even though the Pacific Rugby Premiership , PRP, has yet to have a single try scored IF successful way cant this be the path that USA rugby needs. this wait and see and cross fingers to see if someone with enough money comes along and starts up a league (NRFL), the PRP is smart to use established clubs not just with W's but with establishing them self's with local communities and establishing them selfs as power rugby clubs.
i truly believe that a combined effort by Canadian and USA rugby clubs is nothing but the better for both country unions. maybe it is a bit unethical to "break" away and take matters into there own hands but something had to be done, one good point rugbylaw made , before they went dark, if you look at the NHL or NBA none of them are affiliated with the National teams or draw money but in turn help with the devolpment of players that help better the national basketball team,dream team anyone? or the national hoey team.
if PRP if successful in developing the best competition for players to want to play in, and each club is able to establish them self's even more in there regions i cant see why they shouldn't aim to average 2-5k. which in turn would allow each club to slowly but surely pay players and coaches. money if you want to believe it or not does help raises one's playing ability and stride to want to be better which in turn will help separate those who are "good" players and "average".
i've used the AFL in the past as to how players could be paid for and how to start small and slow, this time i've come across the recent CBA that the NLL has struck with its palyers. what the PRP could begin to do once teams or the league begin to operate in the black is begin to sign players to pay per play contracts which could range from 100-300$ pending on club or league finances. now obviously paying 22-30 players on a team 100-300 dollars would be expensive right off the bat, so i suggest paying the non starting XV $75 and starting XV $100. this is all for starters of course, as the years move on pay could increase, but you could begin to get players to dedicate them selfs more to rugby and stay in fighting fit.
food for thought current NLL CBA has rookies making over 9k !. this is a league that averages between 9-10k fans a game and only has 9 teams.
it would also be great to see OPSB finally join the mix but because of vast distance and majority of clubs located in California and close ties to serevi who's company now runs developmental camps for USAR I could understand why not to join. but what if the BC union clubs where also playing in the PRP, that would help bridge that gap to incorporate the entire west coast of N.America and possibly help get more D1 clubs in Oregon established.
In the end nothing will be different from the days of the super league unless each club and the league as a whole begin to act and treat themselves as professional clubs. I am not talking about going out and offer 40-60k dollar contracts but begin to get scores from games published in local newspapers, maybe put up a billboard or two in respective regions. start out reach programs to local communities. from NFL down to the MLS, and even AFL,NLL,MLL each league and team does some sort of connection with community. Maybe it sounds funny but car washes is a start, why not offer to host food drives, toy drives. also what these clubs need to do and make it a mission, spread rugby to as many youth kids as possible. Should make it a goal to introduce rugby to as many elementary schools, middle schools as possible. why not partner up with play rugby usa or rookie rugby? the reason why soccer is a rising sport and will eventually have the MLS sit at the table with NBA,NFL,MLB is because soccer is being played during PE time at elementary schools, MLS clubs are taking the time to go to schools and show kids proper technique give kids a bound and reason to want to beg mommy and daddy to take them to a game. If the PRP and its clubs are able to create a connection (lets face it if you are not part of this rugby community your pretty much in the dark about anything that has to do with rugby, many people out side of rugby let alone San Francisco aren't even aware of SFGG and its accomplishments in the past and you want to say rugby is the next big sport?) then you slowly begin to build a fan base a want and a need for your brand and club. maybe not in the first years but in year 4, year 5 clubs will being to see not just more butts in the stands but clubs wallets get fatter with green and product on the field become elevated because you being to give those in 4th or 5th grade a bar to strive for and a dream. How many of you out there wanted to be the best NFL or NBA player? now the dream is kids want to be the next David Beckham or Landon Donavon.
I wish the PRP the best of luck and will fallow closely, especially with two local clubs now involved SFGG and Olympic , I hope year 1 goes fairly well with not to many bumps in the road but look more forward to year 3 and 4. that's where we will see clubs ether stay or leave and possibly new clubs want to join in.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
What does RUGBY mean to you?
Inspired by TIAR (this is American rugby) question a few weeks ago asking "why you love rugby" I have decided to finally lay it all out as to why I love rugby so much and what it means to me. It seems so easy to write but I've held back because of fear of offending people or worrying those I don't want to worry.
