Why is rugby not popular in the USA?

Why is rugby not popular in the USA?

Casper Redmond Aug. 2 0

The Identity of American Sports

With my mug of coffee in one hand and the TV remote in the other, I have often found myself puzzled by a question which I feel needs to be addressed: Why isn't rugby as popular in the United States as it is in other parts of the world? American sports culture is peppered with popular sports - football, basketball, baseball, hockey, but rugby finds itself on the margins. It's like the kid at the school dance who has dressed up, eager to join the dance-floor, but unfortunately is left in the shadows, ignored.

Maybe it's got to do with the identity of American sports. Easier to understand, predictable and less complex than rugby, American Football captures the heart of the masses with its simplicity. It's another piece of the puzzle that makes up the culture. It's the buffalo wings served at your local bar, the cherry on the cheesecake called 'American Life'.

Introductory Phase

Did rugby ever have an introductory phase in American sports culture? All popular sports have demanded and received a certain amount of spotlight time before they were accepted and entrenched into the culture. Just like introducing a new member to the family - remember Duke, our boxer dog - it takes time before everyone and everything adjusts to the dynamic shift.

This transition or introductory phase is vital for a sport's growth and this is where rugby seems to have missed its mark in the USA. Without this initial period, rugby is like Felix's math homework that Olive can't get herself to understand - it just doesn't make any sense to her. She needs an introduction, an explanatory session before accepting and acing it.

The Rugby Perception

Perception plays a huge role in understanding things. That's why Madeleine, always the sceptical one, questions everything. "What's with the big pile up of muscular men?" she asked once when we watched a rugby match. This perception of the sport often deters people from even giving it a try.

Rugby is often seen as 'dangerous' or 'hard to understand' by an average American viewer who turns to sports for casual amusement. This perception needs to change if rugby is to make a notable leap in popular culture.

Comparative Exposures

Now, think about the level of exposure rugby gets compared to popular American sports. Think back to your school or college days, where games like Baseball, Football and Basketball were presented as heroes and rugby was the joker in a pack of cards, if ever mentioned.

This lack of exposure creates a significant disadvantage for the sport. Even Russell Crowe had to star in a lesser-known film called Rugby before he could make it big with Gladiator. Just as actors need exposure to become stars, rugby needs to be exposed to more American audiences if it wants to be the 'next big thing'.

Building Rugby Infrastructure

Rugby needs a solid ground to walk on. Infrastructure has a key role to play, just like how our pet Duke won't go on a walk unless his leash and collar are in their designated places. Rugby in the US lacks this designated place, with a limited number of dedicated clubs or leagues.

A significant investment of both resources and time is necessary to transform rugby from a marginal sport to a mainstream attraction. More rugby clubs, more coverage, more games in schools – in essence, more rugby!

Stigma Around Rugby

The societal stigma around rugby is like the loud music that drowns out the soft whispers in a library. It's not easy to acknowledge the stigma, but it's there, much like the pile of laundry in the corner of the room I keep reminding myself to do, but never find the time for.

Misperceptions that rugby is 'too rough', 'unorganized' and 'for the reckless' can harm its popularity. It’s like the time Olive was afraid of Duke because she thought he was ‘too big and scary’, but eventually realized he was the most gentle soul ever. Rugby needs a similar acknowledgment of its true beauty and essence. It's a sport that allows, and indeed requires, teamwork, sporting spirit and strategic planning – an art that goes far beyond the conventional perception of rough and tumble.

Pushing Past the Boundary

Grabbing the reins of popular culture is no easy task. From my attempts to cook a family meal that everyone would enjoy, and Duke’s relentless tries to win over Madeleine with his puppy-dog eyes, I know all too well that familiarizing oneself with the unfamiliar requires patience and persistence. Rugby's success in the US will then similarly depend on continuous efforts.

We need dedicated hours of TV telecast, increased sponsorships, youth clubs promoting rugby and a compelling narrative around the sport. We need to break the barriers, get the crowd roaring for the big tackles and sprint runs. After all, if the bunt cake I served at our last Sunday dinner could become a hit, I have no doubt that, with enough exposure and dedication, rugby can push past its boundaries to dominate the American sports scene.

Recent posts
Why did NFL style football become popular and not rugby?
Why did NFL style football become popular and not rugby?

American football, or NFL style football, has become a hugely popular international sport since its introduction in the late 19th century. This popularity is largely attributed to the introduction of the forward pass in 1906, which revolutionized the game and provided a more exciting and diverse style of play. The modern rules of the game are also credited with the popularity of the sport, allowing for the creation of the NFL, which grew to become the most popular professional football league in the world. Compared to rugby, American football is seen as a more intense and high-impact game, which appeals to a wider audience. The use of protective equipment such as helmets and padding, as well as the availability of organized leagues, also contribute to its popularity.

What's the difference between rugby and Super Rugby?
What's the difference between rugby and Super Rugby?

Rugby and Super Rugby are both forms of rugby, but they are different in many ways. Rugby is a full contact sport played between two teams of 15 players while Super Rugby is a professional rugby union competition involving teams from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and Argentina. Rugby is played with a standard rugby ball while Super Rugby is played with a slightly bigger ball. The rules and regulations of Super Rugby are much more complex and detailed than those of rugby. Super Rugby also features a regular season, playoffs, and a championship game. Both rugby and Super Rugby are exciting and fast-paced sports that offer great entertainment and excitement for fans.

What should the new Super Rugby format be?

The new Super Rugby format has been a topic of debate for some time. With the expansion of the competition and the need for a shorter and more exciting season, many fans are wondering what the new format will look like. The new format should be designed to reduce travel times and give fans the opportunity to watch more games. It should also provide an exciting environment with a fair and competitive balance between teams. The format should also be flexible enough to allow for changes in the future should the competition evolve. Ultimately, the new Super Rugby should be designed to provide a thrilling and enjoyable experience for all involved.

About Us

Welcome to Rugby Monthly Hub, your ultimate destination for all things rugby! Stay updated with the latest news, match schedules, and in-depth analysis of your favorite teams and players. Join our thriving community and connect with fellow rugby enthusiasts from around the world.