According to Gosper, "There is no question that anything that would drive interest in the (United) States would be fabulous, it would drive very high commercial revenues through broadcast (agreements), but I don't think they would be ready for a World Cup yet. The sooner they are, it would be exciting for a number of reasons. Not only because of the amount of money it would earn for the game but because it's great to see it in a different context and that's what the World Cup is for. There is a lot of promise there but a rugby World Cup soon in America? Not quite, but it would be good if it was sooner rather than later."
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Gosper also added that the IRB was working with U.S.A. Rugby to find out whether it was feasible to establish a professional league in the country. He added that "There is a belief that it would do more to spur the growth in the country than making a World Cup quarter-final." That examination may be in regards to a Super Rugby franchise in America. While Gosper says that track might work it may not be soon. SANZAR is also looking into Hong Kong, Japan, and other parts of Asia.
The U.S. was always a bit of a long-shot to host the 2023 World Cup. Despite boasting a plethora of nice stadiums, 300 million people, and a television audience that the rugby community would love to tap into, the concern over a lack of support and the ability of U.S.A. Rugby to host an event of that size has IRB officials worried. However, with a series of successfully run events, like last year's Junior World Rugby Trophy, and as was mentioned in the article, a potential Rugby Sevens World Cup, there is still time to prove to the IRB that the U.S. is more than capable.
What do you think? Can the U.S. host a World Cup?
i thought this was (russia) was the last 7 rwc? if the irb wants to start a league here they should start soon. and i know the answer is , well why rush it? but whats rushing when 2 years ago they said the same thing? rugby is on a up swing right now, why not capitolize on it.
ReplyDeletethe acts of the gradn prix and lions should not reflect how we the american rugby fan base are. if there are potential "buyers" that are thinking of buying into what ever league is out there i hope they can see that the failure was from there end not the fans/support side.
the grand prix i thought was going to be like the jp morgan circut not another crc but for mens clubs.
Nick, The only problem with a JP Morgan-type Circuit is expense (according to USAR Comps Dev folk). Perhaps once AIG sees a ROI from their sponsorship, they might fund a 7s series like that stateside.
DeleteHowever, to give it a bit of thought-play, wouldn't it be nifty to see the ODP Academies and 6-8 of the usual top 7s teams in a circuit like that (JP Morgan)? Four teams per geo-region duking it out for a seed at the final tournament? I bet you'd find a gem or two that hasn't pinged on the national radars in a set-up like that.
Paul from AYRU wanted this posted:
ReplyDeleteInitially, I was very disappointed with Brett Gosper's position on this matter, but on reflection I think he is right.
I do think things are moving (slowly) in the right direction in the USA;
the sport of rugby is experiencing growth in terms of participation at youth, HS, Club, College levels (however there is significant inconsistency in the numbers communicated by USA Rugby)
the TV networks are waking (slowly) up to the potential to of the 7's game,
we have stronger (albeit small) team at HQ in Boulder Co,
a vibrant Mens and Women’s 7‘s squads
The Vegas leg of the SWS is fast becoming one of the top attractions of the IRB series
However, here are a few serious weakness in our infrastructure;
the college scene is in turmoil and needs time to settle down.
The club scene is equally unstable and needs urgent attention.
Out 15’s team’s are a long way off the mark on the global scene
Audiences in stadiums at big games and tournaments are generally disappointing
Overall, I think Gosper has correctly identified that the one of the key strategic imperatives that has been missing from the USA plan.......the urgent need to establish a professional league in the USA.
I do believe that this will be the key trigger to the USA becoming part of the “elite club” of rugby nations. However I am struggling to understand just how this league would be financed and implemented. Also we need to be cognizant that the USA is like no other rugby market in the world. 15’s rugby has had a hard time fitting into the “American mind set” - its too complicated, there are not enough time outs to make it attractive to broadcasters, there are not enough tries/touchdowns and there are no outstanding superhero’s on a rugby team. The 7’s game, on the other hand, is a much better fit for the US market, but how do you build a sustainable league around the abbreviated form of Rugby?
- "its too complicated" - at first, but it's actually simpler in many ways than football.
Delete- "there are not enough time outs to make it attractive to broadcasters" - if people want to watch, the broadcasters will follow. Soccer is routinely on tv, and foreign broadcasters have figured out how to monetize soccer and rugby. There's no reason ours couldn't either if the audience was there.
- "there are not enough tries/touchdowns" - What? Rugby =/= soccer. Intuitively that makes no sense, and a couple of minutes on google showed that in 2011 the NFL had 4.92 per game and the Super 14 had 4.47. I don't think a 0.45 differences is that big a deal.
- "there are no outstanding superhero’s on a rugby team." - Richie McCaw, Jonah Lomu, Johnny Wilkinson...granted, it's easier to mythologize a great QB, but rugby is not immune from the hype machine either.
- "The 7’s game, on the other hand, is a much better fit for the US market" - Superficially, maybe, but the all-day tournament format isn't helpful.
- "but how do you build a sustainable league around the abbreviated form of Rugby?" - I don't think you can.