Growing up I attended public schooling for elementary and middle school, or to some Junior High. As we graduated from middle school I and my older siblings where blessed to be able to attend a private school on the other side of town (San Jose, ca) called Valley Christian High School. For me entering a new school, for which I was excited to attend at first, was scary but exciting. I saw it as a chance to rewrite who I am and create a new image along with new friends and have a chance at being "cool", like any typical teen ager wants to be. My first year I signed up to play football and tried to make friends from the team, guys I could eat lunch with, hang out with after school and so on. I played football my junior and senior year, never being anything more then a player on special teams. From day one attending school I never felt like I fit in with anyone. Even after playing football and doing two a days, spring practice, summer weight training, my biggest fear every day from the moment I started school to my last day my biggest fear was "who can or will eat lunch with me?".
I was almost never invited to parties, out side school events, let alone asked out to Sadie Hawkins dances all four years. Outside of school I never was asked to hang out or let alone would receive any form of communications from those who I thought where my "friends". As the years went on I began to notice from 8am-3pm I had "friends" but out side of that I was alone. I was not privilege like many at that school to spend my time going where ever I wanted to and spend what ever money, I did have my few friends who I went to school with in middle school to still hang out with and see on weekends but with time we each would slowly become more and more busy with our ever growing lives.
Finally shortly after my senior year of football I was approached by a fellow classmate asking if I would like to give RUGBY a try. After some convincing and slight pestering I decided to attend the fallowing practices and meetings for what was then known as the SOUTH BAY EXILES RFC. From the first pass I was hooked! as the practices and season went on I found my self slowly beginning to breath and dream Rugby. I was enjoying every second of that season, every second of practice, every hit during the game whether I was giving or receiving a hit. Our club consisted of players from Valley Christian and other local public schools, what was amazing was the fact that so many of us came from different back grounds and areas but yet we were able to come together and act like brothers in Arms. In Rugby there is no one star player, it takes all 15 players on the field to score, there is no dived of seniors or freshmen if you can play then you can play regardless of experience or grade level.
At about mid way through season my coach , Mike Annab pulled me aside in practice and asked "what position did you play in football? did you start?" I explained to him that in football the coaches have there set players who are "starters" and who are basically "bench warmers" and I was the second option. What he said next I wish I was told by so many other coaches, "I don't understand , you are so good you should of started". Rugby had given me a outlet to silence the voices in my head that I was a loner, a loser, a no body in a school that prides its self on school spirit and family environment. Rugby had given me a chance to show people how tough I can be and a outlet to release all my anger. From that team I was able to build new friendships and in fact one of my best friends is a guy who was younger then me but thanks to rugby were able to bound and still find time to grab a Pint or two. From there I was able to play a little bit with SJSU Rugby , just two fall seasons, blessed with the birth of my amazing daughter I had to hang the Boots up and be a father and make the money. I am grateful for them letting me play, also growing up my father and his brothers where (and still are) big Spartan Fans. So to able to play a new sport that I loved and also play for the college that I grew up rooting for my whole life, was in some ways a Dream come true.
Since then I was given a opportunity to coach at the High school level (U19) with newly formed Los Gatos Rugby, and continue to be involved with the club. I run a twitter account @LLRugby , Life Love Rugby , with a Facebook page . Rugby has become a major part in my daily life, from subscribing to Fox Soccer Plus to purely watch rugby games to constantly checking rugby websites to read up on any new developments. Half of my wardrobe consist of some form of rugby clothing. I've bought many rugby balls for my daughter to play with as she grows older and constantly bug my beautiful fiancé with nothing but rugby talk and new ideas to some how be involved with rugby. from ideas of starting a new men's club, to compliment the San Jose Seahawks to wanting to revive my old high school club. Bless her for putting up with me.
My biggest project I am currently working on, and yes with my fiancé blessing I should add, is trying to start up a Rugby invitation to be played here in San Jose, California. I want to give back to the rugby community like it helped to give back my life when I was at my lowest point. I love Rugby very much, I want to see all youth programs grow and become big enough to start to rival many soccer (football) programs. I truly believe that Rugby is the rarest of all sports and most giving. countless stories of how rugby saved or helped change young kids lives, gotten them off the streets or helped them get to college. Rugby is if not only then the minority of sports that regardless of age or level of experience, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference, there is no separation but only family. I want to see the passion in players eyes that i grew up to see in my fellow team mates. Silicon Valley Rugby Classic is my project, my tool to help give local youth programs, new or old a chance to connect to the communities.
thank you for taking time to read, This is Why i love rugby, this is what Rugby means to me.
