RugbyGirl

Churchill Cup Finals Day at Red Bull Arena

2010-06-15T06:20:00.001-07:00

Rugby on ABC!

2010-02-18T13:49:00.001-08:00

What better time than the present

2009-12-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

So I've missed quite a bit since my last post.

In Philadelphia...

Philadelphia Fight adopted the Fight Vixens Dance Team, the second professional dance team in the nation for rugby. The team was founded and is currently directed by yours truly.

Media RFC was ranked No. 5 in the country.

Saint Joseph's University and Temple University competed to secure the No. 1 Division 2 spot in the EPRU. Temple won and went onto the EPRU final, losing to West Chester 10-12. Saint Joseph's defeated Millersville, earning a spot in the MARFU playoffs.

In the country...

In June 2008, I wrote about Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman starring in a rugby movie, and it will finally hit theaters this Friday - Clint Eatwood's Invictus.

On the world stage...

Rugby, in sevens form, is returning to the Olympic Games in 2016.

With that said, RugbyGirl is back. Keep checking for more rugby news.

Record TV Coverage of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009

2009-02-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

The International Rugby Board has announced that Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 will surpass all previous Sevens tournament TV broadcast records.

The broadcast-friendly showpiece event in Dubai, which will break new ground with the inclusion for the first time of a 16-team women’s tournament running alongside the 24-team men’s competition, will be screened in 140 countries through 25 international broadcasters.

With the competition promising to be intense, highlighted by the most competitive start to an IRB Sevens World Series in a decade, Rugby fans around the world will be treated to over 380 hours of live, delayed and highlights coverage.

In the USA, rugby fans can watch the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens on the Setanta Sports TV Channel, simulcast on Setanta Broadband, as well as catch it live and on-demand through www.rwcsevens.com.

Setanta Sports TV - available in homes and in bars - will broadcast Rugby World Cup Sevens coverage live on March 5, 6 and 7 (including the Women's Final on Saturday, March 7). For full listings please visit www.setanta.com/us.

RWC Sevens LIVE will offer live coverage from all men's and women's matches on the main pitch in Dubai, as well as on-demand coverage from pitch two. For $19.99 fans can watch all three days of action, while there is also a separate Final Day Pass for only $9.99. Fans can sign up now by going to www.rwcsevens.com.

“Rugby Sevens continues to be a hit with television broadcasters around the world. Its unique blend of explosive action, world-class players and highly-competitive format packaged in matches of fourteen minutes, has proven successful in reaching out to new young audiences, sponsors and broadcasters. Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 looks set to raise the bar once more,” said Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“These record broadcast figures mean that more people than ever before will have the opportunity to experience Rugby Sevens at its thrilling and spectacular best, furthering the promotion of Sevens to the world sporting community as the IRB reaches out for the inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the Olympic Games.”

The the 2007/08 Series was the most successful to date, televised in 135 countries by 33 international broadcasters, reaching 223 million homes in 13 different languages.

Taken from USA Rugby.

Watch Rugby on ABC This Weekend

2009-02-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

On Sunday at 5 p.m. catch a one-hour USA Sevens special on ABC.

The broadcast will present the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament that was held on Feb. 14-15 at San Diego's PETCO Park. The event featured 16 international teams competing in 44 matches, and is the 4th round in the Internaitonal Rugby Board Sevens World Series.

“Having a chance to showcase the premier event of one of the country’s fastest-growing sports is an enormous opportunity,” Ray Peterson, managing director of the USA Sevens LLC, told USA Rugby.org. “Rugby fans across America will now be able to watch their favorite teams compete and many new viewers will also be introduced to the dynamic game of rugby sevens.”

For more information visit the USA Sevens website.

eRugbyNews DI Top 20 - Media Ranked 14

2008-12-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Our DI Club Top 20

Thursday Dec 11, 2008 in Amateur Competitions Division I Clubs

After a fall season for much of the nation's DI clubs, and with those in Texas, California and Utah either just getting started or still idle, we at ERugbyNews have chosen this time to submit a DI cub Top 20.

Some of the rankings are based on the fall's results. Others are based on how the club did last season, and whether we think they are better, or worse, than that. In the Top 20 are perhaps a couple of surprises - the Islanders of Hawaii have had an outstanding fall and dominated in the two big tournaments in that state. There's every reason to believe the standard in Five-Oh is high enough that the Islanders deserve a look.

Provo, which will enter its first DI competition this coming winter/spring season, also play their way in.

Notable absences include defending national runners up Glendale, who faltered somewhat in West league play, and could move up if they improve, Austin, who are likely better than they've shown lately, South-South leaders Fort Lauderdale, Raleigh, New Haven., Denver Highlanders, possibly one or two other Texas clubs, and any of the SoCal Super League teams. Those last, like the Boston Irish Wolfhounds (who we have at #21 if we went to #21) are question-marks because of their club's Super League responsibilities. Still we do rank Old Blue at #8, but we do so with big reservations.

