California Bear in the North East

Rugby League has seen a explosion of clubs and the player pool over the last four years has grown tremendously , and for the first time in a long time the waters have calmed for the 2024 season and all competitions are competing under one governing banner. Anson Jiang is the man in charge leading the newly rebranded Boston Bears into battle for the season. Anson comes from the west coast and union playing background but has a passion for rugby League and pushing the code forward with the cooperation from the North Sydney Bears. The the beasts of the east are preparing to be the flag bearers of a new age for development of rugby league in America.

LLR- Where did you first start playing rugby?

A- I first started playing rugby at San Jose State University sometime around Fall 2012 after seeing a flier at the gym at SJSU.

LLR- How was your time playing at SJSU, any memorable moments stick out?

A- I had a lot of fun playing at SJSU and made a lot of great friends along the way. I think there are too many memories that stood out while playing at SJSU like the UCSC Slugfest tournament, going to Reno to play against UNR and playing in the alumni games.

LLR- When did you start playing Rugby League and for what club?

A- I started playing in 2019 a week after moving to Boston from San Francisco. One of my teammates and coach from the San Jose Seahawks played Rugby League before and asked if I was interested in playing. The first club I played for was with White Plains Wombats at the time and played against the Boston 13s for a game and ended up joining the Boston 13s afterwards.

LLR- How was the transition from playing union to playing league, what was the hardest part coming from one code into another?

A- The transition wasn't too bad since they are both collision sports and requires carrying the ball and tackling. I think the hardest part was learning the rules of the game like playing the ball correctly and having to run back 10 meters on defense.

LLR- The Boston Bears, formerly the 13’s, has been yet another positive factor some may say from the Las Vegas NRL event where new relationships have developed from international sides with a USA based club team. How has the process and any feedback been since the partnership was started between Boston and North Sydney?

A- Our e-board was able to get this setup so all the credit goes to them. The process overall has been amazing and pleasurable with North Sydney who has been nothing but helpful as well as respectful to the Boston 13’s heritage and history. They have worked with us every step of the way. We are excited with this new partnership and seeing what the future has in store for us.

LLR- Where do the Bears hold home matches during the season?

A- Last year, we held our home matches at Mignone Field at Harvard University, but this year we are going between having it at Grellier Field in Newton, MA and Pine Banks Field in Malden, MA. We are welcoming anyone to come practice with us at Newton Highlands Playground on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30PM.

LLR- How many players on the team also play or come from a union playing background?

A- I believe most of our players if not all of them have played or are currently playing union with a club around the Greater Boston area.

LLR- What's your opinion on playing rugby league here in America, can both union and league coexist, do both have something to offer the other for players interested or should it be one or the other?

A- I think they can both coexist in America since they are fun sports to play and some of the skills from both codes are transferable to one another such as tackling, ball carrying and passing.

LLR- What would you say to those who are skeptical about playing rugby league, or to those who think it's a bad idea?

A- I'd say give it a try. You'll never know and you might end up liking the sport instead.

LLR- For the first time ever all four regions of rugby league major competitions are competing under one governing USARL umbrella, RLU (north east), PCRL (west coast), URL (Rockies ) and FRL (south east), How has the relationship been between your team and others around the country?

A- The relationship between every one of the conferences and teams has been great. Although we play each other in our respective divisions we all support each other and want rugby league to grow in the United States. Every team no matter what always has respect for the next team and at the end of the day we are excited and pleased that we are all unified in the same league with the USARL.

LLR- Words of encouragement for anyone considering starting their own rugby league club?

A- I'd say to get as many people interested as possible. The rugby league community has been great and we all are supportive of each other and have a common goal of growing the sport in the US.

LLR- How can fans follow your journey, the Boston bears and show support?

A- Instagram: @bostonbears.rl

LLR- Boston Bears playing a friendly against an Oregon rugby league team sounds like a good time, wouldn't it be a site?

A- I agree since this will be a great opportunity as this will help both clubs prepare for the matches in their respective conferences.