Growing up I attended public schooling for elementary and middle school, or to some Junior High. As we graduated from middle school I and my older siblings where blessed to be able to attend a private school on the other side of town (San Jose, ca) called Valley Christian High School. For me entering a new school, for which I was excited to attend at first, was scary but exciting. I saw it as a chance to rewrite who I am and create a new image along with new friends and have a chance at being "cool", like any typical teen ager wants to be. My first year I signed up to play football and tried to make friends from the team, guys I could eat lunch with, hang out with after school and so on. I played football my junior and senior year, never being anything more then a player on special teams. From day one attending school I never felt like I fit in with anyone. Even after playing football and doing two a days, spring practice, summer weight training, my biggest fear every day from the moment I started school to my last day my biggest fear was "who can or will eat lunch with me?".
I was almost never invited to parties, out side school events, let alone asked out to Sadie Hawkins dances all four years. Outside of school I never was asked to hang out or let alone would receive any form of communications from those who I thought where my "friends". As the years went on I began to notice from 8am-3pm I had "friends" but out side of that I was alone. I was not privilege like many at that school to spend my time going where ever I wanted to and spend what ever money, I did have my few friends who I went to school with in middle school to still hang out with and see on weekends but with time we each would slowly become more and more busy with our ever growing lives.
Finally shortly after my senior year of football I was approached by a fellow classmate asking if I would like to give RUGBY a try. After some convincing and slight pestering I decided to attend the fallowing practices and meetings for what was then known as the SOUTH BAY EXILES RFC. From the first pass I was hooked! as the practices and season went on I found my self slowly beginning to breath and dream Rugby. I was enjoying every second of that season, every second of practice, every hit during the game whether I was giving or receiving a hit. Our club consisted of players from Valley Christian and other local public schools, what was amazing was the fact that so many of us came from different back grounds and areas but yet we were able to come together and act like brothers in Arms. In Rugby there is no one star player, it takes all 15 players on the field to score, there is no dived of seniors or freshmen if you can play then you can play regardless of experience or grade level.
At about mid way through season my coach , Mike Annab pulled me aside in practice and asked "what position did you play in football? did you start?" I explained to him that in football the coaches have there set players who are "starters" and who are basically "bench warmers" and I was the second option. What he said next I wish I was told by so many other coaches, "I don't understand , you are so good you should of started". Rugby had given me a outlet to silence the voices in my head that I was a loner, a loser, a no body in a school that prides its self on school spirit and family environment. Rugby had given me a chance to show people how tough I can be and a outlet to release all my anger. From that team I was able to build new friendships and in fact one of my best friends is a guy who was younger then me but thanks to rugby were able to bound and still find time to grab a Pint or two. From there I was able to play a little bit with SJSU Rugby , just two fall seasons, blessed with the birth of my amazing daughter I had to hang the Boots up and be a father and make the money. I am grateful for them letting me play, also growing up my father and his brothers where (and still are) big Spartan Fans. So to able to play a new sport that I loved and also play for the college that I grew up rooting for my whole life, was in some ways a Dream come true.
Since then I was given a opportunity to coach at the High school level (U19) with newly formed Los Gatos Rugby, and continue to be involved with the club. I run a twitter account @LLRugby , Life Love Rugby , with a Facebook page . Rugby has become a major part in my daily life, from subscribing to Fox Soccer Plus to purely watch rugby games to constantly checking rugby websites to read up on any new developments. Half of my wardrobe consist of some form of rugby clothing. I've bought many rugby balls for my daughter to play with as she grows older and constantly bug my beautiful fiancé with nothing but rugby talk and new ideas to some how be involved with rugby. from ideas of starting a new men's club, to compliment the San Jose Seahawks to wanting to revive my old high school club. Bless her for putting up with me.
