INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: ATTRACTING A WIDER AUDIENCE

Ever since it was announced that the USA would host the mighty All Blacks at the home of the world famous Chicago Bears in front of a sell-out crowd of over 61,000 supporters, I had been very excited.

I was excited not because it would be an almighty clash or even an exciting game for that matter. It was always inevitable that the Eagles would be completely and utterly annihilated by the reigning world champions and so they were with the score difference reaching almost 70 points (FT 6-74). I was excited by what this encounter would mean to rugby and its popularity outside the traditional rugby countries.

20 countries take part in the rugby World Cup in comparison to Football’s 32. Not only are the numbers of teams taking part quite different but the geographical variety of teams is also starkly contrasting.

It is unlikely that we will ever see rugby take over from football as the leading world-wide sport but the IRB could do a lot more in order to support new club and international teams in even the most far-flung areas.

As we saw in the reaction to the USA V All Blacks game on Saturday, when people are introduced to rugby for the first time they instantly become intrigued and impressed by the skills and strength required to play. One American viewer tweeted, “Switching channels between GT-Virginia game and the rugby game on NBC. Makes you realize how intense rugby is.” Another wrote, “Football players have NOTHING on Rugby. Turn on NBC and watch something truly incredible. Rugby is nuts!!!!!”

Despite some occasional questionable commentating , “And Israel Dagg crosses for a 5!", there is no denying that the Americans showed interest in the game with most staying  until the ve end of the test despite the All Blacks leading by 68 points. The American supporters were able to appreciate and respect the quality of the New Zealand side.

Taking the world’s best teams to new rugby nations is something that will not be able to happen on a regular basis without some big changes but the IRB must capitalize on the success of the USA V All Blacks fixture in order to increase the international rugby following. By doing this the game will attract more money through sponsorship and TV deals and more high class players as a result of increased  participation thus the quality and following of international rugby will only benefit .

Rugby is way behind sports such as football and American football in terms of money and wages and it is also much more taxing on the body with players usually experiencing relatively short careers. Thus, to rugby-less countries, the sport might not be on top of their 'most attractive' list but by bringing live rugby to their nation, they will be able to experience the passion, the atmosphere and the utter awesomeness that one can only experience by watching the game live.

The All Black’s adventure to America has given the international rugby community a perfect platform to develop and expand the game by taking the experience of watching the tough and unforgiving game to a wider audience.