American thought on Rugby?

Question

I'm from South Africa, here rugby is one of our favourite sports, even with all the politics surounding it these days. I just want to know what the people in U.S.A think about Rugby, since it seems that is starting to grow over there. I would assume most of the americans won't bother with it since they got American Football, am I right?

Answer 1

American Football is by far the most popular sport in the U.S.A.  Professional (NFL) and collegiate football are national institutions.

Rugby is making some inroads, mainly from European immigrants and college students who've played the game.  Team USA is gaining credibility, and gave England a good match in the Rugby World Cup.  

Unfortunately, it was hard to find live televised broadcasts of RWC matches in America, because Setanta (which owned the rights) put the good matches (and all of the All Blacks and Wallabies matches) on overpriced pay-per-view.

I began following international rugby a couple years ago, and have become a huge fan.  (I also have season tickets to NFL football.)  My loyalties are to the Wallabies and the NSW Waratahs, because I have a relative who was a legendary winger for them.

That being said, congratulations to the Boks on winning the Cup!  Without question, the best rugby on the planet is played in the Tri-Nations and Super 14!

Answer 2

it's not part of American culture and there's no reason for it to be.

Answer 3

I'm sure rugby is followed by some Americans, but not too many.  I'm sure for a lot of people it's just another sport played by "foreigners" or another sport "played in Europe".  I'm American but I can't stand American football.  I think it's just a bunch of fat guys running around hugging each other and touching each others butt's.  The funny thing is that it's considered a "man's sport" in the US.  I don't really follow rugby, but I have seen some games/matches, and I think it's 1000 times better than American football.

Answer 4

I'm an American, and I played rugby in college.  I'm female, though, and so American football wasn't an option even if I had been interested (I'm not).  

It's very hard to find places to watch rugby on tv or live games in the US.  My mother's in England, and she sees games all the time (and so has forbidden me from playing...sorry!  it's too fun to quit).

The only thing my friends and I dislike about rugby is just how often we get hurt, especially concussions.  it's not a sport someone who is only a little committed will try.

Answer 5

You are probably right about most Americans sticking with American football. I was never a rugby fan or really knew anything about the game. However, this fall I was in Italy and a huge rugby tournament was going on and my husband and I got hooked. We still don't really understand the game, but it was a lot of fun to watch. We would love to see more, but unfortunately, we can't really find it on the TV anywhere. Until then, we will be sticking with our college (American) football--Go Gators!

Answer 6

I like to watch rugby especially the rugby 7's play. I cannot watch the NFL anymore because those players seem to be overpaid and overweight. Rugby is more a real sport and faster.  I am thinking of playing rugby but my fear in more injury than trying the sport. I like super 14, internationals, and sevens play the most. The team from south africa I like to watch the cape town stormers. My favorite position is fullback or winger.

Answer 7

whenever i became the team captain of the first ever rugby team at my high school, the team underwent alot of critism. People said we "were just some kids who picked a ball up and called ourselves a team" and that "we only played rugby because we werent good enough to play football." even the athletic department condemned us because they didnt want rugby taking away atheletes from other sports, thus we werent even recognized as an official school sport. football is america's number one sport, period. however i love rugby and will continue to play it, as it gets a little bigger with time. alot of colleges have it and my state just got high school rugby for the first year, so it is growing. and you have to order a european sports package just to watch rugby. but noone here even knows what rugby is, or even care.

Answer 8

You are correct. Rugby here is growing but not enough. American football, Baseball & Basketball are the 3 top sports. Not sure Rugby is even in the top 10 sports. I am a huge fan and want it to be big here but as long as I can watch it on TV I'm good.

Answer 9

I played football all through school but started playing rugby after I joined the Navy.  I still watch football -I prefer college to pro- but I prefer to watch rugby.  I have opted for the more expensive DirecTV because they offer Setanta as an option just so I can watch some rugby.  (Even though I have to wade through countless soccer games to get to rugby, Gaelic football, and hurling.)  

When I am wear my rugby jersey out I get asked about it pretty often and spend a good bit of time explaining the rules and trying to overcome some American prejudices (like how brutal the sport is, how we like to stomp on opposing players, etc.)  I'm sure if Americans were familiarized with the rules they would take more notice and be more interestedin the game.

Answer 10

i watched a game in dubai, i thought it was awsum, much better than american football

Answer 11

I am American and have played both. By for Rugby rules!!!!

Hookers ARE tough

They get down and dirty with twelve other men, do in both ways, and don't stop for 80 minutes!

Answer 12

yeah abousuly right, i bet most americans did not know that USA were in the rugby world cup.