My biggest project I am currently working on, and yes with my fiancé blessing I should add, is trying to start up a Rugby invitation to be played here in San Jose, California. I want to give back to the rugby community like it helped to give back my life when I was at my lowest point. I love Rugby very much, I want to see all youth programs grow and become big enough to start to rival many soccer (football) programs. I truly believe that Rugby is the rarest of all sports and most giving. countless stories of how rugby saved or helped change young kids lives, gotten them off the streets or helped them get to college. Rugby is if not only then the minority of sports that regardless of age or level of experience, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference, there is no separation but only family. I want to see the passion in players eyes that i grew up to see in my fellow team mates. Silicon Valley Rugby Classic is my project, my tool to help give local youth programs, new or old a chance to connect to the communities.
thank you for taking time to read, This is Why i love rugby, this is what Rugby means to me.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Mexico begins preperation for NACRA 2014 xv's
Of the 45 players called to this concentration, two of them are newly promoted to the higher grade and seven are still M19 (four of them are 17) players. These nine players are considered a development group. The fact that the average age of the team is so young players contemplate M19 is looking to build a team for the future and give them time to fellowship and play together to generate a solid structure in the medium and long term.
January 31 to February 2 - concentration with 30 players
April - concentration combined with 30 players with two international matches (dates to be confirmed in the window of 5-26 April).
May 17 - Mexico vs Bahamas, Bahamas
June 7 - Mexico vs Jamaica in Jamaica
June 28 - Mexico vs Turks and Caicos
Called List:
| Gonzalo | Matias Pons | RFC Blackthunder |
| Erik | Castle | RFC Blackthunder |
| Miguel | Carner | RFC Blackthunder |
| Pascal | Nadaud | RFC Blackthunder |
| Christian | Henning | RFC Blackthunder |
| Carlos | Prieto | RFC Blackthunder |
| Hugo | Rodríguez | RFC Blackthunder |
| Luis | Rosete Hallybone | RFC Blackthunder |
| Damian | Arias | RFC Blackthunder |
| Santiago | De la Vega | RFC Blackthunder |
| Andrew | Rodríguez | RFC Blackthunder |
| Roberto | Calderon | Wolves Rugby Guadalajara |
| Carlos Antonio | Diaz-Barriga Susarrey | Wolves Rugby Guadalajara |
| Ignacio | Hernandez Obeso | Wolves Rugby Guadalajara |
| Gabriele | Nanni | Wolves Rugby Guadalajara |
| Diego | Gutiérrez | Wolves Rugby Guadalajara |
| Diego | Navarrese | Wolves Rugby Guadalajara |
| Mizael | I loredo | Monterrey Cumiyais RFC |
| Fharid | Samano | Monterrey Cumiyais RFC |
| Eugenio | I loredo | Monterrey Cumiyais RFC |
| Rigel | Galindo | Monterrey Cumiyais RFC |
| José Raúl | Reyes | Monterrey Cumiyais RFC |
| Max | Douek | Tazmania RFC |
| Simon | Pierre | Tazmania RFC |
| Alexander | Chavez | Tazmania RFC |
| Emiliano | Jiménez Sánchez | Tazmania RFC |
| Daniel | Noriega | Tazmania RFC |
| Sebastian | Diaz | Tazmania RFC |
| Maximiliano | Martinez | Tazmania RFC |
| Alvaro | Heron | Wallabies RFC |
| Alberto Ruiz | Luca de Tena | Wallabies RFC |
| Pedro | Leitao | Wallabies RFC |
| Gonzalo | Taddei | Wallabies RFC |
| Diego | Ramirez | Jaguars RFC |
| Eugenio | Bezanilla | Jaguars RFC |
| Jeffrey | Clarke | Querétaro |
| Diego | Ries | Coyotes |
| Luis | Hernández | UNAM Pumas Rugby |
| Bryan | Tarabusi | Hammerheads |
| Juan Pablo | Teran | ITESM Puebla |
| Roberto | Burgos | Old Aztecs - Tijuana Ravens RC |
| Jose de Jesus | Alvarez | Bees Guanajuato |
| David | Tobias | Lion Warriors |
| Juan Manuel | Ceja Matamoros | Templars RFC |
| Anthony | Gil Hernandez | Tigers Buenavista |
Heriberto Lachica: Manager
Ruben Duque: Coach / Trainer
McDonald Tamaha Manager Backs
Maximiliano Douek: Assistant Coach Scrum
Luis Santos: Athletic Trainer
Maria Fernanda Ortiz: Nutritionist
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Rugby 'world record' unsung in football-mad Cyprus (+playlist)
very interesting and good to hear stories of rising Developing rugby countries.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Help Collegiate /Elite women's rugby club to Las Vegas
Open letter from Elizabeth Entwhistle , Twitter: @LizEntwhistle
Any
support is appreciated and we'll place logos on jerseys (6 max) and
shorts (2 max) starting at $200. We've had 2 spots taken so far and 2
more pending and the larger donations will receive more prominent
placements. We will also include
social media mentions on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more as a
thank you to our donors. Finally, we are seeking out some blogging
opportunities and publications to feature news about our team, too!
