Great Rugby Press

I wanted to pass on this article. Great article and I think a taste of future press to come about this great game!

Why Sevens rugby should be banned

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February 21, 11:21 AM

by Marla White, LA Equestrian Examiner

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Last weekend some friends introduced me to the sport of rugby at the 2009 IRB (International Rugby Board) Sevens World Series USA in San Diego. I have to confess I had never seen a rugby match and wasn’t sure what to expect. After watching an entire day of sixteen international teams competing at the top level of the game, I’ve come to the conclusion that Sevens rugby should be banned.

Sevens rugby, invented by the Scots in the 1960’s, is a faster, shorter game than regular rugby. It involves seven men on each team (instead of 15) and they play two seven-minute halves with a one-minute half time. The play is much faster paced than regular rugby – or any other sport on earth for that matter. There are no timeouts and a tackle doesn’t mark the end of the play. Instead of action grinding to a halt every ten seconds it goes on with building intensity, usually until someone scores.

Scottish fan roots for his team

The teamwork involved is amazing. There are no specialty teams; each player runs, throws, kicks and tackles. The combination of grace, speed and strength required of each player is mesmerizing. And afterwards the players made a point of going around the stadium to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Some other pro athletes could learn a lot from these generous (and often hunky) men.

The most amazing part of the Sevens USA Tournament is the fans. They come from all over, waving flags of every country from Kenya to Samoa to Scotland and their enthusiasm is unwavering from the first match at 10am until it’s over. It’s not just unwavering, it’s contagious. One game you’re booing the guy next to you while the next you’re buying him (or her) a beer. What’s so amazing is that they cheer for anyone who shows heart and courage. For instance, the entire Petco Park broke into thunderous applause for Mexico when they finally scored against Canada and booed the French player who kicked the ball into the stands in a fit of pique. Of course, that didn’t stop the crowd from playing keep away from the official trying to retrieve the ball.

So why should this sport be banned? Because it’s addictive! We’ve already made plans to return to San Diego next year for the 2010 USA Sevens. In the meantime, I’m Googling away to find out where I can get my next rugby fix.

Locally, you can see rugby on TV at The Springbok Bar & Grill at their Los Angeles or Long Beach locations. If you are more adventurous and want to play, Los Angles has a rugby club that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary – who knew?

Maybe Next Year

The Churchill Cup games will not be in Columbus this year. Due to budget constraints and the Major League Soccer schedule, they could not find a proper venue and date.

Fortunately for us, Ohio is a very attractive place to host international games. Our airport is convienent and cheap, we have great hotspots of rugby fans and players and our venues are second to none. The folks at USA Rugby and the IRB are excited about the prospect of a game here, just not this one.

Although it would have been a great step forward for Ohio rugby, we can still work to push the game forward here.

We had our first conference call with all the SBRO's from around the country last night. These calls will be monthly and deal with the latest items from the USA Office, address concerns/questions, share ideas and generally get everyone on the same page. It was a very constructive call and Mark Griffin has laid out a vision and the tools to get there. We are lucky to have him in the position of National Youth Director and the movement will advance because of him.

Locally, we have had a difficult week with eligibility concerns. The short answer for the new eligibility guidelines is that this is a process and will be worked out. Be patient and know that in Ohio, we have strict guidelines we follow for eligibility. The release only applies to teams that will be participating in the U19 Club National Championships, which is 8 teams nationwide.

A BIG day for Rugby in the USA

I just finished watching Todd Clever play for the Lions in the first ever American appearance in Super 14 Rugby. He got in the second half and immediately started making plays and tackles. The Lions won the game but not before the Cheetahs gave them a run for their money.

I have to say I was nervous and excited, as if I was on the field with him. I so wanted him to do well, not just because he is a great guy but for the sake of American rugby.

He looked like he belonged on the field and he played like like he belonged on the field. He did his job and the camera loved him.

This gives me pause to think about all the kids we are coaching, reffing and helping to learn this great game and what the future may hold for them. It is one of those moments that makes long practices and headaches worth it and then some.

Rugby Ohio in a new year

First, welcome back to our blog! This will be the online home to keep everyone updated, pass on information and share news. Please feel free to submit items you would like shared!

Now onto the business of the day...

High School Rugby 2009:
- Our spring seasons have been turned in and we are moving forward on assigning Trainers and Referees.

- We have a few exciting new teams starting this spring, including Cincinnati Moeller High School, which has already received Varsity status in the school with a full coaching staff, access to school fields and resources. This will be a banner program right out of the gate, and a great catalyst for growth in the Cincinnati Area.


- Recently in the Cincinnati Area we have found 4 or 5 interested coaches. They are looking to start a few programs down there in Fairfield, on the East side, Northern Kentucky and Lexington. This is exciting for the area and these new teams will only be the start.

- Cleveland. Right now it looks like there are 10+ teams starting in the Cleveland area this year. I anticipate 5 new Guys teams and 3 new girls teams to actually make it and play this spring. There will be a division in the league specifically for new and developing teams to help them get acclimated and grow.

- Columbus. Growth has been slow here, but we are fixing some of the issues preventing the growth. Delaware is promising, Grove City is there but im not sure the viability of it. For the women it looks like we will have Worthington and Hilliard up and moving this spring. We need coaches in the Columbus area!

- Coaching Clinic – was a wild success and we put a bunch of coaches through the training. It was underwritten by the Ohio Youth foundation and Tom Mack and the Ohio classic folks. They put $100 toward each coach attending.


RugbyOhio Business:
- I am meeting Friday with the group about fundraising. The meeting Friday is to get everything finalized and moving. This will be a tough year to ask for money but we have to push forward. I have a call into Barack asking him to write us into the stimulus bill, we will see how it turns out.

- We are working on office space for RugbyOhio. This will work as a hub for the organization, a central location used to launch our programming, storage for all the boxes currently in my basement and a place to house staff. This is not a lavish space, but will allow work to get done in a professional office environment when needed.

- I am meeting with the Pickerington Local School district, the Southwestern Schools, Strongsville Schools, and a charter school chain called KIPP schools to implement Rugby physical education curriculum. Nearly every week we gain access to a new school to implement rugby through physical education.

Together in Rugby