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RO Commentary: USA Rugby in row over leadership

I have no real knowledge of rugby and the organization that runs the sport here in the United States, USA Rugby.

I read here from gainline.us and here from Universal Sports' "The Scrum" Blog by Buzz McClain about some dissatisfaction with USA Rugby President and CEO Nigel Melville and Board Chairman Kevin Roberts.

I'll let you read and come to your own conclusions, but here my own uninformed talking points:

  • I don't care if USA XV's coach Coach Eddie O'Sullivan, Melville and Roberts aren't American. That never has been a sufficient criteria for a coach or an administrator of any sport in the United States. Having well qualified individuals such as these can only help, not hurt American Rugby. I think we need their knowledge and expertise having coached or administered the game of rugby at the highest levels in the rugby-playing world.
  • If the articles are true as written, specifically that the Congress that elects the USA Rugby CEO and the Board and its chairman are powerless and voiceless, it should be recitified immediately. However, just because there are voices of dissent does not mean a change in course is in order.
  • However passionate a USA Rugby Chairman is of his heritage and his sport, he should not be the author of articles showing another country how it can leverage its strengths to further the very game he oversees in a different country.
  • That being said, if Division III Mount Union's Athletic Director penned an article on how Ohio State can win the BCS National Championship, would there be such an uproar? From the folks in Alliance, OH likely, but it would not be the lead story on ESPN.
  • I suspect that much of the discontent exists because of the autonomy and internal pride territorial unions have because they probably are the coach, ref and administrator all in one at the lower levels. This makes them well-informed, passionate and tireless advocates seeking the acknowledgement they deserve for their efforts. That, as an American I DO understand. We don't like it if we're pulling the cart and we don't have a say in where it's going. That's just a guess folks. I admit I don't really know what I am talking about.
  • Finally, I think the 800-pound gorilla in all this is NCAA college rugby, which may in time have the resources, following and talent pool to make USA Rugby bend to its needs. The only domestic Rugby on TV at the moment on any channel is college rugby if I'm not mistaken. It's a Division I sport at a few Universities across the nation and is a club sport at many others. Since the college model is so well known (I won't say the best route to professional rugby) it is likely that an informed electorate of USA Rugby's Congress would quickly latch on to a college-first concept that would be easy to understand and conducive to rapid growth in the short term with TV sponsorships and exposure.

Just my opinions. I invite yours.

RO

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