Universal coverage of Womens Rugby World Cup.

If you do not normally receive Universal Sports Network as part of their television package will be able to watch the New Zealand vs. USA match during week-long free previews from TV providers DIRECTV, DISH, Verizon FiOS and CenturyLink Prism starting August 6. To find Universal Sports in your channel lineup, please visit UniversalSports.com.
Universal Sports Network: IRB Women's Rugby World Cup 2014 Schedule
Date Time Match
August 1 10:30 a.m. LIVE USA vs. Ireland
August 5 6:30 a.m. LIVE USA vs. Kazakhstan
August 9 11:30 a.m. LIVE New Zealand vs. USA
August 13 11:30 a.m. LIVE Semifinal #1
August 13 5:00 p.m. LIVE Semifinal #2
August 17 12:30 p.m. LIVE Final

The Kings! Brooklyn KINGS

Aside from the teams added in the south to complement the Axemen, Another big splash in the USARL universe was the formation and addition of the Brooklyn Kings. In pervious posts I would normally ask the questions and handle the difficult task of creating questions to send over, seems easy but in a way its not especially when you want to ask the RIGHT questions. so for this Q&A I decided to turn this chance over to the Fans and those interested in  knowing more info from the KINGS. Thanks to Totalrl.com I was able to put up a posting in the Forum section. To everyone who posted there questions I thank you! so with our further-ado here is your questions and answers , Big thanks to Mathew Bailey from the kings organization for taking the time to answer all these.

·        What market have they targeted in New York, if any, with regard to promoting the team?

MB- We’ve definitely focused on the Brooklyn borough of New York City, with a broader goal of engaging the entire New York metropolitan area.  This is evident in the club’s mission, “To provide Brooklyn and the greater New York City metro area with the opportunity to play, spectate and engage in the sport of Rugby League.”

 

·        What’s the Castleford connection with the Kings?

MB- Castleford Tigers have played a vital role in raising the awareness of our brand. Nick Youngquest was the obvious link, and both Steve Gil and Brett Cullen have been amazing in spreading the Brooklyn Kings love across the UK. We’ve sold memberships worldwide, the majority coming from Castleford and nearby areas. Cas fans are one of a kind and have really thrown their support behind us. Their messages continue to come in every week, and these are the types of encouragement that make all the hard work worthwhile. Hopefully we can continue to build on this relationship, and one day repay Castleford fans with a friendly match in their home town.

 

·        Given that the rival organization has pretty much folded, have you had any contact with AMNRL players looking for games?

MB- We haven’t actively approached AMNRL players, but since there is no other active Rugby League team in New York this season, we’ve had a few Conneticut Wildcats and New York Knights players come over and play. We’ve welcomed them with open arms, and many of these guys are experienced, talented Americans who have played a huge role in developing the new guys who are playing their very first season of Rugby League. 

 

·        Is there much of a chance of getting the sport into local schools? 

MB- Absolutely.  The school where we play at, Midwood High School, has already approached us to develop a program to implement in 2015. We’ve also had expressed interest from other schools in Brooklyn. We’re working closely with the AYRLA to successfully get this program up and running. We consider grassroots the #1 priority in developing the sport on a national level.

 

·        Do you fancy touring Denmark?

MB- Who wouldn’t? Pastries and Caroline Wozniacki. I’m sold. In all seriousness, tours to various parts of the globe are a dream and are on the radar when funding allows. We have an exciting announcement next week regarding the Brooklyn Kings and other parts of the world. Stay tuned.

 

·        In a city such as New York, with several competing sports, what will be the niche for rugby league?

 

MB- New York loves its sport. Yes, it is a saturated market, but tickets continue to sell out for just about every one of those sports. I believe we will find Rugby League fans in American Football fans, particularly in their off-season, in the same way Australian’s LOVE watching Cricket in the summer, primarily because the footy (NRL and AFL) is on break. I think we can fill that sporting void in summer. There are many similarities between Rugby League and Football, and many Americans comment on how much more exciting our game is once they get a taste of it. We just need to get it in their faces. And we are slowly doing so. Additionally, very few sports call Brooklyn home, so we have a HUGE opportunity to feed that market.

 

·        What growing amateur sports can you look to for inspiration? 

