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.
Here's a great article by Tom Fordice about New Zealand rugby and the development process. I completely endorse Tom's comments, players are developed over time, hours and hours of practice, just like every other sport.
Has anyone ever completed the 'double'? Champions of the World in Sevens and Fifteens, yes, Wales won the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, and today they bounced into the semi-finals of the World Cup with a fantastic win over Ireland.
World Cups are never dull, the media make sure of that, thousands of people looking for a story, on or off the field, especially this week when 12 teams have returned home and the remaining 8 start their preparations for next weekend. This is when the Rugby World Cup suffers its first hangover, the party is still going on, its all going to build to a massive final (in three weeks time), but everyone seems to have gone home.
Did you know that the Scotland v England game tonight is the oldest international fixture dating back to 1871....the same year that Henry Morton Stanley located the missing explorer and missionary, Dr. David Livingstone in Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika saying "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?
Now you have checked out the 'runners and riders' at this years Rugby World Cup, its time to have a debate about who is actually going to win the Web Ellis Trophy?
Now is the hour…the Eagles take on Italy
Not long now to our much awaited clash with Italy, the players had their jersey presentation earlier this afternoon, completed their pre-match briefing and are currently running through line-outs and back moves at the hotel. They then have their pre-match meal, spend some time on their own and at 5.55 leave for the ground.
Our partner Emirates Airline is giving fans of USA Rugby a great discount on fares. It's great having a sponsor that is so passionate about American rugby and able to offer our members savings.
I am sure you will join me in wishing the Eagles the very best of luck tonight against the Italians here in Nelson. Its a sunny day with a strong wind blowing, but its early in the day and the players are slowly meandering into breakfast, its a long day when you have an evening kick-off!
Yesterday I watched three very different games of rugby, we had the local ‘derby’ game between Fiji and Samoa followed by Ireland and Russia and then Scotland against Argentina. Its amazing how three games of rugby can be so different, one of the reasons rugby is such a special game and the Rugby World Cup is such a fantastic event.
Last night's pool game against Australia was an enjoyable game, I have to admit the first half was way more competitive than the second, but the Eagles held their heads high and played hard against a Wallabies team with the weight of a defeat against Ireland weighing heavily on their minds.
I had an email yesterday afternoon from Mollie McCarthy in the USA Rugby coaching department. She said that one of the girls she coached in Buffalo was going to be on the X-Factor last night and that I should take a look.
If you are arriving in Wellington for Friday's game, I recommend that you walk down the waterfront and visit the Olympic Museum, Olympic Plaza, 4, Queens Wharf, we are after all part of the Olympic movement these days...
This is one of the more interesting parts of the Rugby World Cup for me, lots of games in rapid succession for a coach to compare different styles of play.
I am not sure if its the conditions or a tactical adjustment, but at this World Cup there appears to be a return to the box kick. In recent years the box kick seemed to be used less and less, but in recent weeks, there isn't a team at this World Cup that hasn't been using it - in attack and defense!
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.
