The Sleeping Giant Of World Rugby Has Finally Awakened

World rugby’s sleeping giant has awakened. Remember the date 17th May 2015 because this is when America took its first steps to becoming part of the games big nations after winning the London Sevens title beating Australia 45 – 22.

It’s about time to as the end of last year I wrote a piece explaining why the USA are the sleeping giants of world rugby. After winning their historical victory things can only get better as they’ll be breaking more history with their first ever elite championship called the National Rugby Football League.

This will be the start of the professional game in the country and it’s about time. America has woken up to the fact they have everything to be a major force in this sport, just look at Samu Manoa and Chris Wyles in the Premiership, Wyles has been in terrific form for Saracens in the back end of this season while Manoa was amazing for Northampton Saints at the first half of the season and will be joining Tolon next season.

Then look at their sevens squad led by the first man in rugby, Carlin Isles. Then you have the All Blacks coming to play at Solider Field which was the first ever test match to be played on an NFL venue and what’s even better, even though USA lost 74 – 6, they showed the 61,000 sold out crowd how the game is played.

The game was also broadcasted live on NBC and attracted an average audience of 900,000.

Now looking forward to this summer, two Premiership teams will be travelling across the pond as Harlequins will be facing the US national side, while Leicester Tigers taking on the NRFL Rough Riders in the inaugural Independence Cup. Both these games will be played in Philadelphia.

On why the US Eagles will be returning to Philadelphia the national sides CEO Nigel Melville how important the state’s love of the sport to help the growth of the game. “This is truly a rugby hotbed. We had a sold-out stadium full of spirited fans that wanted to see their Eagles take flight. Philadelphia loves their rugby, and we’re excited to be back.” 

Quins Chief Executive David Ellis added “We have been working on this with USA Rugby for some time and everyone at the Club is hugely excited about the tour to Philadelphia and this ground – breaking fixture with the USA.

“Harlequins is a globally recognized club and this match will help drive our global ambitions. Rugby in the USA is a sleeping giant and we are looking forward to being a part of this unique occasion as we begin to help develop the sport in America.” 

In the same city, the Tigers will be taking part in the first ever elite rugby match played in the States by a professional US team with the match being played at Lincoln Financial Field, which if you’re an American Football fan is the home of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Leicester, the 10 – time Premiership champions, will face a team made up of former NFL  players, College American football players and collegiate, club and international rugby players.

Don Smolenski, president of the Philadelphia Eagles, said “This match kicks off the first rugby game for an elite US team against a historic rugby stalwart, the Leicester Tigers."   

While Tigers Chief Executive Simon Cohan sees a chance to raise the profile of the club in a lucrative market, adding “Rugby is making massive strides there and the fixture will provide an excellent platform for the home-based players, and also for our squad as they prepare for a new season.” 

Recently the US Eagles announced they’ll be returning to Solider Fields to take on Australia as both sides get ready for the World Cup. 

Melville had this to say “We are excited to be returning to Chicago for this important match which will be a final Rugby World Cup send-off game for both teams. Soldier Field provides a unique fan experience and an electric atmosphere.” 

While the ARU Chief Executive Bill Pulver said “The opportunity to bring the Qantas Wallabies to a new market in the United States is a major boost for our code in Australia.” 

This is great for raising the profile of the sport in one of the biggest countries in the world. If the NRFL builds some excitement for rugby then it could be seen as another avenue for college football players because according to the NACC only 1.6 percent will make it to the NFL that’s less than 2 in 100. 

Then you have the colleges that showcase rugby now those players have something to aim for to become the next Manoa and play in leagues like the Premiership and Top 14.

Finally, with the USA making a bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup the future is bright for the land of dreams.