My first piece was an Introduction to American rugby.
My second piece discussed what can be done to get more games for top American players. In that piece I suggested that a U.S. team follow the path of Spanish and Romanian teams and enter the European Challenge Cup. I want to elaborate more on what I meant.
After watching the Eagles in action this Summer, it is apparent that there is a gap between those that play full-time overseas and those that play domestically. That is not to say that domestic players don't have the skill or desire (I think almost any member of the national team could have a great career overseas), but that a lack of training and game time causes them to lag behind the others. Something must be done to overcome that barrier.
The resources aren't there to have a professional league, or even a regional competition like Canada (even though I think it is a good idea). However, the resources might be there to fund an Eagles Select XV that would play in the European Challenge Cup. This would allow those not afforded the opportunity to train full-time overseas, the opportunity to train full-time in a Eagles shirt. Eddie O'Sullivan could coach the squad and use it as a selection method.
Because the season would be in the fall, I imagine the team being made up of the players who acquitted themselves the best during the College/Super League/DI seasons. The best college players could have an aspiration after college, Super League and DI players could have extra motivation during the Spring.
Overall, the team would need sponsorships, but I think focusing the efforts on one team, in a competition with history, would bring in the necessary sponsorships to make it a successful venture.
Anyways, I encourage you to check me out on The Rugby Forum.
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