Rugby: Gaining Momentum in the United States

While association football (soccer) and American football dominate the sports landscape in the United States, rugby has been steadily growing in popularity. This article explores the current state of rugby in America, its growth, and its future prospects.

The Current State of Rugby in the US

Rugby, a sport that has a long and venerable history in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and New Zealand, has found a welcoming home in the US. The sport is now big in more ways than one:

With over 125,000 members, a dedicated governing body, and established rules and regulations, rugby in the US is well-organized. Professional players are beginning to emerge; some teams are making a name for themselves on the professional circuit.

While the sport is yet to overshadow the likes of American football, it is rapidly gaining traction. For instance, in higher education, some colleges have incorporated rugby into their varsity sports offerings, and players are finding rugby to be a more accessible option, especially if they wish to see more playing time.

Growing Participation: From Youth Leagues to Colleges

The growth of rugby in the US can be seen through the various structures of the sport:

Youth Leagues and Clubs

Like many other sports, rugby begins its journey in schools. However, in the US, rugby is often played outside of the public school system, in youth leagues and clubs. These grassroots organizations are the foundation for the sport's development.

Collegiate Rugby

Collegiate rugby has also experienced significant growth. Both as a recreational/club sport and in some cases, a full-fledged varsity sport. With players hoping to gain more playing time, many have turned to rugby as a potential alternative, especially given the transferable skills.

Post-College Competitive Play

One of the most surprising facets of rugby in the US is the strong post-college competitive scene. After graduating, players move into local clubs, competing at various levels, including D4 to D1. From these ranks, superior athletes can be picked for the US national team, which competes internationally, and even at the Olympics and World Cups, every four years. In fact, the USA Women's National Team is currently ranked higher than the men's team in the world rugby rankings.

Women's Rugby: A Growing Force

The women's rugby segment of the sport is booming. Women's rugby is not only growing more rapidly but also bringing in significant participation and interest. From local club competition to national representation, women are putting their mark on the sport.

Senior Players: A Recreational Sport Lifeline

Another fascinating aspect of rugby in the US is the number of senior players, or "old boys," who continue to play into their fifties. Rugby remains an attractive recreational sport that allows players to compete well into their later years, something that is relatively unique to this sport.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While rugby is making steady progress, it still faces challenges. Currently, the sport is lagging behind both football and soccer in terms of spectator and participation numbers. However, it is growing, especially as an alternative contact sport to football, with the safety focus in rugby's rules and laws catering to player safety.

Rugby's competitive nature, combined with its growing popularity, suggests that it will continue to compete with other sports and potentially even overtake some areas in the future. As more people recognize the benefits and the competitive spirit, we can expect rugby to continue to grow in the United States.

In conclusion, while rugby in the US is not yet at the level of football or soccer, it is growing and gaining momentum. Whether you're a professional player, a college athlete, or a fan, there is much to be excited about in the future of rugby in America.