ERugbyNews DI Club Top 20:

1. Life - Only just getting started but look untouchable.
2 Olympic Club - Played once and did well. Consistent.
3. Aspen - Good results early and we just have a feeling.
4. Las Vegas - Pure conjecture at this time.
5. Balt.-Chesapeake - Very good season in a tough league this fall.
6. Pearl City - Midwest champs.
7. Hayward - Conjecture, but based on history.
8. Old Blue - NRU champs but what will the spring hold?
9. San Mateo - Always solid when it matters.
10. Haggis - Strong Utah season will see them improve.
11. Detroit Tradesmen - Did well in tough league.
12. Islanders - Won both big tournaments in Hawaii.
13. Kansas City Blues - Solid start in West.
14. Media - Still something of an unknown.
15. Provo - Two big tournament wins in fall.
16. Mystic River - May well move up in spring.
17. Los Angeles - This is a guess.
18. Old White - Improved so far.
19. Seattle - Good fall in Canada.
20. Palmer - Have the ability to surprise.

- Alex Goff

(Article by eRugbyNews)

Rugby World Cup 2011 Pools Announced

2008-12-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Pool A:
New Zealand
France
Tonga
Americas 1
Asia 1

Pool B:
Argentina
England
Scotland
Europe 1
Play Off winner

Pool C:
Australia
Ireland
Italy
Europe 2
Americas 2

Pool D:
South Africa
Wales
Fiji
Oceania 1
Africa 1

In summer 2009, the USA Eagles will play Canada home and away, and the winner from the two matches will qualify directly for RWC 2011 as Americas 1. The loser of Canada-USA goes on to play the winner of Brazil, Chile, Uruguay over a home and away tie. The winner qualifies for RWC 2011 as Americas 2. The loser plays in Final Place play-off.

If the USA Eagles qualify in the Americas 1 seeding, they will be placed in a pool amongst some of the world's fiercest competitors.

To find out more about the RWC 2011 visit www.rugbyworldcup.com

Great Plug for Local Rugby in NY Times

2008-11-20T06:14:00.001-08:00

Check it out: The Unlikely Scrum

NZ Ambassador's Shield Rugby Match This Sunday

2008-11-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

On Sunday the New Zealand Embassy is hosting the 12th Annual Ambassador's Shield Rugby event at Trinity University in Washington D.C. The tournament's feature game is between the Ambassador's invitational side of New Zealand rugby players, based in the U.S. and Canada, against the D.C. Barbarians.

In 1997, the Ambassador's Shield began as a way to promote the culture of New Zealand in the D.C. area and has now has evolved as an initiative to promote rugby in the United States.

If you can make it to D.C. for the event, I am sure you will not be disappointed.

For more information go to the Ambassador's Shield website.

USA Men's Qualify for 2009 RWC Sevens

2008-10-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

Undefeated at the North America West Indies Rugby Association (NAWIRA) Sevens Tournament this past weekend, the USA Men's squad qualified for the 2009 Rugby World Cup (RWC) Sevens competition taking place March 5-7.

To qualify, teams had to finish in the top two of the tournament. USA Men's did so by beating Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and Bermuda before prevailing over Canda in the final 21 to 12.

For more, check out IRB.com.

Nigel Melville Direct

2008-10-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Connect with CEO Nigel Melville every step of the way as he leads USA Rugby in its mission to 'Inspire America to Fall in Love with Rugby.' Each week, Nigel discusses the latest USA Rugby happenings on his new blog, Nigel Melville Direct.

Information provided by USARugby.org.

MARFU Player Named for Men's Sevens Assembly

2008-10-14T13:02:00.000-07:00

Marco Barnard of Kutztown University was one of 23 players that USA Rugby’s National Sevens Coach Al Caravelli took to Miami on October 11 for the U.S. Team’s training assembly prior to the North America West Indies Rugby Association (NAWIRA) Sevens Rugby World Cup Qualifiers in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Florida assembly will serve as an opportunity for Coach Caravelli to take one more look at the pool of 23 players before he narrows the squad down to just 12 for the trip to the Bahamas. The squad is among the youngest Caravelli has ever assembled with ten players at or below the age of 20, hopefully making an energetic, competitive camp.

The week long training assembly will culminate in a series of games - three on Friday and four on Saturday- to prepare the U.S. Team for what they will face in the Bahamas.

Eleven men’s teams will contest the NAWIRA qualifiers, held October 25-26, in an effort to secure one of two places available from both competitions to play at RWC Sevens 2009 in Dubai next March.

The USA, who have replaced Canada as a core member of the IRB Sevens World Series in 2008-09, have been drawn in Pool A with Mexico and Bermuda, while Canada head Pool B with Trinidad & Tobago, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas. Guyana, the reigning Caribbean Sevens champions, is joined in Pool C by Jamaica, Barbados and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Overall, three pool winners and runners-up will be redrawn into two Cup pools. The top two in each will then move onto the semi-finals with the two finalists securing their passage to the RWC Sevens 2009.

Information provided by USARugby.org. Visit their website for more information of the USA Sevens team.

Eye on the Prize

2008-10-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

We are approaching the mid-point of the Fifteens Men's Club Fall 2008 season. Check out the Division I results thus far at MARFU.org.

Forever Strong in Theaters Friday

2008-09-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

The rugby movie, Forever Strong, is opening Friday in select theaters across the country. The movie is a great step in bringing rugby to the mainstream arena of sports in the U.S.

Yet, the studios is Hollywood have threatened to pull the film nationally after one week if it does not have a strong opening weekend. They are weary because they feel that rugby does not have the audience to make it profitable.

Support the movie and the sport by going to theaters to see Forever Strong this weekend. With a big enough turnout the release will expand into more theaters in other parts of the country.

Below are the theaters in Pennsylvania that will be showing Forever Strong this weekend:

Promenade 16 --- Center Valley,PA

Marketplace @ Oaks Stadium 24 --- Oaks, PA

Warrington Crossing Stadium 22 --- Warrington, PA

For more information about the film visit Forever Strong.

