months ago that it is currently the 2nd fastest growing sport in the US.I wouldn't believe that.
"Many people claim that NASCAR is the fastest growing sport in the USA. Many others say American football. "
I think both of these have probably peaked.
Soccer is likely to be a growing sport amongst adults, due to immigration etc.
"Rugby is very much a minor sport in the USA and that's not likely to change in our lifetime"
Depends how you define minor really. There are much smaller sports, which don't have the kind of funding that rugby does.
US rugby's biggest friend is foreign finance.
---
It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
It's not popular at all. Most Americans are vaguely familiar with it (like we're familiar with lacrosse) and a fair few have never heard of it.
If it did raise its profile I doubt it would catch on much. I'd imagine most Americans would prefer American football and a few would find reasons to see rugby as soft or faggy.
It's really very much an elitist sport in the USA and it's getting growth amongst the gay and lesbian communities.
Remember America is a very big country, so over there minor sports can enjoy the sort of money and numbers of a major sport in most countries.
It's not popular at all. Most Americans are vaguely familiar with it (like we're familiar with lacrosse) and a fair few have never heard of it.
If it did raise its profile I doubt it would catch on much. I'd imagine most Americans would prefer American football and a few would find reasons to see rugby as soft or faggy.
It's really very much an elitist sport in the USA and it's getting growth amongst the gay and lesbian communities.
Remember America is a very big country, so over there minor sports can enjoy the sort of money and numbers of a major sport in most countries.
What a load of crap.Erm... ...no it's the truth.
Let me guess, you're a League fanboy who hates Rugby?Guess completely wrong.
In America, Rugby has been approved as an official NCAA sportAnd so what?
and the Las Vegas Sevens were broadcast on NBCWhich NBC channel and on what time slot?
Then there's then small detail of Sevens being accepted as an OLYMPIC SPORT.Once again: So what?
Rugby will obviously never be on the same level as Padball/Netball/Rounders/Hockey in the USSo you're running-down American football, Basketball and Baseball?
but there definitely is a niche for Rugby to fill, especially as Padball is confined to a tiny elite of players after highschool.If you think American football is elitist and non-accessible then how would you describe the US rugby scene? I hate to break this to you but (as with most countries) Rugby in most of the states is a sport for the social elite like yachting, rowing or polo.
Erm... ...no it's the truth.
Have you ever known many Americans or spent much time in the states?
Korfball is an Olympic sport (ever heard of it?). Do you think Korfball has a place in the conscience of the average American?
Which NBC channel and on what time slot?
Do you actually imagine that very many of the average American even knew it was being broadcast?
And so what?
Water polo and woman's ten-pin bowling have been approved as an official NCAA sport. Do you think they're big-time mainstream sports in the USA?
So you're running-down American football, Basketball and Baseball?
God, what a chip on your shoulder! good luck talking to Americans about rugby with that attitude. You may as well be some loser league-bogan from west Sydney. O ha and let me guess: you're also a cricket fan?
If you think American football is elitist and non-accessible then how would you describe the US rugby scene? I hate to break this to you but (as with most countries) Rugby in most of the states is a sport for the social elite like yachting, rowing or polo.
Yes, why?Somewhere you're lying. Either you never went to the states or you're pretending Americans are interested in Rugby.
No it isn't. Stop lying.Do you call people a a liar often? Here's some proof for you:
Broadcast live on NBC Sports.NBC what? NBC5?
It's a big step of recognition for a sportHow's it such a "big step" if it's joining a whole pile of other minor sports ?
that you claim doesn't even exist in America.Can you quote when I ever made such a claim?
I am merely pointing out facts.You're pointing out irrelevant facts.
It's hilarious how upset and angry you obviously are with Rugby.WTF are you talking about?
No it isn't. Stop lying.Okay then show me these Rugby clubs in the US that aren't connected to the social elite and are geared for the working public...
So it's a fact: Korfball is an Olympic sport.
Do you honestly think anyone beyond a handful of Americans is even aware of what Rugby sevens actually is, let alone watched the Las Vegas sevens?
Okay then show me these Rugby clubs in the US that aren't connected to the social elite and are geared for the working public...
...oh and that aren't for the gay community.
C'mon, actually prove me wrong.
while Rugby is a full Olympic sport starting from the 2016 Olympics.Um... no it's not.
Yes, and I realise it must be very upsetting for you to be proved completely wrong like this.
So you're a 'Rugby fan' who does nothing but dump on the sport and claim the game is played solely by upperclass elitists and homosexuals?WHAT?! How am I "dumping on the sport"?
