Tag: rugby union
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Women’s Elite Rugby: A Potential Home Coming For Americans Overseas
Women’s Elite Rugby: Paving the Way for American Stars to Shine Overseas and at Home Ever since Ilona Maher made her statement of intent declaring that she wanted to try and earn a spot on the US Eagle’s 2025 World Cup squad in England, talking heads have been speculating where she was going to play.…
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Rugby 101 – Positions – Flyhalf
The Flyhalf in Rugby Union: The Tactical Brain of the Team In rugby union, the flyhalf is often regarded as the tactical architect of the team. Wearing the number 10 jersey, the flyhalf controls the direction of the game, makes key decisions, and serves as the primary playmaker. This player is crucial to a team’s…
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Redding RFC: Pioneering Grassroots Rugby Growth in Northern California
Driving the Rise of Grassroots Rugby in North State The Northern California is a collection of the ten most northern and inland counties (excluding Humboldt and Del Norte counties which are part of the North Coast region). It spans from the Oregon/Califonia border south for almost 200 miles to just past Chico, CA, and from…
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Rugby 101 – Positions – Scrumhalf
The Scrumhalf in Rugby Union: The Engine of the Team The scrumhalf is one of the most pivotal positions in rugby union. Often referred to as the team’s “general on the field,” the scrumhalf directs play, controls the tempo, and links the forwards with the backs. This role requires quick decision-making, agility, and excellent communication…
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Rugby 101 – Positions – Number 8
The Role of Number 8 in Rugby: The Key to the Back Row The number 8 is one of the most versatile and influential players in a rugby team. Positioned at the back of the scrum, the number 8 acts as a crucial link between the forwards and the backs, blending physicality with skill and…
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The Rise and Fall of the Dallas Jackals: Lessons for the Future of Major League Rugby
What the Collapse of the Dallas Jackals Means for the Growth of Rugby in North America The rise and fall of the Dallas Jackals is a cautionary tale of ambition, potential, and the growing pains of professional rugby in North America. The Jackals were once seen as a promising addition to Major League Rugby (MLR),…
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The Changing Tides of Collegiate Rugby Part 1
From Underdogs to Triumph: How CSUMB Rugby Defied the Odds at Stanford 10’s A few weeks ago, I was, yet again, endlessly scrolling through social media when I came across a post from my former coach’s wife congratulating my alma mater for going 3-0 on the day at the Stanford 10’s rugby tournament. This…
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Rugby 101 – Positions – Flankers
The Role of Flankers in Rugby: The Versatile Workhorses Flankers are dynamic, versatile, and crucial players in rugby. Positioned on either side of the scrum, flankers wear the numbers 6 (blindside flanker) and 7 (openside flanker) and are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including tackling, rucking, ball-carrying, and disrupting the opposition’s attack. Known…
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Balancing Careers: The True Cost of Being a Pro Rugby Player in North America
The Hidden Financial Struggles of Pro Rugby Players in North America While the growing popularity of rugby in North America, particularly through leagues like Major League Rugby (MLR), has provided a platform for players to pursue their passion, the financial realities of being a professional rugby player in the region remain challenging. Unlike in more…
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Rugby 101 – Positions – Locks
The Role of Locks in Rugby: The Powerhouses of the Pack Locks, also known as second-row forwards, are among the most physically imposing players on a rugby team. Wearing the numbers 4 and 5, locks are central to a team’s forward pack, providing strength, height, and power in both the set pieces and open play.…