MB- Definitely Major League Soccer. The MLS has soared to success in the last ten years or so, and Rugby League should try and follow a similar model. Following RLIF recognition, funding and media attention will follow, giving us greater scope for grass roots and development, and up and away from there. We’re in a good space to follow the path of the MLS.

 

·        What area of Brooklyn are you based in? 

MB- This year we trained and played out of Midwood High School. Over the off-season we will re-evaluate where we are at and move forward with either renewing our agreement of establishing a new relationship that is more beneficial to the club moving forward.

 

·        What sports do you look for players?

MB- Any and all. This year alone we’ve seen Football, Basketball and Soccer players come over in their off-season, and they’ve all loved it and improved vastly in a short period of time.

 

·        Do you think NYC could handle having another team based in Manhattan/Queens? 

MB- I think so. We’ve seen guys travelling up to two hours for training and games, and we’ve registered nearly 40 players. That’s just year one. I’d like to see the Brooklyn Kings consolidate their place in NYC before further teams were added, but down the track I can definitely see additional teams from Manhattan, Jersey, Connecticut etc. It would definitely be a positive move for the USARL, as long as the time is right and as little disruption is caused to existing clubs.

 

·        What's your 5 year plan?

MB- Our plan this year was to a) be successful off the field as a business and b) be competitive on the field. I 100% believe we achieved this. Moving forward over the next 4 years I want to place key emphasis on building our playing group (skills AND team culture/brotherhood). We’ve successfully built an attractive brand and built hype in the Rugby League world (Australia, NZ, UK etc). I want to continue giving back to these fans abroad by implementing innovative ways to interact with us, both during games and in general. This is a tough challenge, but a fun project for all of us to work on. Hopefully streaming of games is just around the corner, as well as live Q&A’s via platforms like UStream. These fans have been early adopters of the Kings and essentially made this club possible. I also want to put strong strategy into engaging the local community to build a following here in Brooklyn and New York that is just as big as our following overseas. I want to get into schools, attract the students and begin the local King culture.

 

·        I'd be interested to know what your budget is, particularly given the distances you're travelling (Boston, RI, Philly and DC). How much of this is funded by the players themselves. What revenue streams do you have?

MB- Players pay dues/fees of $200. This helps us cover costs for our team kits (which they get to keep at the end of the season), as well as travel/accommodation to all away games. Other revenue streams have been via sponsors, Savory Pie Guy, Kent Ale House and Sixpoint Brewery. Without these guys we wouldn’t be here today. We’ve also had to get creative with fundraising nights, membership drives and other events. Our operating budget is quite sizable for a first year team, but we’ve made it by largely thanks to our fantastic sponsor and member family.

 

·        Are you from New York or somewhere in Yorkshire? 

MB- Neither. I’m originally an Aussie, from Wollongong, NSW. I’m 24, graduated from a sports business degree in Sydney, worked for two years in sports sponsorship at the Nine Network, quit my job and travelled to New York on a working visa. Having played here in 2010, I thought this time I’d start my own team with fellow previous teammate, Justin Coffman.

 

·        What impact, if any, did last year's World Cup have on recruitment, enthusiasm, awareness etc.? 

MB- To be honest, very little. Most of my guys are brand new to the game of Rugby League so had little knowledge of the world cup. Although, now they definitely aspire to one day represent their country, which is absolutely achievable.

 

·        Why Brooklyn and the name kings?

MB- Brooklyn, because I live here and it is already a global brand. And the Kings because it is Kings County. Blue and Gold are also the colors of the flag.

 

·        What is the Status of USARL being sanction from RLIF? 

MB- Currently under application review with all requirements fulfilled. We’re looking forward to good news any moment now.

 Twitter: @BrooklynKingsRL

Website: brooklynkingsrugby.com   

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brooklynkingsrugbyleague

 

 

*next up is the northern Virginia Eagles , please submit any questions you have by Saturday: Totalrl.com post listing

Atlanta Rhinos

The USARL is now in its 4th season and at the beginning of this years competition the league welcomed  5 new clubs. Three new teams came to be thanks to the Southeastern Rugby League LLC. Atlanta Rhinos , Tampa Mayhem and the Central Florida Warriors. Of those three the one club that made the most noise before kick off was the Rhinos with news of having a partnership with what some may argue is the best Rugby League club, Leeds Rhinos. Dayral "Spinner" Howland who has an amazing resume to his name wheres multpile hats with in the USARL and developing rugby league in the south, Co-Owner and Founder of Southeastern Rugby League LLC and director of USA Rugby League South Conference, was gracious enough to answer some questions for LLR.
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How did the Atlanta Rhinos come to be?