It may surprise you to know that Rugby Sevens IS RUGBY (funny, that) and is even CALLED Rugby in the Olympics.
Then again, I'm talking to the same retard who claimed Korfball(!) is an Olympic sport.
LOL!
C'mon then, show me these American sevens fans.
WHAT?! How am I "dumping on the sport"?
It's a fact: Rugby is not a big sport in America. Is is a minor sport enjoyed by the upper classes and growing in the gay and lesbian community.
It's the truth. And is it actually a bad thing?
So to be a rugby fan I have to pretend otherwise or something?
It may surprise you to know that Rugby Sevens IS RUGBY (funny, that) and is even CALLED Rugby in the Olympics.Hahahaha yeah if Sevens is rugby then by definition so must be loserLEague and touch rugby.
Then again, I'm talking to the same retard who claimed Korfball(!) is an Olympic sport.So "claiming" an established, irrefutable fact makes me a retard?
30,323 peak crowd at the 2012 Vegas Sevens and the final day of the 2011 event pulled a 0.7 rating on NBC, ahead of an NHL game and slightly behind an NBA game on ESPN.
http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2012/02/weekly-sports-tv-ratings-february-11-february-17/
You are dumping on the sport by making these kind of amateur-hour troll posts.I'm not trolling an I'm not dumping on anything.
No, Rugby in America isn't played solely by upperclass elitists and homosexuals, as you claim.Well with who else in the USA does it hold major appeal?
It has no rucks, mauls or anything essential to proper rugby. It is merely a (crap in my opinion) sport derived from Rugby, like league and touch.
Yes thank you for demonstrating what a piddly, near_non-existent sport Rugby sevens is in the USA. So the final day of this showcase tournament couldn't even manage to top the ratings of some everyday league game of NBA basketball? hahahaha I'm sure the NFL are shaking in their boots.
What a small and clueless view of the world you must have if you honestly think that this indicates any mainstream following of Rugby in the USA.
Well with who else in the USA does it hold major appeal?
C'mon, answer that question.
Rugby Sevens has Rucks, Mauls, Line-Outs and Scrums.Yep, here we go! show everyone how bunched up your panties are by the insults.
This must be a trolljob, no-one could really be THIS stupid.
A 'piddling' sport that drew nearly as many viewers and had a higher live attendance than an NBA game played on the same day?If it can't draw a larger audience on its finals day than some run-of-the-mill NBA game (or a golf open, or another NBA game and an NHL game)...
American Football fans looking for a contact sport to follow after the NFL season finishes and sports fans in general.
Pretty straightforward, really.
Yep, here we go! show everyone how bunched up your panties are by the insults.
If you've even ever played rugby as a forward you'd know what a complete joke it is trying to scrum with three men. That is not a scrum.
I have never ever heard of any rolling maul occurring in sevens.
If it can't draw a larger audience on its finals day than some run-of-the-mill NBA game (or a golf open, or another NBA game and an NHL game)...
...then that actually really demonstrates how utterly ignored it was by US TV audiences.
Demonstrates almost as well as the various comments on this board by Americans about how little they give a toss about Rugby.
Not that you have demonstrated any idea whatsoever about the world beyond Australia...
Okay then, show me where I can find these "American Football fans looking for a contact sport to follow after the NFL season finishes and sports fans in general" who are expressing any appeal whatsoever in Rugby.
Because the vast majority of American football fans I've encountered have nothing good to say about Rugby.
Although it is pretty funny how you're hoping that Rugby can cash-in on the American football off-season. Especially considering most will follow already established American summer sports like Baseball.
Rugby Sevens has both Rucks AND Mauls, in addition to Scrums and Line-Outs.What a pathetic cop-out!...
You have obviously never played the sport and you're not fooling anyone.
The previous day's Rugby Sevens drew slightly less with a 0.6 rating made up of nearly a million viewers.Can you prove that this "0.6 rating"...
AHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!
Total humiliation.
They're the million or so viewers who tuned in to watch the Vegas Sevens.Oh okay, so first of all you accuse me of never playing rugby and now you're accusing me of having never met Americans.
You've never even talked to any Americans in real life. Just admit it.
What a pathetic cop-out!...
Please name one game of sevens televised where a rolling maul has been formed so I can witness and laugh at this absurd spectacle.
Can you prove that this "0.6 rating"...
...that wasn't even as much as a golf major or some minor NBA clashes...
...equals even nearly 1 million people...
...which is pretty piddly in a population of more than 300 million?
