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In particular, the lack of mainstream media coverage is, to my mind, the single most pressing issue facing the development of the game.
I live in Boston, where we have two Super League teams, and I support the Boston Irish Wolfhounds. Yet the Boston area press (with its top notch sports reporting) never makes a single reference at all to the local rugby teams. This top level of rugby needs to be presented to the public, with a proper public image, and exposure via the media as a mainstream sport is vital for rugby to take the next steps.
At this top level, the game has to be more than "by the players for the players", as all of American rugby currently is. Soccer struggled with this for many years, but the New England Revolution are now well and truly established in the Boston area sporting circles and covered regularly by the press.
Across America, the top rugby clubs need to gain exposure through their local media. Beyond that, USA national team games need top media coverage also, and the USA Rugby office should make it a priority to push these issues forward with both local and national press and media.
Mark Friedman
In regards to the two questions posted [in ARN’s editorial Motivating players to stay in the game] I would have to say that the retention number when players are switching levels is much higher.
When a college sophomore becomes a junior, I think that retention is not a problem, but when he/she graduates I think that it is pretty bad, as low as 5% in some cases.
I have coached at the high school level for 20 years and at various club levels too. I think that for each phase-transition, there are numerous though different reasons. It would behoove you to look at each of them separately.
For HS kids in most sports, the only ones that make the jump to collegiate sports are the elite few. Some programs in our area of the country make a great effort to reach out to high school players. Not surprisingly, these are generally the best teams in the nation, many times the kids just have to be asked to play by collegiate coaches.
If clubs want to capture the collegiate players, they have to create a reason. For many teams that reason is primarily an avenue to play at the national level. By selling this opportunity, they get college grads who are looking to make the Eagles, but often lose these players when that dream is not realistic.
Alan Petty
We are a D3 men’s club in State College, PA (Happy Valley Barbarians). I would agree with the 50% turnover.
We have high turnover due to a lot of graduate students from Penn State or students who have had eligibility run out, but we struggle with numbers consistently.
We try to keep guys by having select members call and harass them, get them involved early in club activities, keep them socially linked. The game is changing, too many guys have other interests that keep them away from rugby.
Andy Haines
Let me get this straight, the teams (read Colleges) that have the men/women who DON'T have jobs have to travel from all over the country to the West twice this championship season (Sweet 16 and All-Stars) not to mention the Final 4 in Stanford, while the men/women who work and are employed get the East and West Coast options.
Am I the only guy in America who sees the disconnect here? Exactly what is going on in Boulder that makes our leadership think that American college students have all these resources? Club, CIPP, travel, hotels, transportation, meals ... not to mention the day to day stuff.
Jerseys, shorts, pads, cleats, team dues, LAU dues. Last I checked most teams paid for these items themselves. It certainly doesn't seem our "powers that be" are looking after their constituency.
Mike Flanagan
USNA Men's Rugby
I don't know if you guys feel like ARN is still trying to find its audience or not but I want to say for sure don't get rid of your coverage of rugby league.
It IS a great sport and at its highest level is fantastic to watch. And as a high school teacher I am sure it's much easier to teach. My kids just don't get rucking and mauling and really struggle with the idea of unselfish passing. League is a great way to introduce the sport to casual fans and teach to the uninitiated.
In short, keep league around. Many of us "ugly Americans" love it.
Jody Shealy
Albany, Georgia
ARN replies: we have no plans to discontinue our coverage of the AMNRL this summer. In fact, we plan to ramp it up, so stay tuned.
Congratulations to ARN!!! Thank you for 3 years of service!
Your website is fulfilling a greatly needed media vehicle that hopefully in time will help with the growth of rugby in the US and Canada.
I give you credit for doing what many people fear. Doing something that failed in the past and being successful at it!! Kudos!!! Keep up the good work.
Paul Glatte
ARN replies: thank you for your generous compliments, we are very appreciative of them. And thank you to all of those readers/listeners who phoned and emailed their well wishes to us. We are glad to be of service.