With an impressive resume as player, coach and administrator, Nigel David Melville took over as CEO and President of Rugby Operations of USA Rugby, the National Governing Body of the sport in America, in 2006. He has been instrumental in the development of the game at the youth level and the senior level in the U.S.
This week I will be spending a couple of days at the Olympic Training Center meeting with both the men’s and women’s squads ahead of their upcoming trip to Hong Kong.
It was a pleasure last weekend to spend time with the Indiana State Based Youth Rugby Organization as they unveiled their plans to build a 27 acre rugby facility just 2 miles from downtown Indianapolis, a facility that will support not only rugby, but the community as a whole.
Alexander Magleby has been named head coach of the USA Men’s Sevens team following the resignation of Al Caravelli yesterday (Wednesday February 29). The incoming coach will lead the team through the last four stops of the 2011-2012 HSBC Sevens World Series.
Just over a year ago, USA Rugby Chairman, Kevin Roberts introduced me to an acronym used by the military in the 1990’s – VUCA.
I spent a couple of days at the Olympic Training Center this week, meeting with the Eagles Sevens coaches and their support staff as well as catching up with the players to see how life in a full time environment is treating them!
A few years ago I attended a meeting with the SANZAR Nations in Wellington to discuss the possible expansion of the Super 14 Rugby Competition (as it was at that point). Joining me at the meeting were representatives from Argentina, Canada and Japan, all presented their case, we had a nice dinner, we were sent on our way and Super Rugby announced their exciting plans to award a franchise to Melbourne – really!
USA has often been described as a sleeping giant in a rugby sense, one that could awaken if more of the vast population were attracted to the Game and the profile raised in a country where American Football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey dominate.
I was delighted to read today that Northampton Saints have handed a new three-year deal to American forward Samu Manoa.
I am sure that following the weekend’s sevens success, friends and colleagues have probably seen the game on TV for the first time and you have been trying to explain what its all about. So here’s a great resource, a new video link explaining what the HSBC World Sevens Series is all about…enjoy
The Las Vegas Sevens final on Sunday afternoon at the Sam Boyd Stadium was an outstanding exhibition of international sevens rugby, played in front of over 20,000 fans and live on NBC at 6pm eastern – a great advert for the game! If anyone questions the inclusion of rugby sevens at the Rio Olympics in 2016, send them a video of the final game between New Zealand and Samoa.
The Eagles men were clearly disappointed about their opening two games of the Las Vegas Sevens, its pretty obvious that we have some good players, but a loss to Canada can only be put down to poor decision making.
You have probably noticed that the blog has taken on a new look and feel, a bit more professional with more whistles and bells to play with once I learn how to use them all! The first new application we are trialling this weekend is Wayin, a question and answer challenge where you can test your rugby knowledge, win prizes and even ask questions of your own.
Just hours to go until the start of the Las Vegas International Sevens events for both men and women at the Sam Boyd Stadium.
Last night the representatives of the HSBC World Sevens Series hosts rolled into Vegas and met over dinner to set the agenda for today’s sevens advisory group meeting. The SAG meet once a year in person and on other occasions via conference call, but today we get chance to spend a whole day looking at the Series with the IRB and charting its future.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
