manley's Contributions

Thanks for the great comments. I didn't consider the limitations on foreign born players within the Aussie sides. Perhaps they should consider a change? If look at how the home nations have struggled with developing talent in recent years, so I understand the necessity for keeping rugby talent in Oz. The European practice of importing talent into the club competitions keeps the teams interesting, but youth doesn't get a chance to develop. I enjoy the intensity and variety of the Heineken Cup. The teams at the top might always be the same, but there personel changes from year to year. It keeps things fresh for the viewer. Where Super Rugby can get stale is seeing the same players squaring off year after year. SANZAR would be smart to shake up the Super comp by allowing players to be drafted from all countries involved, along with a few outside players. I think of things interims of college football/basketball here in the States. Allow teams to pull from all over to create a different vibe within a team. Of course a core of players might need to come from the team's nation of origin. I guess it begs the question of what is more important: a strong test development OR a exciting professional competition.

Use American players in Super Rugby

23 Dec 2009

Marlin Roberts- There is an element for truth in what you are saying, but poaching athletic talent from the other sports is not going to make us better in rugby 15's over the long haul. Every position on the field is a specialist in some way or another. Just because you are a super athlete from football, basketball, wrestling, etc., doesn't mean you will automatically excel at rugby. It helps, but it isn't the end all and be all. I feel like your sensibilities are coming at a frustration towards the Eagles side. We all share the same feelings, but growing rugby with the youth and high school is the only way to create a structure for success in the future. I know men's club rugby gets lumped into the concept of 'grassroots,' and that aspect of the game is frustrating. Men's club rugby in the USA will never lead to international success. Leonard Peters has returned to the game of rugby. That is a key point: he was exposed to the game in high school, chose one path to pay for college and returned after his professional ambitions fell through. The seed was planted and therefore, grassroots rugby served its purpose, i.e. a success. College rugby is the future, followed by an eventual professional league filled with former college stars. That is where pro-soccer came from, pro-lacrosse, and even pro-football.

Olympic Sevens the key to American rugby

23 Jul 2009

I coach high school rugby, so have seen growth in my own state. i haven't witnessed the growth in other states first had, but I hear it is tremendous. I am not a huge fan for USAR, but I understand they are doing what the feel is their 'best.' I get excited about seeing the sport I love exploding in my own country. Soon my friends, the USA and Argentina will join the Tri-Nations. Just you wait and see!

Olympic Sevens the key to American rugby

22 Jul 2009