USA Rugby Launches "Rugby for All"

2008-09-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

USA Rugby is seeking to promote rugby by emphasizing the breadth of opportunity in the game, and educating people on its various forms through the launch of the "Rugby for All" continuum.

“There is much more to rugby than the full contact 15-a-side game. The global game of rugby offers many versions flexible enough to suit all athletic abilities, ages and genders,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby explained on USARugby.org. “Contact or non-contact, seven-a-side to 15's, whether you are playing, refereeing, coaching or administrating, rugby truly is a game for everyone.”

Part of the "Rugby for All" continuum is the introduction of Rookie Rugby -- a new no-contact form of the game for ruggers ranging from ages 6 to 12. It is set to be launched in October.

USA Rugby has also developed officiating and coaching courses that support each level of the game, including Rookie Rugby, as another part of the continuum.

"Rugby for All" is the first of several planned initiatives by USA Rugby to promote the sport and its image as a game centered on family, health, fitness and fun.

Information provided by USARugby.org

USA Rugby's President Nigel Melville : Blueprint For the Future

2008-09-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

Article from EPRU.org:

Melville's priority is to establish rugby as a credible path to take.

Eighteen months ago former England scrum half Nigel Melville graduated from club rugby to the international game when he was given the task of revamping USA Rugby.

Melville's immediate concern at the time was to oversee the Eagles' assault on Rugby World Cup 2007, but the question of building for the future is what occupies most of his grey matter, most of the time.

There have been many strategies and plans put forward for revolutionising rugby in the United States, from converting hulking NFL rejects to harnessing the power and finesse of a thousand failed Olympic sprinters. Melville's priority is to establish rugby as a credible path to take.

'Once there's money on the table and contracts are available, people will come to the game, people will 'cross over', as they call it,' he told Total Rugby.

'And not necessarily just from football - we've had wrestlers on our all-American team recently, even a guy doing rodeo, a waterpolo player. People from different sports who are just recognising that rugby might be the right path for them and giving it a go.'

The chicken-and-egg irony of the situation is also not lost on Melville.

Catch-22

'Of course, it's Catch 22: we need the money and if we get the money we can get the athletes. If we get the athletes we can compete with anybody,' he said.

However, Melville has also seen enough of rugby in its traditional strongholds to know that throwing a rugby ball at a hundred proven atheletes will not lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

In order to possess an intuitive, innate understanding of the game players need to grow up with a rugby ball, not have one thrust upon them and arguably the biggest challenge Melville faces is to convince America's youth to play rugby early enough for them to make a real impact long term.

'When I got here and talked about 'Youth Rugby' I was talking about a totally different game,' he continued. 'I was talking about six, seven and eight-year-olds, and I have an eight-year-old and he was asking where the rugby is and there wasn't any rugby. They were talking the 'Youth Game' and talking about 15, 16, 17-year-olds and I was saying, 'well, I'm talking about the young kids here.'

'That's where you get your energy from, that's where the game gets its energy from. Then as they grow older, they get to the age of 11 or 12, other influences come in, they go to senior school, they make some choices - we just want to be one of those sports that they can make choices about.

'At the moment we seem to be chosen by those who are failed at something else and those different choices will only be made if we can drive the age group down. I'm doing a lot of work at the moment to create a base of 100,000 kids playing at six to 12 years of age, non-contact, great, fun rugby and realising that when they have a go they love it. That's the challenge over the next 12 months, we want 100,000 kids playing non-contact.'

If that can happen and then snowball in a country of America's size, it is clear that the potential for the sport can be enormous.

Driving the age group down

'We were in New Zealand recently with the all-American team, which is a college age team - some of them have only been playing rugby for two or three years - and physically when we played New Zealand Universities we were better than them,' said Melville.

'When it came down to the game they were smarter than us. They understood the game better, they could play the conditions better and we were somewhat lacking in that area.

'Had those kids been playing from six and seven years of age, we'd have been much better than them, and so that was great, that was encouraging. We just need to keep driving that age group down.'

Melville's immediate Eagles focus is these all-Americans. They are the players who, at 22 years of age, will be 25 or 26 by the time of the next World Cup. Behind them will come a next group of athletes who might be playing in High School now, and behind them the new generation X, the non-contact converts who first touched a ball at six or seven as part of his master plan.

'We have to create that breadth of foundation, and if we create that breadth we'll have a funnel going up and some players coming out of the top end.'

Kutztown Player Competing for USA's Sevens Spot

2008-09-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Marco Barnard of Kutztown University arrived at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA in order to compete for a spot on this year's USA Sevens Team.

A pool for 40 players will be narrowed to 20 at the conclusion of the camp on September 14. Those 20 players will be joined by Sevens Team veterans Chris Wyles and Takudzwa Ngwenya for the Team Assembly in Florida. By the time the U.S. Team leaves for the Bahamas and the Sevens World Cup Qualifiers on October 25-26 the team will be cut to 12 players.

“I’m looking at any athlete that has the drive, determination and is willing to put in the hard work to succeed,” Sevens Team Head Coach Al Caravelli told USARugby.org. “The common theme from last year’s squad was an undeniable thirst for success.

Barnard is the only EPRU player competing for a spot.

Information from USARugby.org.

Men's Journal Coverboys

2008-09-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

The October 2008 issue of Men's Journal features some of the USA Rugby's Men's National Team members in its Style section. Pick up a copy to check it out!

