Culture
The USA won the gold medal for Rugby Union the last time it was played in the Olympics back in 1924. This is a testimony to the popularity the sport achieved back in the early 20th century, despite the competition from rival local sports such as baseball. Rugby came to the United States in the 1870's brought over the border by British Canadians exchange students, the sport quickly took hold in colleges such as Harvard were it remains popular to this day. In the 20th century American Football was created as a development of rugby. Eventually colleges began switching from rugby to the new sport and American football took over in popularity. It is because of this rivalry from home grown sports that rugby diminished after the switch to professionalism, although it remains a popular back up to American Football in most colleges. The United States is the second biggest rugby nation in the world with 450,000 players, even former presidents Bill Clinton, and George Bush Jr. had experience with the sport. The United States is the fastest growing rugby nation in the world, the International Rugby Committee (IRB) is committing a lot of its funds to grow the sport in the nation, in order to tap in to the athletic population.
Fast Facts:
Players: 1,402,962
RWC Results: Third in Pool 1987, Fourth in Pool 2003, 2011
IIRB World Ranking: 18th with 67.30 points
Best Result 2014: Vs. Canada 38-35
Coach: Mike Tolkin Captain: Todd Clever
The American Eagles have a very expansive play style, they enjoy rumbling it up as a forward pack, building the phases. Then when the opponents defence gets drawn in they push the ball to the wings were their speed, and pace can often outmatch opposition. Despite this they enjoy keeping the ball with the forwards, and pressuring opposition in the set piece.
Play Style
Craig Boyd
Photo by Mike Alvarez
Carlin Isles