 Southeastern Rugby League LLC. (SERL - The company that operates the Jacksonville Axemen) had been looking at the Atlanta market for over 2 years. In late 2013 SERL meet with interested operating partners in Atlanta to discuss the creation of an expansion franchise. In early 2014 an agreement was formed between SERL and the Atlanta Renegades to create an Atlanta Rugby League Team. As part of the deal SERL committed to underwrite the capital, and drive sponsorship sales for the Atlanta Rhinos. Soon after Kill Cliff Sports Recovery Drink, and Carpet Care Multi Services were secured as major sponsors, and things never looked back. Both these sponsors allowed a lot more to happen in the first year, than was planned.
(SERL also invested in the TAMPA MAYHEM and the CENTRAL FLORIDA WARRIORS, as part of their commitment to help grow Rugby League in the USA)

How is the relationship between the Rhinos (League) and Renegades (Union) club and other clubs in Atlanta?

It has been an incredible relationship. We have a great number of cross over players from over 4 Union Clubs. We have players coming from Union teams in AL and also GA Southern University. It has been a great mix of players from many clubs and backgrounds. We also have 3 players with American Football back grounds who have relocated to Atlanta, and are doing very well at the 13 man code. There are also many interested emails from a variety of young players, who we are directing to the Renegades for the Fall season.
It has also allowed us to sell "Year Round Rugby Sponsorships" with partners being able to get 12 months of promotion and advertising thru the multiple seasons.
 
The Rhinos model is one where the players never pay for anything. The team covers all costs, and there are no dues, no fees, etc. When it comes to team operations, the players never put their hand in their own pockets. Travel, hotels, meals, uniforms, venue rental, etc. are all covered by the team. And in return there are high expectations of the players both in performance and commitment to team, and in their off field approach the game and the BRAND that is the team.
The one thing we do NOT buy our players is beer. There is no "kegger" after game. We host a Meet and Greet that fans are invited to attend, and this is a chance to show them how professional our sport and players can be. Players can enjoy a drink and conversation with each other, fans and sponsors, but everything in moderation.

Atlanta Silverback’s stadium is a very top notch facility, for those interested in attending a match there what type of experience can they expect to have, and how have the crowds been in the inaugural year?

It is a full sporting event experience. We have full concessions with Beer, Wine and Food on sale. Each game has a game day announcer and all games are videoed and put on YouTube the week after each game. Full sponsor banner and live verbal recognition at games, and we produce a season program with players profiles and sponsor advertisements. There is team merchandise for sale at all home games, and the overall day is like a full minor league sporting event. Ticket pricing is $5 and Kids 15 and under are admitted free, and this has seen crowds between 250 and 300 attend every home game.

One of the questions that popped up when it was announced of the partnership between Leeds and Atlanta was, how did that happen?

 Leeds Rhinos have visited the USA (FL) on three occasions for training camps and games, and they have a great interest in growing the Rhinos brand, as well as progressing Rugby League in the USA. Leeds CEO, Gary Hetherington, is a very open minded and progressive thinker, and his relationship and experience based on previous interactions with the owners of SERL, and events in FL, allowed for the partnership to come to fruition. In the future the relationship will continue to drive the Rhinos brand in the USA, and also give USA Players an opportunity for player experience in the UK. The Leeds Rhinos are an Iconic name in the Rugby World, so we are honored to be able to share the Rhinos Brand.

Have you seen any immediate benefits in this inaugural year between both clubs? 

Yes for all three clubs. The Renegades are great partners in the Atlanta market and the change in culture towards a more business-like approach, and the player expectations based on this, has been a huge step in the right direction. This is a long term, year round, Rugby operation, and that helps grow a fan base, better attraction for sponsors, and the potential for a larger reach into the overall sporting market. The Partnership with Leeds has also been great, with the support from the UK fans who are based in Atlanta for work, and we also have USA fans who are now following the success of the Leeds team in the UK. All three teams are having progress due to the joining forces.