I mean that's about the equivalent of an NZ TV audience of 14,000 people (). And for a showcase event? oh dear...
Oh okay, so first of all you accuse me of never playing rugby and now you're accusing me of having never met Americans.
I've never met any Americans in real life?! honestly; that's an hilarious attempt at comeback. Yeah good one noddy what planet do you live on?
LMFAO!!!!
First you claimed that there were no rucks or mauls in Rugby Sevens(!), but now have frantically shifted the goalposts all the way to where it has to be a rolling maul or it somehow doesn't count.
Oh boy.
What a complete retard.Well considering that there were two other run-of-the-mill basketball games that (easily) out-rated the sevens final, then I guess you can show yourself up more by drawing this dumb conclusion that by the finals day of the rugby sevens almost rating as high as one run-of-the-mill NBA game between two cruddy teams then basketball is less popular than rugby sevens in the USA.
The final day had a viewership slightly less than a live NBA game on ESPN.
I guess that means no-one in America cares about Basketball, right? Right?
LOL!
Because it's the only possible explanation for you relentlessly spamming this thread with amateurish troll posts.Except (as with this popularity of rugby in the USA); me "relentlessly spamming this thread with amateurish troll posts" only exists in your imagination.
Do you even know what a ruck or a maul is cos if you did you'll know they both occur in sevens.
A ruck is when more than one player (from either team) is at the breakdown after a player is tackled.
A maul is when a player is tackled but is held up and not taken to ground.When the maul is moving it is considered a rolling maul but it doesnt have to be moving to be called a maul.
Of course I know what a ruck and a maul is. Yeah okay they occur in sevens, but they're not exactly much of a factor in the game are they? Is possession even competed for let alone ever turned-over in a sevens ruck?
Let's take a look at the sevens highlights from the Las Vegas tournament from 2007 (in front of those empty stands).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odBhjElGaBY
So in that footage there are only three "rucks" at 0:35, 2:16 and 2:46. And not a single maul.
Compare that to the amount of offloads in the tackle.
Sevens is NOT proper rugby and will not be taken seriously for reasons other than the glaring one of only having 7-minute halves.
Stark contrast when you said this....["No shifting of the goalposts ( [] ). There are no rucks or mauls in sevens."]
I wouldnt bother with highlights as they are just that,highlights and not entire games.Ive been watching and playing rugby since I was 5 years old and have always encountered rucks and mauls in both 7's and 15's.As said before,a maul doesnt have to be a rolling maul it can be an attacking player being held up by the tackler and team mates from both sides join.This is a maul.
I've played rugby isince I was 5 too, Although I never bothered much with 7's. But I know there are almost NEVER any mauls rolling or stationary, it would tie-up too many players.
And while there may be rucks per se, I think you know what I'm getting at in that they're not really essential like in proper Rugby.
There arent that many mauls correct,no rolling mauls but there are stationary ones but like rucks,they do occur and rucks are definitely essential in 7's and occur often.
shareWell... ...I never saw many rucks whenever I've bothered with sevens.
It's not like union where you have phases of rucks and the two teams competing for possession and the attacking team trying to wear down and make holes in the defence, with the said defence trying to guess the next move.
Seeing you hardly watch 7's is probably the reason why you dont see rucks.Trust me,it happens often in 7's.
shareThere are no rucks or mauls in sevens. They might be able to occur in the rules
Well considering that there were two other run-of-the-mill basketball games that (easily) out-rated the sevens final, then I guess you can show yourself up more by drawing this dumb conclusion that by the finals day of the rugby sevens almost rating as high as one run-of-the-mill NBA game between two cruddy teams then basketball is less popular than rugby sevens in the USA.
The rest of us will just laugh at you
Except (as with this popularity of rugby in the USA); me "relentlessly spamming this thread with amateurish troll posts" only exists in your imagination.
Rugby is a minor and minority sport in the USA. Most Americans are at best vaguely familiar with it. Your trolling and delusions will not change that.
I challenge you to actually prove that wrong, and not with misrepresenting viewer ratings for the Las Vegas sevens (); actually present large numbers of clubs which cater for the average American and some active local leagues filled with American footballers in their off-season.
LMFAO!!!!Well rucks and mauls only form when players other than the tackler and tackled compete for the ball. As Sevens (from what I've bothered to watch) usually has the tackled player releasing the ball before a ruck can form or offloads in the tackle and intercepts rucks and mauls aren't really a feature of the game.
Rucks and Mauls are how possession is contested/retained after a tackle is made in Rugby Sevens.
