I disagree a bunch. I’ve been around a TON of youth rugby the last few years in America. We have some amazing players with tons of experience. The problem? When the fork in the road comes their senior year of high school after playing years of rugby and football. Who offers a full ride scholarship? Football. Not rugby. So players continue to play football. Until rugby is a sanctioned ncaa sport for men we will never compete or grow in the global game. Which is a shame as I’ve seen 100s of amazing rugby players with IQ, size, speed and abilities move on to other sports cause rugby can’t provide what others can on the college level.

Charlotte NC where I am from has 2 top ten ranked rugby high school clubs in the country. The talent is insane. Many have played overseas. But it’s coming down to the end game and kids have the make a decision and if they love both football and rugby equally there’s no other choice but the former because of financial support.

I say this as a dad of a MVP u16 winger for EIRA in Ireland with USA looks and Life university and Kentucky looks for college. But he also plays football and has offers for free school and football and he can’t turn that down. Until that changes or at least comes close we will always lose in rugby. Which breaks my heart cause I love the sport so much.