Are the Americans getting serious about rugby?

Tuesday 19 January 2010
Published By:
Sevens > USA

One question has intrigued and concerned rugby fans the world over for a number of years: What if the Americans started taking this seriously?

Rugby is, of course, a minority sport in the US, but given the country's success on the Olympic track and the formidable athletes that take to the American football fields, the possibility of a highly successful national team is a perfectly plausible one.

And it may be taking a step closer, as the US sevens side is ramping up its preparation for the upcoming tournament in Fiji.

The most exciting prospect seems to be Bennie Brazzell - who represents everything the globe fears about US rugby's potential.

He played American football for Louisiana State University and was drafted to play in the NFL by the Cincinatti Bengals, before injury kept him from playing a game for them.

Brazzell was also a finalist in the 400m at the 2004 Olympics, so he could well be one to watch when sevens makes its own debut at the Games in Brazil come 2016.

Posted by David Rawlings