What a complete retard.
he Vegas Sevens had nearly the same viewership as a live NBA game on ESPN the same day (and slightly less the previous day).Nope, because (once again) it didn't come close to two other NBA basketball games.
So according to you, no-one cares about Basketball in America?
LOL!
You have been proved completely wrong and all you can do is feebly lash out the only way you know how.Oh yeah I'm really lashing-out.
It's both hilarious and pathetic.
[Well rucks and mauls only form when players other than the tackler and tackled compete for the ball. As Sevens (from what I've bothered to watch) usually has the tackled player releasing the ball before a ruck can form or offloads in the tackle and intercepts rucks and mauls aren't really a feature of the game.
Does that answer your question?]
Its probably best you start watching 7's more often so you dont trip yourself up.Rucks are formed pretty much every time an attacking player hits the deck then the tackler/defending team has the right to compete for the ball whilst the attacking team will try protect it.This occurs regularly in 7's.
I can't watch sevens. I find it too boring and I just can't take it seriously.
shareWell rucks and mauls only form when players other than the tackler and tackled compete for the ball. As Sevens (from what I've bothered to watch) usually has the tackled player releasing the ball before a ruck can form or offloads in the tackle and intercepts rucks and mauls aren't really a feature of the game.
Does that answer your question?
Nope, because (once again) it didn't come close to two other NBA basketball games.
Don't tell me you can't do arithmetic ().
You have absolutely NO IDEA what you are talking about and have probably never watched a game of Sevens in your entire life.Well for once you're actually half-correct.
Anything you have to say about Rugby is entirely irrelevant.So does this mean you're going to stop talking to me?
Look at you desperately grasping for straws.So me pointing out with proof (from your own source) that NBA basketball easily out-rated the showpiece Las Vegas sevens is "desperately clutching at straws".
First you claimed that no-one cared about Rugby in American and that it was played exclusively by a fringe of upperclass elitists and homosexuals.Erm... ...actually that's not what I said.
It turns out that the Vegas Sevens nearly outdrew an NBA game played live on ESPN the same day......And didn't come close to two other more important NBA games (and some other sporting events such as golf) .
and had a peak attendance of 30k+Which is the sort of sweet-FA attendance that pretty much proves my point.
Total humiliation.Yep, and you keep coming back for more of it. share
"I've never watched a full game of sevens in my life. That's because as far as I'm concerned; it's complete pilfer. LOL what's the point?"
I don't really believe that. Regardless of whether you like sevens, it's not hard to watch a full game of sevens. It's all over and done with quicker than a teenage romp in the back of the car.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
I don't really believe that. Regardless of whether you like sevens, it's not hard to watch a full game of sevens. It's all over and done with quicker than a teenage romp in the back of the car.About two minutes of those seven minutes is about as long as it takes before Mr. remote control comes into action.
"I hope this means even you can agree with me that sevens is pointless pilfer by virtue of its seven-minute halves. Just a demonstration sport at best."
Well... I'm a devotee of 15 a side and never really got into sevens... however, I also recognise it as being a very good way to introduce the sport into new areas. It's the rugby equivalent of a quickie.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
Well for once you're actually half-correct.
I've never watched a full game of sevens in my life. That's because as far as I'm concerned; it's complete pilfer. LOL what's the point?
So me pointing out with proof (from your own source) that NBA basketball easily out-rated the showpiece Las Vegas sevens is "desperately clutching at straws".
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
Erm... ...actually that's not what I said.
I said it's pretty much a minor sport. That's very different to saying nobody cares.
And that it's only prominent amongst the social elite and the gay/lesbian community. That's nowhere near the same as saying it's exclusively restricted to them.
God man, don't you have any reading comprehension skills or something?
So basically, you have absolutely NO IDEA what you are talking about and are just trolling this thread with your ignorance and stupidity?I know plenty about Rugby (having taken the game up when I was 5). I might not know much about 7's, but why would I? it's garbage.
LMAO@Rugby Sevens having no Rucks or Mauls...what a complete retard.
You claimed that no-one "beyond a handful of Americans is even aware of what Rugby sevens actually is, let alone watched the Las Vegas sevens" and were proved completely wrong and humiliated when it turns out the Vegas Sevens pulled a 30k+ gate and nearly out-rated a live NBA game on ESPN.
Now all you can do is frantically shift the goalposts to where Rugby actually has to somehow be MORE popular than America's marquee sports for it to count.
