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.
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