How has this first year gone for the Rhinos on and off the pitch?  

Firstly we call it a field. We believe if you are going to sell a product to the USA Sports fan you need to speak in a language they understand. We also don’t care if our fans want to refer to the "Set of 6 Tackles" to a set of downs. We believe forcing a fan to learn a new "sporting language" just to enjoy a new and pioneering sport, is counterproductive to the rapid understanding and growth of the game. The year has been incredible in all aspects. On the field the team has performed very well based on the tough opposition and we are already identifying some players for some "next step" opportunities. Off the field the team is WAY above above expectations. We have partnerships with KILL CLIFF Sports Recovery Drink that is a national brand. We also have a partnership with Lulu lemon. And the local partners are all well-known brands in the Atlanta area. The most exciting thing is the culture within the team. Players hold each other accountable for their performance and actions at all times. They all understand that this is THEIR BRAND and they are all the faces of it. They have all attended team promotional events, and all helped drive the fan base and excitement around the Rhinos Brand. We already have multiple merchandise orders being shipped around the USA and overseas. At last count Atlanta Rhinos Jerseys are being worn in 5 other countries already and the season is not ever over yet.

What can we expect going forward from the club, in youth development and spreading the League code in the south?

  With the partnerships we have in the Atlanta area, all expansion opportunities are being looked at for 2015. We prefer to look at this as RUGBY with a 15 and 13 option during the year. With the number of crossover players in the world now, the chance to allow players decide if they want to play both, or one over the other, is the best way to move everyone forward.

Changing topics a bit, a lot of people have been asking when we will hear word on the status of the USARL application to the RLIF ?

 The USARL has applied for RLIF membership and we meet all needed criteria. We are waiting for the RLIF to meet to progress the application.

The Iowa City Crash have said that they will join the USARL next season, is there any rumors to more southern rugby league clubs going to join also?

 Yes, many developing regions are in talks with the USARL. Chicago, Iowa, St. Louis, Texas, North Carolina, just to name a few. The USARL is working with all interested parties to help them develop a sustainable model to create teams in their area. Firstly in a small geographical format to allow for low travel budgets, that allow for them to put all efforts into local development. The model is to allow small regional comps in the beginning, and then let regions grow at a sustainable rate, where the ultimate goal is to compete in the National Competition. There is way too much money given to airlines and hotels when team first start due to the distance in the USA. Finding manageable travel allows for more money to be focused on the game and teams, and when they are have a solid foundation they can look to increase their travel reach.

When could we expect to see rugby league code begin to make its way westward in America?

 The USARL is talking to interested operators in the Western Regions and on the West coast. The idea is to ensure that development is done at a rate, and level, that can be sustained for multiple years. There is a great interest in the 13 man code in the USA, so USA Rugby League is being very open in assisting anyone who contacts them asking for help or ideas to create teams of competitions.

Twitter: @AtlantaRhinos 

Website : atlantarhinos.com

Facebook : www.facebook.com/atlantarhinos

TGIF - Friday USA 7s coach

For Immediate Release

Submitted by USA Rugby

July 18, 2014

BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby announced Friday Mike Friday will become the next Men’s Eagles Sevens head coach.

Friday will work alongside National Development Director for the Men’s Eagles Sevens Alex Magleby and Assistant Coach Chris Brown while continuing his duties at London Scottish for the 2014-15 Greene King IPA Championship season.

Friday and Brown will implement a new training regimen for the Eagles Sevens program at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. This will replicate the program the two put in place as head coach and assistant coach, respectively, of the Kenya Sevens national team during the 2012-13 IRB HSBC Sevens World Series circuit. Friday and Brown improved the team’s 12th-place 2011-12 finish to fifth in just one season. Kenya also reached the third-place match at IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013.

As head coach of the England sevens team from 2002 to 2006, Friday won four consecutive Hong Kong Sevens Cups – a feat no team has managed since – and back-to-back Dubai Sevens and London Sevens titles. In all, Friday won 11 Cups during his time with England and led the team to its only medal at a Commonwealth Games in 2006. He also represented and captained his country on the circuit as a player.