Information from USARugby.org.

The Play Rugby USA® Program is Coming to Philadelphia

2008-09-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Become an important part of helping rugby grow. Paid and volunteer positions available.

The Play Rugby USA® program is coming to Philadelphia Public Schools this October. This flag rugby program will consist of training for teachers, flag rugby-PE sessions, after school flag rugby clubs, weekend clinics/scrimmages and a culminating tournament in December.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become an important part of bringing rugby to kids who may never know how great a sport it is otherwise. Be part of enriching their lives and helping rugby to grow in this area and beyond.

- Get involved with Philadelphia's first school-based youth rugby program.
- Become a paid after school youth rugby coach (co coach with a PE teacher).
- Support weekend clinics as a volunteer.
- Email programs@playrugbyusa.com to register for the free mandatory training and registration clinic on Sunday October 5th. In your email please indicate your interest, experience and availability based upon the information below.

The season kicks off with a teacher training on October 4th and a coach/volunteer training on October 5th. Venue and timing to be confirmed. Will be in Philadelphia city.

Play Rugby USA® is seeking local rugby players and coaches with interest or experience in coaching youth. Full training will be provided. There are 2 opportunities to get involved:

1) Paid coaching consultant positions exist for after school programs located in selected Philadelphia Public Schools, starting from $15/hr (commensurate with experience). These programs will generally run for 2 hours between 3pm - 6pm, M-F. Coaches will co-coach with a PE teacher, thus developing a relationship with the teacher and students at each particular school. Each school will receive 10 hours of weekday co-coaching (mentoring) throughout the season. Coaches must be able to commit to a minimum of 2 hours for the same day each week for 10 weeks, commencing October 6. There are up to 10 hours / week of work available. PRUSA® currently engages university students and professionals with flexible working hours in its programs and would be looking to do something similar in Philadelphia.

2) Weekend coaching volunteers. We need approximately 10 volunteers to rotate each weekend to support clinics which will host multiple schools and give the students opportunities to compete in preparation for the culminating tournament in December. These programs will likely take place on Sundays. Venue and times to be confirmed.

For additional information regarding Play Rugby USA please visit www.playrugbyusa.com and http://www.playrugbyclub.com/.

Please note all applicants will have to complete a background check as required by Philadelphia Public Schools. You will also be subject to completing an online background check through PRUSA. All information and requirements regarding this will be emailed to applicants for completion prior to the October 5th training.

Many thanks for your interest in making this first exciting season a great success!!

Sincerely,
Mark Griffin, FounderPlay Rugby Inc.
127 West 25th Street
New York, NY, 10001
212-851-8858 (work)
201-952-9005 (cel)
http://www.playrugbyusa.com/

Contact: Mark Griffin , mark.griffin@playrugbyusa.com , phone: 212-851-8858
Link to PlayRugbyUSA

Information taken from EPRU.org.

TV and Sponsorship key to Bledisole Cup in U.S.

2008-08-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Some more interesting information about the possibility of the All Black and Wallabies playing in the United States next year on today's NZHerald.co.nz.

All Blacks to Play in U.S.

2008-08-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Though still in negotiations, pending a sign off by USA Rugby, the All Blacks may play a Bledisloe Cup game at the Invesco Field in Denver, CO. At this point, it looks like the match-up with Australia would take place on October 31, 2009.

USA Rugby CEO Nigel Melville says his organization is definitely a fan of the proposal, keen on the idea of using the NZ-Aussie match as the ideal test for selling rugby to the American public.

On November 1 this year a Bledisloe Cup test match will take place in Hong Kong.

Since my trip to Aussie last summer, I have been hoping to travel to New Zealand for the 2011 World Cup. A flight to Denver to see two of the greatest rugby nations in the world play in 2009 might be a nice warm-up.

Munster Wins Sentana Challenge Cup

2008-08-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Munster was able to secure a 46-22 victory over the USA Eagles on Saturday, walking away with the Setanta Challenge Cup for the second year in a row.

More details at Rugby365.com

USA Eagles on ESPN2 Tomorrow

2008-08-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

The USA Eagles are scheduled to appear on ESPN2's "First Take" tomorrow morning at 11 a.m.

The appearance is in preparation for their match against the 2008 Heineken Cup champions, Munster, in USA Rugby's second annual Setanta Challenge Cup. The Cup is being played at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, August 23 at 3 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN Classic as well as on Setanta Sports.

For tickets visit: www.ticketmaster.com/munster or call (860) 525-4500.

For a complete list of ESPN's TV listings visit ESPN.com.

For more on the USA Eagles visit USARugby.org.

Host a Forever Strong Pre-Release Screening

2008-08-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

Host a Forever Strong Fundraiser Pre-Release Screening to help raise money for your team.

Visit RugbyMovie.com/fundraiser

IRB: Summer Olympics is Missing Out Big Time

2008-08-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

This YouTube video came through my MARFU Digest today. I thought I would pass it along.

IRB Reaching Out to Get Rugby Sevens in the Olympics

Join the MARFU EMail list: marfu-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Schuylkill River Hosts Successful Youth Rugby Camp in Philly

2008-08-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

On August 4, 40 children from the ages of 4 to 12 came out to participate in a free youth rugby camp hosted by the Schuylkill River Exiles Rugby Football Club in conjunction with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. The West Philadelphia event is planned to be the first in a series of camps hosted throughout the city.

