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Rugby’s evolution in the United States is set to continue with the finalisation of the competing Schools in next autumn’s (spring in the US) inaugural Division One College Premier League.
Within the American Rugby community, the need for this League is apparent.
College sports are the foundation stone behind any successful sport, and finally with a particularly forceful shunt by the Colleges, US Rugby will be putting forth a product that could, and should, carry American Rugby well into its future.
The traditional powerhouses will feature heavily, with the Pacific Coast conference appearing to be easily the most overall competitive. The Western Conference looks like another strong competition, with the likes of BYU, Utah and Arizona all competing.
While some have missed out, the formula has the potential to significantly raise the games profile within the US and possibly further into the Americas.
Recently Rugby has begun to witness unprecedented interest in the game by major broadcasters. None more so than NBC and their new digital channel, NBC Universal.
Universal will be a dedicated sports channel, much like OneHD in Australia, and within a year have the same reach as its mother channel. This interest is largely thanks to the IRB’s tireless work which achieved the games re-admission into the Olympic fold.
NBC has begun to take small but promising interest in the game.
First, with the pleasingly successful College Sevens Invitational, and further with their commitment to broadcast both next year’s and 2015’s RWC.
Again, this is thanks largely to the IRB.
But certainly, this is a momentum US Rugby can build on.
Developing a higher quality and greatly more visible competition will attract new athletes to the game at a younger age, which will hopefully address issues that currently plague the national team.
Baby steps but in the right direction none the less.
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.