“I am naturally delighted and excited about the challenge of returning to the IRB World Sevens circuit and starting a new Sevens journey with the USA Eagles,” Friday said. “The program will be run much like how I implemented the successful performance cycle program in the past, which will allow me the ability to continue in my role as director of rugby at London Scottish.

“I am fortunate to have both the full support of London Scottish and the USA Eagles and look forward to an exciting season ahead for both club and country.”

The Eagles will get their first opportunity to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games – the first Olympics to include Rugby Sevens on the Games Program – during the upcoming 2014-15 Series. The season will begin in October at Gold Coast Sevens with London Sevens the final round of the nine-stop tour in May 2015.

The Eagles’ home leg of the circuit, USA Sevens, is scheduled for Feb. 13-15 in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Mike has had enormous success on the Sevens circuit and we are delighted he has accepted this new challenge,” said USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Nigel Melville, who was Friday’s coach at London Wasps. “The players at the OTC have already begun working with Chris and first Men's Eagles High Performance Sevens camp this weekend will help kick off the season.”

Open Questions for Mexico Rugby

The Mexican rugby union has agreed to answer some questions from me, and i want to take the chance to let you the fans and those who are curious a opportunity to submit any questions you may have.

Cut off time is 7/18/14 @ 12pm pacific time.

*post questions in the comment box.

This Is American Rugby: Davis, Sac State Join Pacific Western Conference

This Is American Rugby: Davis, Sac State Join Pacific Western Conference: Press Release San Jose, CA July 8th, 2014: The Pacific Western Rugby Conference has confirmed that the teams from University of Califor...



this is very good news, PAC-West rugby is building its self up to be a very stable and strong conference in a ever changing college rugby landscape. sadly the D1A conference is now pretty spread out, i would not be shocked if Santa Clara decided to come into the Pac west fold and St. Marys take a CW route and go independent. would be interesting if Cal Poly would also consider coming in seeing as they area  bit of a drive yet close enough for other teams to travel and could be a closer partner to Fresno St.



with one more team (10 team) the conference could then consider breaking up the conference into two divisions north/south east/west and even with adding three more clubs (12) would make it even more likely with the division champions playing in a one off championship game and winner moves on to represent conference.



current make up:

Stanford

Chico

San Jose St.

San Francisco St

Fresno St

Nevade

UC Santa Cruz

UC Davis

Sacramento St.

Eagles looking ahead to rematch against Rebellion

Eagles looking ahead to rematch against Rebellion
*working on a Q&A with the Brooklyn Kings, hope to have them up soon

Pos	North East	Pld	W	T	L	Game Points	Pts
4	Boston Thirteens	5	3	0	2	240 - 82	6
6	Brooklyn Kings	5	1	1	3	100 - 150	3
7	Rhode Island Rebellion	4	1	1	2	118 - 186	3

Pos	North Atlantic	Pld	W	T	L	Game Points	Pts
1	D.C. Slayers	4	4	0	0	204 - 78	8
3	Philadelphia Fight	4	4	0	0	186 - 72	8
8	Northern Virginia Eagles	4	1	0	3	190 - 152	2
11	Baltimore Blues	4	0	0	4	40 - 358	0

Pos	South	Pld	W	T	L	Game Points	Pts
2	Jacksonville Axemen	4	4	0	0	162 - 46	8
5	Central Florida Warriors	4	3	0	1	125 - 108	6
9	Atlanta Rhinos	4	1	0	3	76 - 105	2
10	Tampa Mayhem	4	0	0	4	58 - 162	0

This Is American Rugby: Davis, Sac State Join Pacific Western Conference

this is awesome news, glad to hear that PWRC is adding more teams 



This Is American Rugby: Davis, Sac State Join Pacific Western Conference: Press Release San Jose, CA July 8th, 2014: The Pacific Western Rugby Conference has confirmed that the teams from University of Califor...

