NZRU Searches for USA Options, Etc.

[RedsHappy]

IMO, a very interesting article re the strategic situation of the SH teams, the possibility of Rugby USA joining SuperRugby, the need the NZRU has for enhanced income growth (as does AusRU), and the fear that NH $ strength could increasingly threaten Aus and NZ player retention:

http://www.superxv.com/news/super15_rugby_news.asp?id=30328

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

IMO, a very interesting article re the strategic situation of the SH teams, the possibility of Rugby USA joining SuperRugby, the need the NZRU has for enhanced income growth (as does AusRU), and the fear that NH $ strength could increasingly threaten Aus and NZ player retention:

http://www.superxv.com/news/super15_rugby_news.asp?id=30328

The USAR submitted a proposal for the inculsion of a West Coast based Super Rugby franchise playing out of either LA or San Fransisco in the last rounds of expansion. They are keen and that's from the horse's mouth (Nigel Melville). It part of their attempts to access professional pathways for their best player's. Previously they have had a lot of issues with residential visa for aspiring American professional player's. This would hopefully go some way to sorting this out. They are also looking at presenting proposals for two ML squads on the East Coast.

 

[TOCC]

point of interest in regards to the $ strength...

the $AU(and im lead to believe the $NZ) has actually strengthened against all the major currencies, including the Yen, British Pound and Euro..

 

[RugbyFuture]

never gonna happen. and would be stupid to

 

[Alex-A]

Interesting article, but What did NZ get so right in 2005 to have $80 million and get so wrong from then on to be down on $35 million now. Are those figures deliberately misleading due to the 2005 British Lions tour?
On another note- For the Southern Kings even think about getting involved in super rugby South Africa needs to give the Lions some decent players!

 

[Blue]

Interesting article, but What did NZ get so right in 2005 to have $80 million and get so wrong from then on to be down on $35 million now. Are those figures deliberately misleading due to the 2005 British Lions tour?
On another note- For the Southern Kings even think about getting involved in super rugby South Africa needs to give the Lions some decent players!

It has already been decided that the Kings will be the fifth SA franchise in 2013. The only thing to eb determined is who loses out and with the money and political clout of the Lions' owners it wonlt be them so the Cheetahs are goneski. Makes perfect sense doesn't it.

The only thing I can imagine the US getting involved in is some sort of team in the NPC like the Argie team in SA. They aren't ready for anything else. Pipe dream.

 

[Ruggo]

When Super Rugby expands, it needs to look at an America's conference. That is not currently feasable but it is a good vision for the future.

 

[saulih]

I for one would be ecstatic to have Super Rugby come to the US. Look for me in the stands wearing the Reds colors!

When I talk to people here (Minnesota is a backwater to be truthful) they look at me with incredulity when I point out that Rugby is starting to be played at primary school level here in the Twin Cities. I look forward to having my now three year old joining a team when he is old enough. Rugby is growing very quickly, and I have even made the bold prediction that in 25-30 years or so, it will be more popular then NFL (I am not sure I believe that, but it will certainly be closer to par than most people can imagine) The hurdles in the US are to gain access to the high schools and colleges which involves a lot of politicking - gender equity and funding being the paramount issues. Olympic inclusion hasn't hurt either.

The inclusion in Super rugby would be huge.

Whether this murmuring actually has legs only time will tell. USA rugby (and world rugby) will be better for it if does come about though.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

When Super Rugby expands, it needs to look at an America's conference. That is not currently feasable but it is a good vision for the future.

That would be the preferred option to reduce the travel times involved.It could happen reasonably soon if they wanted to push it. It could be possible to look toward 2 or 3 Argentine squads, maybe a Uruguayan and Chilean with at least one or two North American squads. Not sure exactly how successful it would be in terms of attendance and sponsorship but it could happen. The best indicator for this would actually post RWC when NBC compile their viewing figures for the tournament.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

saulih

As per my posting above, the USAR are very serious about gaining access to Super Rugby. And it could be the outlet needed to introduce Rugby as a spectator sport in the USA. They are also considering approaching the ML.

 

[saulih]

saulih

As per my posting above, the USAR are very serious about gaining access to Super Rugby. And it could be the outlet needed to introduce Rugby as a spectator sport in the USA. They are also considering approaching the ML.

While I would obviously prefer the Super Rugby connection, joining the Magners League would be huge also.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Super Rugby appears to be their preference but it appears to be more of a case of accessing professionalism to improve the overall standards in the national team.

 

[meatsack]

I don't think this would work logistically, the seasons are switched and they're a long way away. So a touring side will have to put up with a 20 hour travel day and also mid summer California temperatures? The travel would be even worse for the 1 US side, they'd probably have to go on a monster tour (like 8 games or so plus a bye in there somewhere) would the players go for being a way from their families for 2 months?

 

[saulih]

I don't think this would work logistically, the seasons are switched and they're a long way away. So a touring side will have to put up with a 20 hour travel day and also mid summer California temperatures? The travel would be even worse for the 1 US side, they'd probably have to go on a monster tour (like 8 games or so plus a bye in there somewhere) would the players go for being a way from their families for 2 months?

The temps for most of the playing season are reasonable, the USAR plays out of sync with the NFL and school football seasons - ie they are playing Jan to May? The CA team would probably be SF based, so temps are certainly more moderated.

It would be interesting to see how they overcome the travel hurdles.

There are too many questions for this to be a serious consideration at this point... as much as I would like to see it happen.

 

[REDinCPT]

to expand the game i think we should move away from expanding provincial competitions to other countries. super rugby is already stretched as far as it can go and i doubt the heineken cup could handle more.

i think the international games will be the driving force behind the expansion for the game. the inclusion of argentina in the tri-nations is a fantastic start but i think more can be done.

i'd be more than happy if the RWC was played every 2 years. it has done the most for exposing the game to emerging countries, let it do more.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

to expand the game i think we should move away from expanding provincial competitions to other countries. super rugby is already stretched as far as it can go and i doubt the heineken cup could handle more.

i think the international games will be the driving force behind the expansion for the game. the inclusion of argentina in the tri-nations is a fantastic start but i think more can be done.

i'd be more than happy if the RWC was played every 2 years. it has done the most for exposing the game to emerging countries, let it do more.

Have to be careful not to over do a good thing. A two year cycle doesn't necessarily provide the same allure and status the event does every four years. Maybe an expansion of the Nations Cup concept would be better.

 

[MrTimms]

i'd be more than happy if the RWC was played every 2 years. it has done the most for exposing the game to emerging countries, let it do more.

There is a heap of work putting a RWC on, don't think it could be done without running it as a business, having full time organisers rather than host nations.
It would really water it down too.

Sent from my Android using Tapatalk

 

[RedsHappy]

An idea for RugbyUSA inclusion in Aus/NZ, that could work: A RUSA best team comes down and plays curtain-raisers to BC or 3N Tests in these countries, to vs say an Aus A or NZ A. I think the positive idea and novelty of a USA team playing here could actually have a reasonable % of the crowd coming early, and would enhance the overall appeal of a ticket. And very good experience for RugbyUSA's best players, and not too costly for any party.

Thoughts?

 

[jay-c]

the aussie teams should look to usa for foreign players
imagine the coverage that a particular team would get from having two star usa players in their team... all of a sudden merchandise would start sellin to the usa>>>
thou> they would have to be good enough to cement a spot> ngwenya would be one player that should be snapped up