The children from Cobb’s Creek and Laura Sims Skate House summer programs were introduced to basic running, passing and catching skills. The day culminated with a series of Micro-rugby games -- the preferred youth rugby format by USA rugby.

The camp staff included representatives from the Saint Joseph’s Prep HS Boys Rugby program, Archbishop Ryan HS Boys Rugby coaching staff, LaSalle University Men’s Head coach Bill Jalbert as well as several Drexel University men’s club and Schuylkill River Exile players.

If you would like to host an event or have the Exiles out for a Micro-rugby training session, please contact the Schuylkill River Exiles at phillyyouthrugby@gmail.com.

Information and pictures provided by Schuylkill River Exiles RFC.

Rugby in the Olympics?

2008-08-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

During happy hour yesterday at Kildare's Irish Pub in Manayunk, Setanta Sports was on one of the TV screens. A co-worker of mine asked me if rugby was in the Olympics. I answered with "No, not since the 20's or 30's I think." She wanted to know more about it so I sent her this article from today's Scrum.com:

Rugby Remains a Distant Olympic Memory by Huw Richards

After Can-Am:The Depression Sets In

2008-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

There is not much more I can ask for in a weekend than a lakeside house with a view filled with friends, some rugby matches, great food and fun bars. It was my third trip to Lake Placid, NY for the annual Can-Am Rugby Tournament, but this Tuesday back at work is more depressing than previous years.

I went up to Cam-Am to watch a Club Division team, Caves and Ditches - a Temple University alumni team with some current students and Media RFC players mixed in. After two solid wins against Union County 16 to 6 and against Albany Knicks 27 t0 7, Caves and Ditches lost a tough battle with Buffalo in the quarter finals only scoring 5 points to Buffalo's 29.

Buffalo went on to play The Lost Boys in the semi-final, and ended the game with 42 unanswered points. In the Championship round Buffalo was matched up against Bell High, and secured the Club Division trophy with a final score of 17 t0 8.

On Saturday night, the Caves and Ditches crew headed to Station Street Bar and Grill, located slightly off the main drag in Lake Placid. The restaurant was extremely accommodating to a horde of rugby players with a bar, dining area and an upstairs deck, complete with a wood-burning potbelly heater. The food was decent, but more importantly the beer kept flowing. Although there were a few issues with kegs being kicked, the overall service was good and they were tremendously adaptive to our needs.

Late night, the team headed to Charlie's, which was a bit too swanky for a group of ruggers ready to party. When we saw the line for Roomers, the DJ and dancing spot in Lake Placid, the logical choice was Zig Zags -- crowded and loud with pool tables, darts and is the kind of place you don't feel bad if you spill beer on the floor.

Another common rugger hang out throughout the weekend was an outdoor venue en route to Saranac Lake from Lake Placid, Tail of the Pup. In between matches or after a full day of playing, it was the perfect spot for some beer and barbeque (not to mention a significant portion of the waitresses were pretty good-looking).

Although the weather wasn't conducive to swimming or kayaking, we spent much of our free time sitting on the large, covered back porch at the house we rented for the weekend. It over-looked the lake, and was great spot to cook-out and play wiffleball in the backyard.

Overall I would call the weekend a success: fresh air, good times and lots of rugby.

For a complete list of tournament results in all divisions check out CanAmRugby.com.

Can-Am footage to be posted shortly!

ELV's: Friend or Foe?

2008-07-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

With the implementation of the Experiemental Law Variations to begin August 1, there has been much discussion about their effect on the game.

Check out Joe Regan's take at Bleacherreport.com.

Free Youth Rugby Clinic Change

2008-07-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Free Youth Rugby Clinic scheduled for August 2 at Lee Cultural Center Field has changed to August 4 at Cobbs Creek Recreation Center in West Philadelphia from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Schuylkill River Exiles will be working with kids between the ages of 8-14 showing them some basic drills and games so that they can learn a new sport as well as the values of teamwork, leadership, and physical well being. Currently there are no youth rugby programs in West Philadelphia and many children do not participate in structured sports leagues. This introduction will be the starting point of creating a city-wide league to develop youth rugby in Philadelphia.

The goal for this introduction is to have over 100 kids participate in the event and to have them participate at no cost to them. Donations of $20-$50 will support having this dream come true. Your participation and support will create the possibility of truly shaping a child's life while advancing the sport of rugby.

WHAT: Youth Rugby Introduction
WHEN: August 4, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHO: Boys and Girls ages 8-14
WHERE: Cobbs Creek Recreation Center at Spruce St.
WHY: There is a need in the Philadelphia area to provide an engaging environment for young children to learn Teamwork, Leadership and Physical Well Being. There is an opportunity to learn this through the game of Youth Rugby. This event will bring the community together to educate and grow the future leaders of tomorrow and create new avenues and pathways for empowering people.
COST: FREE

REGISTER NOW by sending an email to phillyyouthrugby@gmail.com

The Schuylkill River Exiles hope to raise over $1,000 to help pay for the balls. Typically Balls cost anywhere between $15 and $20. If you would like to make a gift, please write the check to "The Schuylkill River Exiles RFC," which is a designated non-profit organization.

