Mexico must be made a second tier rugby nation
Roar Guru By rugbyfuture, 16 Jun 2010 rugbyfuture is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- american rugby, International Rugby, IRB, Rugby Union
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In 2003, a rugby federation joined the IRB as a member. This new member was the FMRU, the Federación Mexicana de Rugby. This (close to) new member should be one of many countries I believe the IRB should be looking at as one of its primary developmental areas.
This is because, not only is it at the forefront of cultural representation of central and Latino America, but because it can contribute greatly in moving forward with Rugby USA and Rugby Canada in creating a new international first tier country area.
Currently, rugby in North America is experiencing growth at a rapid rate, as the fastest growing sport (with Lacrosse) in the United States.
It’s also one of the fastest growing sports in Canada.
This shows its long term sustainability since two national teams are gaining better and better players, and higher recognition.
Mexico is a growing nation, with a strong identity and many migrants spreading into the United States and throughout the world. Due to its close proximity and high migration rates, Mexico shares a cultural link with the United States.
In order for NAWIRA to move ahead and become a strong rugby zone, it is important that Mexico can become highly competitive with the States and Canada, offering the area a premier Test “tri-series” and moving forward into the new era of strong Americas Rugby.
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- Explore:
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June 18th 2010 @ 11:37am
kovana said | June 18th 2010 @ 11:37am | Report comment
Great news for the international growth of the game.
June 22nd 2010 @ 7:28am
therealalekid said | June 22nd 2010 @ 7:28am | Report comment
A short post by me and I will try to get a bit more info on the subject. First the good news when the IRB readjusted their funding last year Mexico was named as a targeted nation:
http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2021879.html
(I’m trying to find the full list.) The funding is based on a few factors, but size and popualtion of the country seems to be a major factor. From what i know of the Mexican federation they seem to be well run and have pulled in a few decent sponsors. They have also made themselves a centre for the development of Rugby in the NACRA region by hosting several tournaments most notably regional sevens tournies.
The negatives probably not enough international fixtures at a regular interval. Also one thing that annoyed me was the culling of sides in the Junior World Rugby Cup from 16 to 12. This meant that Canada dropped from the JWC to the JWRT where the likes of Jamaica and the Caymans have represented NACRA. This is important for Mexico as they nearly qualified last time round and probably would of done in the furture with their larger resources and population (it should be noted that they’ve only run youth side for the last couple of years).
if they had qualified or could qualify than that would be a boost for the sport in that country, giving their youngsters the opportunity to try themselves against other internationals squads.