Could Rugby give the NFL a run for its money if every allowed?

Question

I meant, if the intentional suppression of Rugby by the NFL here in the US was ever to cease, would Rugby grow to be as big as the NFL?

I would like to see that day.

Answer 1

They are different sports, but as a Rugby fan I know which I'd support.

The All-star match-up is a fantasy, because they are too different to come to a middle ground in the rules (like International Rules Football between Irish Gaelic Football and Australian Rules Football).

I think there is a future or Rugby in America, just as there is room for American football in Europe.

Answer 2

I definately think that rugby would give the NFL a run for its money if it was set up in the USA with the same exposure and financial backing. Growing up in Canada and being a huge CFL and NFL fan I thought it was the greatest game on earth!...............But after moving to New Zealand 7 years ago my thoghts have changed. The pace of rugby and the fact that it is a far more athletic game has made it my No1 sport. 22 men in a team as opposed to 40 some odd players where the team changes every play. You cant compare the athleticism when you have at least 8 of your starting 15 playing the full 80 minutes.

It would be great to see it get the exposure but we all know it will never happen.

Answer 3

If you mean if they played against each other then i believe yes. For example Brian Habanna can do 100 meteres in about 10 seconds and Andrew Sheridan (a 6'5" and 20 odd stone prop) can bench press about 260 kg. however it would sepend on if they had time to practice each others sports.