Friday, 9 September 2011

Will Rugby Union kick off in North America?

A lot of talk in the UK and of course all around the world (hopefully) concerning Rugby has been the talking point due to the world cup taking place in New Zealand.

However, with the inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the 2016 Olympics, will there be a boom in participation rates within North America?

The USA Rugby team have historically had a decnet history considereing the size of the sport in America. Having won the last Olympic tornument to have involved Rugby in 1924 and have qualifed in 7 out of the 8 world cups since New Zealand played host to the World Cup.
So why isn't not a national sport? Is it due to the succsess of the American sports? American football's growth came at exactly the point at which rugby was beginning to establish itself in the States.
The participation rates in America at present is 0ver 80,000.

Which is nearly 4 Times more than Canada. However we know these two nations are prolific in calling thier own sports, thier own. MAybe it is a social tradition not to participate in the sports played by the rest of the world? Or is it due to the commericial side of sports? I.e. the 4 quaters, the massive advertisement and endorsment put into American sport?

I believe Rugby has a chance of booming within the North, more likely to be the USA other than Canada. There are a few questions to think about and discuss.

Feel free to put in your opinion,


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