I have been debating what to write about the announcement that Grand Prix Rugby has extended their deal with U.S.A. Rugby for another six years. Little is known about the organization, and that has led to divergent opinions. Some people feel that it is all talk and will never come to pass, while others feel that the secretive nature of the organization means they are being thorough.
Credit should go to Rugby America for covering the story when no one else really has. I think it is a little unfair for some to blame Rugby Magazine for not covering the story as there hasn't really been anything to cover. That is where my debate comes in. Without more information, what is there to comment on, but at the same time, it is something that certainly has more tangible evidence of fruition than anything else on the rugby front, but here goes anyways.
I agree with Rugby America for the most part that the slow and steady approach is the best way to move forward. The worst thing that could ever happen is for a professional rugby to come along for one season and then crash and burn. So if the folks at Grand Prix Rugby need to take their time, then they should. Still, at the same time it is nothing to get excited about. Grand Prix have had these rights for six years already and haven't seemed to make much progress. So in the end, it cancels out, and there is not much to report on.
The real loser in this scenario is the fans, who are continuously toyed with. For once it would be nice for some rumours regarding pro rugby in the U.S. to be true. Instead, all we get are promises of the future. Fans deserve better so hopefully we'll get something tangible soon.
I'll admit when I first heard this story a couple of years ago, I was super excited. I couldn't wait for the first pro rugby league to start in the US... and then waiting is exactly what I did. and then I kept waiting... and a story every now and again would pop up and get me all excited again... and then I'd wait some more. So I'm with you, I'm tired of waiting and I'm tired of being led a fool.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've said this on every site that's posted on this, and I'll say it again here. Someone needs to actually do some sort of in-depth reporting on this topic and this group. Everyone at Rugby Mag thinks that GPR is a joke and nothing will ever come of it and we all know why they don't even touch the story... And its not because there is nothing there... And if that is in fact the case, and USA Rugby just extended its contract with them, that is an actual story worthy of reporting on in itself.
The questions that need answered on this angle are:
1: Why is USARugby selling rights to something it cant own...?
2: What are the facts of the agreement that just got renewed.
3: What does USArugby get from GPR? Is it just money? or a seat at the table if it goes Pro? what is it?
4: If another organization came along and started their own 7's league, would these exclusive rights, block CIPP'd USA rugby players from playing in it.
5: Has ANYONE asked Nigel ANYTHING on this in the last 3 years? Whata re his thoughts on this being renewed (or extended, whatever)
Why people don't see these as legitimate questions is beyond me.
Now I totally get the fact that the "proof is in the pudding" as one might say, and no one is going to believe anything these guys at GPR say until something is official, because it is true that they've had this contract for multiple years. But this Tantham guy recently bringing in Neal Pilson (Former President of CBS sports), and Gary Marenzi (former president of MGM Worldwide Television) should also tell us that they are making some sort of movement and could have been story a few months ago when it happened. The fact that people just choose to look over this stuff, to me is just strange.
There is something here. One that needs a true sports journalist to do some real digging and reporting on. Not trying to offend anyone Curtis, just mean someone who might have experience doing an expose so we can know once and for all... Will this happen or not. and lets either be done with it or throw a freaking party. And if this is not in USAR's best interest, lets hear it.
This is actually in the press release that GPR released in February when their website went live; "Grand Prix Entertainment was granted the United States Exclusive Sanction and License Rights to own, operate and globally broadcast professional Union Rugby Sevens, by USA Rugby, the United States official governing body for the sport of Union Rugby."
ReplyDeletehttp://grandprixrugby.com/news3.html
What the hell does that mean, and if its bullskip tell me its bullskip.
MattD,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I think the rugby media need to really start pushing Grand Prix Rugby and USA Rugby for answers?
If GPR aren't close to frutition, then why would usa rugby give them exclusive rights when it might stop someone else from starting a competition e.i. USA Sevens? Also why all the high profile hiring? Something has to be going on.