LIFE WEST GLADIATORS

A few months back i did a Q&A with Life West and there beginnings of there new rugby mens program. participating in norcal mens DIII division this still was no cake walk for them, especially playing against clubs that where already established and playing for years against each other. to pull out a undefeated season i am sure was nothing but a dream for everyone involved when pen was hitting paper in creating the program. None the less my hat goes off to Life West and all those involved, players, coaches, trainers, managers and all family and friends involved that attributed to a amazing run during first year and deep into the playoffs. Viki Hudson, forwards and assistant coach for life west, answered a few questions pertaining to overview of season, off season plans and national rugby headlines. 

LLR- Life just finished off not only there first year but a absolute shocker, amazing, wonderful first season. How disappointing was it to see your self’s get so close to not only go undefeated in regular season play but also in playoff play and then lose it in the final?

VH- The Gladiators were focused all season on just playing our absolute best. Winning was just the by product from asking the players to put forth their best effort, stay disciplined and execute the game plan and that created great team play, an undefeated season and an exceptional post season run. We didn’t play our best game in the final at Nationals and for the first time, we were more focused on winning than on executing the game plan with our best effort. The boys had some brilliant plays though and excellent multi-phases of play and just that the team got there in its first year is a phenomenal accomplishment. We held the far more experienced opposition to just 25 points and got on the board with 7 points; everyone associated with the Gladiators are immensely proud of each and every player and the team as a whole.

LLR- Will the same team be back for next season?

VH- We don’t expect much team turnover though we do expect a number of new players who will have just graduated high school locally that will move up to the Gladiators, perhaps a few transfers that live in the Hayward area and of course, with the rugby scholarship for students at Life Chiropractic College West that will bring in a few more domestic and international players too. This influx will enable us to continue building and field both an A and B side in the next season.

LLR- Going forward into the off season of xv’s what plans do you guys have as a club to keep guys in shape and the ball rolling?

VH- The boys had a few weeks off after nationals and then we had some touch rugby sessions. Now, we’re training for sevens. Those not playing sevens will continue their off season and 15s prep work.

LLR- What 7’s tournaments are you guys involved in for this summer?

VH- The team is entered in the Palo Alto Sevens. We competed in the first iteration recently with two sides, Gladiator Sword and Gladiator Shield, Sword ended the day 5 – 0 undefeated while the Shield ended with 4 wins and a tied game.  

LLR- With such a great first year has that helped bring in more sponsors for the club or create more exposure with in the community?

VH- The word on the Gladiators is still getting out there. We are hopeful the successful run will certainly help with bringing in more sponsors. We are always looking for individuals or companies that want to invest in this great program.

LLR- When could we see the college it’s self-begin to compete in the college level and at what Division would the team play in?

VH- The fielding of a fully collegiate side is the objective though there will always remain the legacy of a community team for graduate students, alumni and community members. In fact, the college is currently conducting a search for the newly created Athletic Director position who will also take over as Head Coach for the rugby team as Coach Tez Molloy is returning overseas.

LLR- Will the gladiators be moving up any divisions in the mens competition to DII or DI?

VH- We anticipate a move into NCRFU’s men’s DII. A move into DI would be too much at the stage where we are now. DII will bring its own challenges and much tougher competition.

LLR- A few questions outside of LIFE WEST rugby,

What do you think about the ALL Blacks game in November and the sellout crowd, will this game do more harm than good or is it great for rugby in America?

VH- Bringing international rugby and our national sides into our communities is good for the sport all around as the more people see rugby and experience the excitement and thrill of the game, the more people will want to watch, play, and support the game.

LLR- Thoughts on USA 7’s program?

VH- This is an exciting time for American rugby, especially Sevens, for men and women. Most Olympic sports you have to start that Olympic dream when you’re in grade school. Not American rugby. There are athletes just now in high school or college that will be in competition for Olympic rugby gold.

LLR- Lastly, what is your opinion on the Super 7’s model being shopped around, will it catch on or will it be disaster?

VH- Wait and see.


*if you want to keep up with the Gladiators be sure to fallow them on facebook and twitter: https://www.facebook.com/LifeWestRugby ,  @GladiatorRugby

This Is American Rugby: Who Will Be The Next Eagles 7s Coach?

This Is American Rugby: Who Will Be The Next Eagles 7s Coach?: We know that the next Eagles 7s coach is going to be announced shortly. The U.S.A. Rugby release announcing Matt Hawkins's resignati...