Rugby and Australian Rules Football exposure in the U.S?

Question

First off I have to say I have a great deal of respect for Rugby Players and Australian Rules Footballers , they are some Great sports rich in tradition , I don't understand why a majority of people here in the states always have negeative things to say about the sports , do you think that it is because of the lack of exposure that it gets here in the states or just a lack of knowledge in general , best answer 10 big ones !

Have a good Night or Morning wherever you might be.

Answer 1

I'm an Aussie living in Sydney, I can't really stand AFL, personally I find it embarassing ! I think compared to Rugby and League players they play like cats and fight like girls ! Can't stand the rubbish ! The fact they call it "Australian Football" is a sin against men who play a much tougher code of football in New South Wales and Queensland. Rugby League is the toughest code anywhere ! Especially the State of Origin series played each year. Next would be the Australian Rugby League tour of Great Brittain where our "kangaroos" have earn't the "Invisible" tag, than woyld be the Rugby Union World Cup where again we will be World Finalist, most probably Champions, but it will be tough !

I've actually played Gridiron here in Sydney, which was a lot of fun. At my age (35) I could handle that with all the gear, helmet and padding but I wouldn't be able to walk straight after a Rugby League match now ! Thats the difference !

Answer 2

Lack of wanting to learn about the games.  The American mind set is play - break - commercial - play - break - play - commercial.  The attention span is not there.  To watch a full half without interruption is too much for most Americans.  I play rugby and watch it when I can find it.  I still cannot find ARF as I do not have satellite.  Soccer (football) is just starting to get big as sponsors have caught on that it is huge everywhere else.  It won't happen with rugby and footy.

American club rugby player