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It shows a fundamental misunderstanding on behalf of the American rugby community of what Sevens is: a different game than XVs.
It's why Samoa, a country with a population of 180,000 can be second in the World Sevens series and ten spots lower in the fifteens World Rankings (and maybe explains why America remains much lower than that - the bottom and 17th on those lists, respectively).
It seems to me a bit premature to say that the Ivy League schools or some of the Midwest schools shouldn't be playing in the tournament on NBC in June.
You don't think that some of these teams might, in a given year, end up with ten fantastic athletes on the right day?
Have these coaches even been to a high level sevens tournament? There are always surprises. Give me a break.
James Pollack
ARN replies: The point that was made was that teams such as Michigan for example, a mediocre DII side at best, along with some Ivy League teams are not good enough to compete on a national stage.
They were picked largely because of their universities' brands, mainly football brands at that, and not on their rugby prowess.
And as for those same teams coming up with ‘10 fantastic athletes’ – possibly, but most unlikely.
Having listened to Collegetalk #21 and Rugbytalk #116 here is my two cents on the current Strategic Plan for USA Rugby.
I feel that the path they are taking with regard the youth/high school is the right one.
In my opinion, ditch the LAU and continue to develop 50+ SBROs that will be self sufficient and develop from Rookie Rugby to high school 15s.
College was very thin and after four years they should have progressed further on the problems facing College rugby.
I agree with the Collegetalk panel that we need a Premier College Rugby competition in the Spring and a College Sevens series in the Fall.
The Sevens Collegiate Championship that will be on NBC is great news, but it looks like a rush job and also the dates of June 5&6 conflict with international 15s and the university academic year.
I suspect it was the broadcaster that wanted it in June, so as not to conflict with America more traditional sports.
Robert Apperson
