Olympic Rugby

[TomGshotput]

Awesome to see Fiji win their first gold medal. But how could the US have been so unprepared with seven years to put together a program?

Invite all best undrafted free agents to try out and pay the starters $3000 to $6000 per month. The others can make $1000 to $2000 and continue to train for the NFL and the possible million dollar contract. If they still fail, they should be as much of a lock for a gold medal as the basketball team. Those salaries would be at least break-even and possibly profitable for the team as they play in tournaments throughout the year.

The current US team is made up of guys who had DIII football talent, imagine if they were instead Alabama and Ohio State backups. Obviously there are some huge differences between football and rugby, which is why you give them a full four year Olympic cycle (or longer). The same skills that make someone a good line backer or running back will make them a good rugby player with a few years of acclimation.

USOC is now spending close to $1 billion per Olympic cycle and ends up with a ninth place finish in a sport that should be one of the easiest gold medals

 

[KingEleven]

Problem is Tom, I do not think anyone cares.

 

[TomGshotput]

If NBC or ESPN told us to care, we would

 

[KingEleven]

If NBC or ESPN told us to care, we would

maybe ESPN.

I did watch some college rugby a couple years ago (probably watched an hour) I actually enjoyed it very much so if it were more mainstream I bet I may get into it. It's better than that TERRIBLE game they call Lacrosse!

 

[JohnBlue123]

Sevens is a much more enjoyable sport to watch than regular rugby with twice as many players. Sevens is shorter, quicker, more wide open, and has more scoring per minute played. Less specialization and IMO requires a more athletic, muscular, fast player at every position. It's like a bunch of linebackers and running backs going at it. Very exciting.

 

[KingEleven]

Sevens is a much more enjoyable sport to watch than regular rugby with twice as many players. Sevens is shorter, quicker, more wide open, and has more scoring per minute played. Less specialization and IMO requires a more athletic, muscular, fast player at every position. It's like a bunch of linebackers and running backs going at it. Very exciting.

never heard of it