Here are the actual statistics AGAIN:Yep, let's look shall we?
http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2012/02/weekly-sports-tv-ratings-february-11-february-17/
LOL!
You made up the ridiculous lie that there are no Rugby clubs in America that aren't "connected to the social elite...or the gay community."Can you quote when I ever stated such a thing?
No wonder you got so upset that you've started following me from thread to thread like a gay stalker.Oh yes I'm so upset. I'm just shaking with rage bud.
I know plenty about Rugby (having taken the game up when I was 5). I might not know much about 7's, but why would I? it's garbage.
Feel free to clutch to the straw of my exaggerations out of context ().
You don't actually seem have to have any appreciation of just how people live in the United states.
There are ~300,000,000 people in the USA. So a crowd of 30,000 on the final day of a showcase tournament pretty much proves what I've said that the vast majority of Americans would've been unaware of the existence of seven's full stop. 30,000 people might seem a lot of people to some noddy from some bumfark backwoods town like Ekatahuna (which I've got strong reason to suspect you are) but in the world beyond NZ it's NOTHING.
It's frankly hilarious how you're showing yourself up as a moron repeating this, hey no loss to me .
Yep, let's look shall we?
USA Sevens Rugby 0.7
NBA UTA 98, MEM 88 ESPN 0.9
NBA MIA 107, ATL 87 ESPN 1.4
NBA CHI 91, BOS 95 ABC 2.6
Now let's do some arithmetic; 2.6+1.4+0.9=4.9.
So that's 0.7 against 4.9? that's not even 15% of the ratings for some run-of-the-mil NBA games. And on this same day; GOLF also easily outstripped the sevens finals in ratings.
The fact you actually think that this does anything but demonstrate what a minor event the Las Vegas Sevens is is what will make me keep coming back and laughing at you.
Can you quote when I ever stated such a thing?
LMFAO!!!!Well there virtually isn't
You claimed that there are NO RUCKS AND MAULS in Rugby Sevens.
30,000+ turned up for a game that you claimed no-one cares about in America30,000 people out of more then 300,000,000 people for one game?
and nearly outdrew a live NBA game on the same weekend.Yeah nearly outdrew one live NBA game on the same weekend.
Look at you frantically grasping for straws and attempting to shift the goalposts.Whatever...
You claimed that "beyond a handful of Americans is even aware of what Rugby sevens actually is, let alone watched the Las Vegas sevens", yet it nearly matched a live NBA game on the same weekend:Yeah exactly.
No I asked you a question, and by failing to asnwer it it makes it you who's stating such a thing.Can you quote when I ever stated such a thing?
Right here:
"Okay then show me these Rugby clubs in the US that aren't connected to the social elite and are geared for the working public...
...oh and that aren't for the gay community.
C'mon, actually prove me wrong.
What a complete retard.
"Let me guess, you're a League fanboy who hates Rugby"
No he's not. He's been ranting, inaccurately, about rugby league on this board for a while in other threads.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
No he's not. He's been ranting, inaccurately, about rugby league on this board for a while in other threads.
thats great that the NCAA made it offcial, but truekiwijoker is right most Americans Are only vaguley familiar and with soccor on the rise a bit more, rugby probaly won't catch on.
share"thats great that the NCAA made it offcial, but truekiwijoker is right most Americans Are only vaguley familiar and with soccor on the rise a bit more, rugby probaly won't catch on. "
Their big advantage is a large population. Even with a reasonably small playing population they can do fairly well.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
"Remember America is a very big country, so over there minor sports can enjoy the sort of money and numbers of a major sport in most countries."
This is true.
I think with rugby, there's very low national popularity, but some significant regional popularity. In Utah, where a lot of Polynesian immigrants live (due to Mormonism), rugby's not unpopular in some areas. I don't think the college aspect can be completely discounted. The Ivy League's always had significant rugby teams.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
a few would find reasons to see rugby as soft or faggy ... it's getting growth amongst the gay and lesbian communities
This post should receive a prize for most ludicrous comment so far this year.What's so ludicrous about that?
Would I be wrong to assume you're not American?
shareNo I'm not American. What's that got to do with anything? are you? if you are you're probably one of their small number of rugby fans and in denial.
shareNo I'm not American. What's that got to do with anything? are you? if you are you're probably one of their small number of rugby fans and in denial.
It has a lot to do with it because you are speaking about American likes and dislikes, Americans' perceptions, etc. Do you even live in America?Don't try and imply I'm being opinionated. I've known many American associates and colleagues and have been there a few times. I know (and I think you know too) that they're not interested in Rugby.
