In the USA rugby is not a big sport?

Question

Yes they know about it and many like it: those who saw it being played while abroad and those that play it in local clubs/ or colleges. But why is there such a fear to embrace rugby more? Goodness rugby jersey's are just a fashion item over here.

Answer 1

Rug what.?..that's how little we know about it

Answer 2

ok Americans dont like rugby for the same reason we dont like soccer, We cannot dominate at it, there are other countries that would absolutly murder us at it and we dont wont to show weakness, So until the day comes we can absolutley dominate, we will continue to ignore it. And the jerseys are quite comfortable

Answer 3

Because we have football.  And we already know how to play that.

Answer 4

Wel, who's to understand the mind and taste of the average American? Millions of them go crazy watching the farce that they call 'professional wrestling.'

Answer 5

Rugby is a fine sport and there are quite a few leagues down here.

(Southern U. S.)

Answer 6

I don’t think it’s the fear of embracing rugby, it’s the fact of not letting it older generation catch on, that they actually enjoying Rugby.

I watched an American football game last night where Tigers needed a touch down to win.

They were almost out of time, but they quickly snap the ball and went for it with a run play.

The run play resulted to a game of rugby where it went through approximately over 20 of the Tiger players’ hands.

Passing it to the left side of the field, then to the right side of the field.

Mean while their opposition was tackling them and hitting them hard, but the Tigers continued to pass it before going to ground.

Passing it back to the left side of the field, again passing it back to the rights side of the field and again back to the left side of the field scoring a ‘Touch Down.’

So, although they may not express themselves off the field, they sure are enjoying expressing themselves on the field.

In my opinion, it wasn’t the fact of scoring the touch down that got them all excited, it was how they scored it, and this is a fine example why we all enjoy ‘Rugby.’

Answer 7

It isn't as big because there just aren't many programs around. Growing up the option to play rugby is almost unheard of, it is usually soccer, football, or basketball. I also found that for some reason alot of schools don't want to sponsor it because of all the injuries (pretty much lack of knowledge of the game in my opinion since A. football is just as bad). I found this out when my sisters were starting out and their H.S. wouldn't sponsor it. They had to find a local club to help them with a little funding and field space.

I think since American football(commonly compared) is adored by so many already and other programs are available at such a young age rugby isn't an option. That being said it is a growing sport in the U.S. and it seems to be trickling down as an option for youngsters now. I hope it does get bigger because it is a great sport.

Answer 8

Rugby is not a big sport in the US because it is not backed by any major cooperations which will allow players to be paid big bucks like in the Prem. or Magners league. If there was a financial backing there would be more television spots and publicity for teams and players which would int turn create interest from Americans. Right now the interest is in the big three football, basketball, and baseball

Answer 9

Cause they're afraid to admit that American football is a sissy rip-off of our wonderful rugby.

Answer 10

I'm not really sure why it's not popular over here. Maybe its popularity will increase with time. There's really nothing about it in the media, so I bet if suddenly rugby was all over TV people would get into it more.

Answer 11

Same story with Lacrosse, Hockey, and Soccer in the USA. I believe it mostly has to do with money. The general media makes more on the Superbowl than any other event, period.

If the major networks, fox, nbc, cbs, and even espn were to back any of these sports they would most likely grow.

Answer 12

Its big among teenagers and kids have their own clubs (same as my friends and I in canada) But they aren't as in to it as anyone else. I think because football is so big rugby sort of gets ignored. OUr national sport is hockey which isnt at the same time as rugby so we're able to do both...

Answer 13

I don't get it either, it's like there's this massive resistance to it.  And the jerseys are great--fashionable and comfortable.  What's  not to like?

Answer 14

cuz its a c**p game. rugby league is much better

Answer 15

My high school had a rugby team. And from what I understand a d**n good one.

It was St. Francis Prep. in Brooklyn,NYC.Maybe you heard of them? I was not into it then because I played on their football team. I watched a few games. I was impressed. Rugby is a very manly sport.

To say the least.

But Rugby,like soccer is not going to draw the crowds

like football, and baseball does. We are too set in our sporting ways to ever really give it a chance, I'm sad to say. We'd rather sit and watch a bunch of redneck as*****ls in 50 race cars go round and round and round and around and again and again until you are bored to tears waiting for that next glorious NASCAR crash. I think you are right, there is something wrong here.

Answer 16

In my opinion, i believe it comes down to the amount of sport being played in america! The sporting market in america is so crowded with so many sports playing, NFL, Hockey, Basketball etc etc, it is hard to broadcast sports that have minor status regardless if it is popular everywhere else! It is also a business issue, where the richer sports are more dominant or lets just say the popular sports with fanz! Profit Driven.

I truly believe its the IRB's job to do more for the northern american nations to promote the sport up there because if new zealand has 4million people and produces one of the finest rugby team in the world. I strongly believe USA can be a force to be recognized with especially with its multicultural nature. They got variety to choose from, height, propz! and more!

It just needs more time to develop! Thats why theres a sevens tournament up there now...promote the sport more in the seven a side and the 15 a side game!