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?