To answer your other question, I am British. I have lived in America since 1976.
Don't try and imply I'm being opinionated.
Heaven forbid.Yes heaven forbid. Because I'm not.
^I think you're someone with a lot of time on his hands who posts on subjects on which he has very little knowledge.
'Nuff said.
I think you're someone with a lot of time on his hands who posts on subjects on which he has very little knowledge.The only 'nuff said is that you obviously like to make personal attacks and declare things ludicrous when you hear something you don't like, without backing yourself up. share
'Nuff said.
"I think you're someone with a lot of time on his hands who posts on subjects on which he has very little knowledge. "
That's true.
---
It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
What a sad excuse for a human you are nepihaha. Exactly what was this right-of-passage into adulthood you missed out on I wonder?...
share"What a sad excuse for a human you are nepihaha."
Nah, not really sad when I posted that. I was enjoying that. My sadistic streak coming out.
---
It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
I was enjoying that. My sadistic streak coming out.Well I'll spare you the disappointment and just say that does not surprise me.
"Would I be wrong to assume you're not American? "
I think Kiwi Joker is a giveaway.
He's certainly a Kiwi (NZer), but his jokes are crap.
---
It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
Yes and we can see what a rapist wit you're holding back.
Christ, why would you even post that?
"Christ, why would you even post that?"
Erm, because you're only funny when you don't mean to be.
Glad to see someone else thinks the same. Seems to be a running theme here.
---
It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
Erm, because you're only funny when you don't mean to be.*stunned face*
Glad to see someone else thinks the same. Seems to be a running theme here.Whatever.
Not really that popular. I think it's probably C-list, since Gridiron poaches a lot of its potential players. Colleges and universities seem to be the mainstay, and there is a long tradition of rugby in the Pacific Northwest and California (partly because of rugby in BC over the border)
That said, there are major sponsorship deals coming about.
I actually think rugby's more successful as a player sport in the USA than American football, and baseball are in Europe, where Americans have spent a lot of money promoting them. In Europe, these have reasonable followings in terms of TV audiences but not big participation. Basketball's more successful IMHO.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
[deleted]
They play it. Only difference is they throw the ball forwards and call tries, touchdowns. It's called "football".You're on a roll. Two posts in a row where you're talking utter guff. share
[deleted]
Come off it "american football" is a lame carbon copy of rugbyWhich contradicts what you've just said.
[deleted]
That's right, it's a completely different sport. There has been very little resemblance between the two for over 50 years.
For starters; American footballers don't actually touch the ball on the ground with a "touch-down" they just have to cross the line. And tackling with your arms in American football is illegal, you have to collide (the opposite of Rugby).
And that's beside the completely different patterns of play and skills required.
And... ...that's why someone started this thread, isn't it? hmm?
Tackling with your arms isn't illegal in American Football. It's just bad technique, and will almost certainly get you injured.
share"Come off it "american football" is a lame carbon copy of rugby. "
Actually it is not a carbon copy of rugby, it's its bastard child. So called "American" football was actually introduced to the USA from Canada. And primitive forms of rugby were introduced into Canada very early on.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
[deleted]
No, nobody would be happy with that. Because they're not "copies". They're different sports and have evolved as such for an awful long time.
Do you even know anything at all about Rugby?
"No, nobody would be happy with that. Because they're not "copies". They're different sports and have evolved as such for an awful long time. "
A long time in sporting terms maybe. :)
But otherwise totally agree.
---
It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
"Ok it's a copy of Canadian "football" which in itself is a copy of Rugby football. Happy?"
Nah, a copy is something which is identical, or at least highly similar. The last time that rugby and American football had much in common is at least 120 years ago, probably more. Forward passing, scrums, line outs, astroturf and massive amounts of body armour are some of the major differences. (Rugby does seem to be trying hard in the body armour stakes just now. Where that shall lead is another question.)
Even between rugby union and rugby league, there are some substantial differences. Common ancestry, but big differences. As soon as something splits off something else, it starts to evolve, and different forces come into play.
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It's not "sci-fi", it's SF!
I understand it's quite widely played in schools and colleges,
I'm an American and I wouldn't call it gay or wimpy at all. I find it to be a pretty entertaining sport actually, and seems to be much rougher than American football to me. When I was in high school over ten years ago, a rugby team was formed. One male team and one female team. I remember seeing kids the day after a game with some pretty epic bruises, cuts, scrapes, sprains, you name it. I never saw many of the football players coming out of a game with nearly as many wounds like those from rugby.
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