We also have a donation website through gofundme.com where interested parties can donate smaller amounts too: http://www.gofundme.com/starsrugby7s
Thank you,
Liz Entwhistle
414 377 1756
__________________________________________________________________________________
Hello,
I am bringing 2 rugby teams with college players and club players from around the US and players from around the world to the Las Vegas Invitational (part of the USA 7s tournament LAS VEGAS which is a stop on the IRB series around the world, HSBC 7'S SERIES ). Most of our team has international experience but some players are younger collegiate all-stars on their way up who will have their first exposure to this level of play. While we seek to win and play at the highest level, it's also important to continue the camaraderie and spirit of the game that make rugby unique - to ensure the social traditions also continue and that we pass along the goodwill to the younger generation of players.
I am bringing 2 rugby teams with college players and club players from around the US and players from around the world to the Las Vegas Invitational (part of the USA 7s tournament LAS VEGAS which is a stop on the IRB series around the world, HSBC 7'S SERIES ). Most of our team has international experience but some players are younger collegiate all-stars on their way up who will have their first exposure to this level of play. While we seek to win and play at the highest level, it's also important to continue the camaraderie and spirit of the game that make rugby unique - to ensure the social traditions also continue and that we pass along the goodwill to the younger generation of players.
We're
looking for jersey/short sponsors, to help defray the costs of such a
trip. Our team is meeting in Vegas on the Wednesday prior to tournament
play in order to have a training session (and the Elite team
will have another practice on Thursday with some guest coaches) and the
Open players will have their tournament on Thursday/Friday while the
Elite team plays Friday/Saturday/Sunday. We'd play Sunday in the big
stadium if we make the championship match which
is very possible... just need to beat the Mexico and Japanese national
teams and we should!
Our
estimated expenses are $500 per players plus their own flights. This
includes the tournament entry fees, 5 hotel nights, ground
transportation, food/electrolyte tablets/performance gels, access to a
trainer/chiropractor/medical
supplies, ice baths, and our team jerseys/shorts/hooded
sweatshirts/long sleeve tech tees. It also covers our entry into the
men's tournament and any sponsors will help some of us surprise the
college girls with tickets as most don't have the budget for that
added expense. And a team dinner or two prior to our games wouldn't
hurt!
We also have a donation website through gofundme.com where interested parties can donate smaller amounts too: http://www.gofundme.com/starsrugby7s
Thank you,
Liz Entwhistle
414 377 1756
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Not to good looking
So far through three rounds team usa has not produce the results i think we all where hoping for, lets be honest we where hoping for cup final but non the less to only produce 4 wins and 11 loses while Spain is closing in and Canada pulling away , you have to think this gap between South Africa and Las Vegas ,Hawkins is gonna have to right the ship and start to turn the season around .
13th: canada 14 pts
14th: united state 9 pts
15th: spain 4 pts
16th: Russia 1pt.
Vegas pools:
pool A:
pool B:
pool C:
pool D:
13th: canada 14 pts
14th: united state 9 pts
15th: spain 4 pts
16th: Russia 1pt.
Vegas pools:
pool A:
| South Africa | |||||||||||
| Kenya | |||||||||||
| Wales | |||||||||||
| Canada |
pool B:
| New Zealand | |||||||||||
| Fiji | |||||||||||
| Australia | |||||||||||
| Scotland |
pool C:
| Samoa | |||||||||||
| Portugal | |||||||||||
| England | |||||||||||
| Uruguay |
pool D:
| Argentina | |||||||||||
| France | |||||||||||
| United States | |||||||||||
| Spain |
Sunday, December 1, 2013
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