What We Learned in Vegas

Last weekend (February 12th-13th) the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament was held in Las Vegas. The unprecedented event had a few big takeaways.

Winner: Rugby Media Coverage
This year the tournament and festival was very different from previous years. That is because the American public was able to watch Sevens tournament from the comfort of their own homes via Universal Sports and NBC. This special opportunity allowed for the exposure of rugby in America on a new level.

Winner: The Tournament and Festival 
This time around, it was evident that the tournament and festival would be different. Sevens is unique in fact that in addition to the tournament, it also hosts a festival in which fans check out thousands of vendors, enjoy good food and music, and get to live in rugby players' lives for a couple of days. Fans flocked to the tournament and festival in high numbers last weekend. On the final day, attendance was recorded at 25,000 people.

Winner: The Fans
Fans who were at the Sevens tournament last weekend did not leave disappointed. All tournament finals were lively and action packed. In many matches players forced to deal with injuries provided either painful or inspiring story lines in their respective final cup matches. One highlight of the tournament was the home team claiming victory. Although there are many improvements to be made before the next tournament, the USA team defeated the Japan team to snatch the Shield trophy in front of a home crowd.

Winner: Rugby Teams Around The World  
Those who watched the tournament saw good quality rugby this weekend. The players played exceptionally well and left fans wanting to more. For those who claimed victory, the win was sweet. Those who lost could not leave defeated for too many good things happened for all to be lost at Sevens tournament.

The Big Picture
If you were not able to watch the tournament, you surely missed a special event. After the tournament concluded, there were no losers. What we learned from Las Vegas is that the projection of rugby and its place in American society is looking better and brighter. Here are some of the highlights from the tournament.

2011 USA SEVENS RUGBY TOURNAMENT

The USA Sevens Rugby tournament is this weekend in Las Vegas.  The event is the largest of its kind in North America. It showcases 2 days jam-packed with rugby matches and includes an international fan festival. If you want to know what rugby is all about, be sure to tune in this weekend. On select days certain rugby matches will be aired on NBC. Search your local listings for this special opportunity.

Empty Bleachers.

I know. It's quite depressing right? Well this is a situation that thousands of female athletes face everyday. It seems that in almost any sport there is, there is more interest and support for the men's programs. If you are an athlete, you know that your fan base is just as much a part of the game as you are. They give you encouragement through rough times. Fans distract your opponents. They give you extra momentum into a victory. Sometimes, your love for the game is not enough for you to want to play or succeed. Fans give you a reason to play outside of yourself. This type of situation I described is prevalent across sporting arenas and stadiums around the world. But this also happens among the more popular sports. So imagine what it's like for female rugby players. It's quite grim.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT: Watch rugby. If the opportunity arises, play rugby.

Spreading Rugby Knowledge

Don't know what rugby is? Well you're in luck, because I am going to describe one of the most fun and dynamic sports on the rise right now.

Rugby is a sport that can best be described as a mix between American football and soccer. In a traditional game, 15 players are required to play on each side. Each player has a specific duty in his or her position, and as such each individual's strengths are highlighted in the game.

Here's a snippet of what a rugby game might look like:

I've been playing for a few months now and believe it's absolutely one of the best decisions I could have ever made. I love sports and now rugby is no exception. But I must warn you, it is not for the faint at heart. 

When I first began I had no rugby knowledge at all. In fact, most Americans have next to no knowledge about rugby. That is because it is a sport that is more popular overseas, especially in Europe and Australia. The level of rugby participation varies around the world. It can vary from a league level to associations to unions.

My one preconception about the sport was that it seemed dangerous. However, you will be trained thoroughly to promote safety during a match. Safety is one of the most important considerations made in rugby. If you're up for the challenge I encourage you to try it. I hope you walk away, like I did, with no regrets.