A while back I did reach out to James Fonda, commissioner of PacWest Rugby Conference, on his opinion for some questions that where also asked a few post back.
It has been sometime since he has responded and I unfortunately am just getting to posting them now.
apologies to all, and I am currently working on a new post also.
LLR-Over the course of the last five years have you seen growth of rugby in NorCal or has it gone stagnant?
JF- I do not get see all levels of rugby but I think some levels are going strong like the collegiate women. I think there needs more competition levels with a pathway to move when programs are getting stronger or weaker.
LLR- Is there more that can be done to grow the game at a youth level for both boys and girls? There is always more that can be done.
JF- I think one of the things that could be done is college programs need to do more to get youth involved such as rugby camps, speaking to programs, invitations to watches matches or practices.
LLR- The amount of girls rugby programs compared to boys through Rugby NorCal is very minimal. What should or can be done to change that and prevent programs from folding.
JF- Programs so often fold for a couple of reasons. One, a coach has a son or daughter on a team so there is invested interest in really helping a program. Once that son or daughter leaves that program so does that coach or parent who really has done a lot of work for that program. It leaves a huge void that needs to be filled. Second, just a lack of organization and understanding the game.
LLR-With NorCal having quite a few big cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose where would a MLR team fit best, or is there room for two teams?
JF- I think in time there could be room for two teams. Right now MLR needs to establish itself first and build that foundation. It has some recent high profile signings but those players will leave eventually. Broad expansion can kill MLR however no expansion looks like no growth and therefore no interest. MLR has done well to expand in markets that can use a sports team and yet not get over their head financially. So, I think Sacramento will be a good choice.
LLR-With the news of yet another financial failure from USA rugby is it time to blow it up and restart the governing Union or do you think there should be drastic changes done before we get to that point ?
JF- I think USA Rugby should actually stop and try to reinvent the wheel. They are always thinking multi-dimensional when it comes to the game that is has caused good people to leave and constant chaos. USA Rugby is great at doing post season competitions and governance of those competitions. It is here that should be trying to make them better and better. I also think they should really start looking for different revenue streams no matter how small. USA Rugby constantly weighs on the dues from its members. They really need to explore other revenue streams at different levels of rugby.
LLR-What are your expectations for the USA men's xv's in the 2023 world cup (IF they qualify of course) and the women's xv's 2021 World cup.
JF- I honestly think we have great coaches in the last few years. The men need to spend more time playing as a team. They are doing a little better with new competitions but they need to have a little more practice time. I am very hopeful for both sides.