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Fellow Roarers, lend me your eyes. For I have a request to make of you good folk. Can you help in naming the new Pro Rugby franchises?
Now, before I start I will admit I have a vested interest. I happen to have had a couple of my submissions shortlisted and may or may not be using this medium to try and get at least one over the line.
Anyway, part of Pro Rugby’s deliberate strategy in regards to fan engagement from the outset was to introduce a fan-driven competition to name each of the five inaugural franchises. Last week they launched this competition calling for submissions from across the US and the world. In the short week in which it was open it garnered over 4,000 submissions.
From these 4,000 Pro Rugby stated they would create a final shortlist for a public vote. This vote has started.
For the consideration of my fellow Roarers the names are as follows.
Ohio – Aviators, Presidents and Flight. Aviator is the clear favourite with 60 per cent of the popular vote. The name seems to link in with the states history with powered flight.
Sacramento – Steamers, Express and Pioneers. Pioneers was the early favourite but in the last day Express has taken the lead. Sacramento was a train hub for much of its history apparently.
San Francisco – Rush, Miners and Fury. Both Rush and Miners are tied to the Goldrush days with Rush currently leading. Don’t know where Fury comes from.
Denver – Peak, Vipers and Stampede (which seems like a fine name wink, wink. Certainly the best of these three). Stampede links in with the state’s cattle history and the state animal in the Bighorn Sheep. Peak keeps with the alpine theme and Vipers. Well, there was some tongue in cheek about calling them the ‘Purple Cobras’ ala ‘Dodgeball’ so I think it’s a play on that. Stampede is currently ahead here.
San Diego – Destroyers, Admirals and Breakers. The first two are linked to the areas Naval history. Breakers links into the coastal facade of city and the fact the teams jersey looks like a coastline. Currently Breakers (cough, cough, mine) is holding a slender 1 per cent lead.
These are the options. I hope I haven’t made it too obvious on which ones I would like to see come through (though, I really do hope I did) but feel free to head over to prorugby.org and vote for your favourite (cough, cough , Stampede and Breakers) Cheers.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.