*Please mail donation checks to:
Denny Henderson
58 Eastwood Road
Berwyn, PA 19312

Additional Information:
-Please arrive at Cobbs Creek Recreation Center by 9 a.m. to ensure enough time to check your child in and complete the liability and release forms.
-No child will be admitted into the clinic unless all forms are completed at the time of check-in.
-The following is a list of items we recommend you send with your child on the day of the clinic: Soccer cleats (optional), Comfortable Sneakers, Shorts, Extra pair of socks, Water bottle (write child’s name on it), Sun Block
-Water Stations, medical staff, and restrooms will be available throughout the day.
-No pets permitted at the Lee Cultural Center Field during the hours of the clinic.
-Children will be divided into age groups for instruction
-Certificates of achievement will be handed out in the closing ceremonies scheduled to take place around 2:30 p.m.

-Street parking available

Please feel free to contact Denny Henderson with any questions or concerns:
215-510-0832
Phillyyouthrugby@gmail.com

Or check the Schuylkill River Exiles website.

Don’t miss out on a day filled with fun, excitement, and an opportunity to experience one of America’s fastest growing sports!

Surfside 7's This Saturday

2008-07-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

There is no better excuse -- besides the sun and the sand -- to the head to the shore than some rugby action. On Saturday, Philadelphia Whitemarsh RFC is hosting the 5th Annual Surfside 7's tournament in Stoneharbor, NJ.

For further information visit the EPRU website.

Bucks County Native Continues to Shine on National Level

2008-07-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

Although his team was unable to defeat their national rival, the USA Falcons, Bucks County native Mike Graham displayed a solid performance as the USA Hawks' inside center.

In the first six minutes of play, Graham helped secure the only lead the Hawks would see the entire match with a conversion after a try by srumhalf and captain, Mike Petri.

By the time there were only 10 minutes left in the half, the Falcons had answered with two tries, taking a lead of 14 to 7. The Hawks tied up the game before the half after a try by wing Justin Boyd.

In the second half, the Hawks only made one offensive attack, while the Falcons juggled a 10-point lead. Graham secured a penalty kick for the Hawks, but the Falcons added one to their score as well, along with a game-ending interception by Tyson Meek. The final was 39 to 24.

Graham has been named as the Hawks starting outside center in their next match against Canada West.

For more about the North America 4 Tournament or to watch online visit NARugby.com.

Collegiate All-Americans Depart for New Zealand

2008-07-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

As USA's Collegiate All-Americans depart for their New Zealand tour today, Lucas Roberts of Penn State University (and brother of Media RFC's Jesse Roberts) and Marco Barnard of Kutztown University are the only MARFU representatives on the team.

The Collegiate All-Americans' first match is set for July 20 against Massey University. The competition will continue with a match against Wellington Old Boys on July 23 and the tour will end in a match versus New Zealand Universities on July 30.

Based on the developmental partnership agreement set in motion earlier this year between the New Zealand Rugby Union and the USA, the team will also have an opportunity to work with coaches from the NZRU.

“This will be a tough tour, but our special relationship with New Zealand Rugby will be greatly beneficial for the team by allowing them to work alongside specialist coaches and exposing them to the New Zealand style of rugby,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville told USARugby.org. “This will be a fantastic experience for the All-Americans, especially with the next Rugby World Cup on the horizon. Some members of this team may actually be playing in the 2011 World Cup and it’s important to increase their exposure to this level of play.”

Information from USARugby.org. To learn more visit USA Rugby's All-American page.

Rugby - The Best Sport No One Watches

2008-07-03T06:30:00.001-07:00

Just some food for thought...no pun intended:
Rugby - The Best Sport No One Watches

Free Youth Rugby Clinic in Philadelphia

2008-07-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

After I went to Australia and saw little ruggers at half-time at a Wallabies game, I wondered why there is not more opportunity for our kids here in the U.S. to play rugby.

On August 2 the Schuylkill River Exiles are hosting a free boys and girls youth rugby clinic at Lee Cultural Center Field . Although the kids in Aussie may not have been much older than 6-years-old, the clinic in Philadelphia provides the opportunity for aspiring ruggers from the ages of 8 to 14 to be exposed to the sport.

The clinic is free for those who pre-register before July 19, and is $10 a child after that date.

For more information visit the Schuylkill website.

Contact Denny Henderson with any questions or concerns: 215-510-0832 or Phillyyouthrugby@gmail.com

Rugby on the Red Carpet

2008-06-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Forever Strong--a movie about a talented but troubled rugby player who must play against the team his father coaches at nationals--is expected to be released in U.S. theaters in September. Sean Faris plays the lead role, and his father is played by Neral McDonough. Gary Cole stars as Faris' coach in the film.

The filmming took place in Salt Lake City, and to get in rugby shape for the movie, Faris ran 6 miles twice a day in the 100-degree Utah heat.

On top of an upcoming feature-film release, rugby may really go Hollywood when Matt Damon steps onto the pitch. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Matt Damon has signed onto playing Francois Pienaar in Human Factor, a film about the 1995 South Africa Rugby World Cup team. It is based on the true story of when Nelson Mandela lobbied for South Africa to hold the 1995 World Cup. Morgan Freeman is set to star as Mandela.

MARFU 7's Open Try-Out This Weekend

2008-06-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Open try-out's for MARFU Men's 7's team will be held this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Maryland in College Park.

For more information visit the EPRU website.

Watch Rugby On TV

2008-06-20T08:11:00.001-07:00

Saturday, June 21 @ 11:45, 2:05, 4:25 - Barclays Churchill Cup - Setanta LIVE

Saturday, June 21 @ 11 p.m. EDT - Men's Club Championships - ESPN U

Monday, June 23 @ 9 - 11 p.m. EDT - National Guard Girls U-19 Championship - ESPN U

Tues. - June 24 @ 9 -11 p.m. EDT - National Guard Boy's H.S./U-19 Championship - ESPN U

Media RFC Wins First 7's Tournament in Club History

2008-06-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

The above six-minute video is a RugbyGirl original production. It is a montage of highlights from the North Penn Seven's Tournament with focus on the tournament champion, Media Rugby Football Club.

At North Penn this weekend, Media Rugby Football Club won its first seven's tournament in club history. After 10 years of 4th, 3rd and 2nd place finishes, Media finally went home with a first-place trophy from a field of 18 teams.

Media opened the tournament with a confident win against Wilkes Barre, scoring 14 points to their 5. In their second game against Doylestown, Media held a 14 to 0 lead with five minutes remaining in the match. Then Doylestown came back strong, and scored a try with only a few minutes left. In the last play of the game, Mike Weir of Doylestown scored a try and secured their win, resulting in Media's only loss of the day.

Media came back with vengeance, defeating North Penn's B-Side 45 to 0 in game three, and beating South Jersey 50 to 0 in game four.

In the final game of pool play, Wilkes Barre beat Doylestown 12 to 3, leaving all three teams (this including Media) tied with a record of 3 wins to 1 loss each. Based on highest point differential, Media was awarded the number one spot.

For the semi-final Media took on Harrisburg. The match yielded their third straight shut-out of the day with a 7 to 0 victory. Media only gave up five tries in the first six games.

In the Championship match, Media was up against long-time rival Lancaster. Media was leading 7 to 5 when they forced a turnover inside their own 22 yard-line. The ball was stolen and quickly spun out to Tommy Mitros at wing. Mitros scored 80-meter try to seal the Championship.

Media's next seven's tournament is this Saturday, June 21 at the Phelps School in Malvern.

Game details provided with the help of Franco Sciotto and Dan Trainor.

Another Heart-Breaking Loss for USA U-20

2008-06-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Temple University's Gareth Jones and his USA Under-20 national team fell to Samoa today 20 to 6 at the IRB Junior World Championship.

The team started strong, putting 6 points in the scoreboard within the first 21 minutes of the game. Then Samoa answered with 7 points before the half. USA was unable to come back, and allowed Samoa to score 13 more points before the game's end.

“Samoa is an expansive team. They are gifted, powerful runners, and although we are tackling better and have tightened up our defense a bit, we are still turning over the ball and teams at this level will capitalize on that,” said USA Under-20 Head Coach Salty Thompson. “It’s a bit frustrating to see us still making those mistakes. We played strong defense during the first half and Samoa just caught us on our broken play defense in the second (half). When we struggled to reshape our defense, that’s when Samoa capitalized and found the space to operate in."

Their final pool match is June 14 against Scotland.

Devastating Defeat for U-20 National Team

2008-06-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

In Wales this weekend, the USA Under-20 national team lost to South Africa 108 to 18. Havertown native and current Temple University rugger, Gareth Jones, plays at center.

The game was USA U-20's first match-up International Rugby Board's Junior World Championships. Based on their impressive performance at the IRB Under-19 World Championships in 2007, USA was invited to send a team to the Under-20's. Jones played for the U-19 team, and his abilities secured him a spot on the U-20 squad.

South Africa made their tournament goals very clear in the game against USA. They even received a bonus prize for the large number of points scored.

But USA is not discouraged.

“Honestly, I think that in a way this was the best thing that could happen to us,” player Sean Treacy told USARugby.org. “A team would want to play them in the first game. We came into this match not knowing what to expect, but now we have played the best team. We have eliminated all of our fear. We know what to expect and we can go out and redeem ourselves with a good performance against the remaining competition.”

Their second-round match is tomorrow against Samoa, and Jones is on the roster as a replacement.

"The game film clearly showed weaknesses in our tackling and ability to put South Africa on the floor," Coach Salty Thompson said on USARugby.org. "The focus tomorrow against Samoa has to be team defense."

To hear more from the players themselves, check out the team's tour blog at www.usarugby.org/goto/u20_tour_digest

Fight Lose First Game of AMNRL Season

2008-06-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

In an disappointing game on Saturday, Philadelphia Fight lost 36 to 8 in their match-up against the Jacksonville Axemen. They went into the half scoreless, but came back in the second looking strong. With a tough opponent and inclement weather, the Fight was unable to pull through for a win.

An Axeman spokesperson was quoted as commenting, "The day was obviously a success for us and a good win, but I think the Philly Fight team won a lot of stuff as well. They have improved a 100% on their entire organization. We played in a first class facility here at West Chester University, which is very similar to our set up at UNF in Florida. Great locker rooms and a very professionally run event. We helped raise money for a local charity as well."

He continued later to say, "Their new bar sponsor Kildare's Irish Pub was just as good as our own Fionn MacCools in Jacksonville. They treated us very well and their was a full house of fans and supporters to mingle with the players. All in all this entire day has been a success for both teams and showed the AMNRL as a whole is moving in a very positive direction."

Thanks to all the rugby fans who went out to support the local scene and braved the bad weather.

Touch Rugby on the Main Line Wednesday

2008-06-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Looking to keep your rugby legs during the summer? Want to warm up for Sevens?

On Wednesday, Super League team Philadelphia Whitemarsh is hosting touch rugby at the Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn. Playing starts at 5:30 p.m.

For more information contact Marcus Maffei.

Life University Wins D1 Title

2008-06-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Atlanta's Life University defeated hometown favorite Glendale in the Rugby Men's Club Division I National Championship on Sunday.

Glendale captain Mike Graham, a native of Bucks County, was unable to lead the team to victory like he had done in the playoffs and the semi-finals. In Glendale's semi-final match on Saturday against Pearl City, Glendale was down 15 to 0 at the half. Graham was able to pull the team to a final score of 23 to 22 in the last seconds of the game.

“We were so looking forward to playing Pearl City and our entire team absolutely pulled through," Graham told AmericanRugbyNews.com.

On Sunday, the final one-point difference was not in Glendale's favor. Life University had beaten top-seeded Olympic Club for a place in the Championship round. Glendale was the first to secure a try in a match that remained scoreless until the 34th minute. Life University answered in the second half by scoring 15 points. The final was 15 to 14.

“Glendale did a good job pressuring us. I am just happy to have walked away one point ahead," Life's player/coach Scott Lawrence told Scrum.com.

The D1 title marks the first in Life's 28-year history. The second-place finish for Glendale was also a milestone--the conclusion of their second full season and their best finish to date.

Also on Sunday, Chester County area's Brandywine lost to Red Mountain in the DII Championship round 41 to 18.

“We came out extremely aggressive and were able to maintain that level throughout,” Red Mountain Coach Kevin Torkelson told Scrum.com. “We have been in three USA Rugby National Championships now, and we know what to expect. I think that kind of experience helps in a number of ways...I have to give Brandywine credit, though, they really stayed after it the whole time and in both of our games this weekend - the score didn’t necessarily reflect the difficulty of our competition. "

The match was Brandywine's first appearance in a Divison II final.

Catch Philadelphia Fight This Weekend

2008-05-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Fight is scheduled to battle the Jacksonville, FL Axemen this Saturday at West Chester University's Farrell Stadium. The Fight is Philadelphia's American National Rugby League (AMNRL) team. Although there are variations in the rules between Union and League, going out to watch Philadelphia Fight will show support for rugby in the Philadelphia area and demonstrate support for rugby nationwide.

"The Battle to Strike-out ALS" marks the opening of the 2008 AMNRL season. The match is being presented by Kildare's Irish Pub and the Greater Philadelphia Area ALS Association, which supports research for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). For every $5 game ticket that is sold $2 will go to the Greater Philadelphia Area ALS Association. After the game, a post-match party is being thrown to benefit ALS and the 2008 Fight season.

The game starts at 12:30 p.m. and the after-party is set to kick-off at 3 p.m. at Kildare's Irish Pub in West Chester.

For more information visit the Philadelphia Fight website.

Rugby-playing Musicians or Music-playing Ruggers?

2008-05-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Today David Jones and Brian Christ of Media Rugby Football Club showed off their musical talents on NBC 10's magazine talk show 10! Both Temple University Rugby Alumni, Jones and Christ account for two of the six-piece band The Podunk Drifters. Jones is the beat-keeping backbone of the band as the drummer, and Christ plays bass (upright and bass guitar) and also contributes to vocals. Jones is one of the infamous brother triplet, which includes Owen and Gareth Jones who both played on under-19 national teams. Youngest brother, Gareth, is currently in Wales playing for the under-20 national team. Drifters' lead singer, Alexis Ramagnano, is married to Sebastian Ramagnano, a Media player who also played for Temple.

The Podunk Drifters are a cover band, covering everything from the Dixie Chicks to Led Zeppelin. Including Jones and Christ on drums and bass respectively, Alex Rausch is on lead guitar, Chrissy plays the viola and co-lead singer Hillary Rhydderch plays the keyboard. Ramagnano, along with sharing vocals with Rhydderch, plays the acoustic guitar.

The band plays locally in Philadelphia area nightspots such as Kildare's in King of Prussia, and The Draught Horse off of Temple University's campus. The 10! show was their television debut, and their live-to-tape performance came across almost as good as their impressive live-in-person sounds.

The Podunk Drifters' next show is this Friday, May 30 at The Lafayette General in Lafayette Hill, PA at 10 p.m. I have seen them at this venue, and I can attest to a great time. Excellent live music, cold beer and a bar full of rugby players are guaranteed.

Men's Rugby D1 Champions To Be Crowned

2008-05-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

I have been watching senior men's rugby player Mike Graham since his high school days with Doylestown Rugby. This past weekend, May 17-18, Graham lead Glendale (of Glendale, Colorado) to a win in the Division One playoffs. The win secured their place in the semi-finals for the national championship, to be held in their home town May 31-June 1. In the last five minutes in their crucial game against South Side Irish, Graham added a penalty kick and a drop goal to their score. The final was 29 to 20.

Glendale beat Long Island in the first round of play-offs, a team that may not have been wholly deserving of a trip to Austin in the first place. In their bid for the sweet sixteen, Long Island won in a controversial match against Philadelphia area's undefeated Media Rugby. Media was up 20 to 0 in the first 15 minutes of the game. Then the ref made some dicey calls and three Media players went into the sin bin within 5 minutes of one another. With Media weakened, Long Island came back and ended up taking the game.

Looking ahead, the Championship round should prove to be exciting. Four teams, with only one, Life University, having two comfortable wins in the playoffs. Glendale is set to play Pearl City, and Life University to play Olympic Club.

For more information, go to USARugby.org