In Seattle, the culture/identity has created itself. More…
An Assessment on the State of the (USA Rugby) Union. Reconstruction Phase Begins – Ross Young Reply
All people who interact with the Union deserve the upmost in grace. This culture has not existed in the past. We have not had a ‘connected’ culture. The terms comes up in so many conversations. We CAN connect on the global stage. We CAN bring American companies that support Rugby overseas but not domestically into our camps. We must develop a World Class Brand. More…
Professional governance can make all rugby in America successful. Amateur, Pro, & International 4
The entire community must realize that in this era, money is a dominating force in growing the game. That is true on the youth level or rising into the MLR level. At the pro level, the amateur level, and most importantly at the NGB level we must reassess the way we ‘go to market’.
It is critical “we” get this right. Which brings up another question. Who is “we”? More…
USA Rugby – The Future Requires Transformational Leadership 2
A leadership group will come together over the next few weeks/months. That group must form a world class team to effect the transformational outcomes that our community deserves. More…
Major League Rugby (@USMLR) – What a weekend. Standards are high. And, the World is Watching 2
MLR will succeed. There will be some inevitable failures. More…
Major League Rugby (USMLR): Revised predictions for USA Eagles & Rugby in America!! 5
MLR will soon become the strongest non IRB professional rugby competition in the world, surpassing anything Japan, Italy, Georgia, Romania, has to offer. More…
Thoughts on Site Selection for Rugby Tests in North America. USA Rugby v Rugby Canada. Festival – All grades, both sexes. 2
In the future, I’d propose home and home CANAM’s each year featuring a weekend festival of all age grades and both sexes playing their ‘Tests’. The weekend would culminate in a Senior men’s game and have no less than 10,000 spectators in a specifically selected location. Canada should do the same. This would be growing the game, not arbitrarily sent to remote places in our geography. More…
Rugby Int’l Marketing (RIM): “$20MM+ Valuation” to “Imminent Financial Catastrophe” in 9 weeks 1
Over a nine week period, RIM has gone from a valuation of over $20 Million according to Chang, to now “imminent financial catastrophe” according to Lewis. We now know Lewis’ statement to be true. More…
Personnel Changes at RIM, Opportunities grow for USA Rugby! 4
These changes; RIM’s new state, the opening of numerous Board Seats (King and Kimmett are up in July as well), AND the recent resignation of USAR CEO Dan Payne literally creates a ‘Blue Ocean’ of opportunity for the new leaders of the Union. I refer to the new CEO, the new Board, as well as what may be assigned the role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) that may ultimately replace the RIM role More…
American Rugby’s missed Hollywood moment 7
A unique opportunity presented itself for anyone responsible for marketing our brand. I envisioned Good Morning America, The Today Show. Any of them. A feature in a major publication or Sports Illustrated cover.
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My Experience at USA Rugby’s National Development Summit (NDS) 2018 4
If you love Rugby, networking, talking rugby, learning rugby and breathing rugby, the USAR NDS is the place for you More…
My Experience at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017. Belfast, Ireland. What’s next? #BringIt 5
I also believe ‘finals week’ at WRWC, if placed in the right destination could create an event of enormous interest. Semifinals could be played on a Sunday, and Finals/Consolation on the following Saturday. The lower places could be settled at venues mid-week. Pick a fabulous destination, market the product, and I believe in 2-3 iterations you have 50,000 people in attendance. Regardless, World Rugby should be open to changing this format in order to open the commercial opportunity, which at this stage lies only in finals week. More…
USA Rugby Congress Votes w/ Strong Majority to Maintain Status Quo 2
aware of the issues.
I would like to thank each and every person who contacted me personally, or simply became a member of a very large group of people now numbering in the thousands who made a vocal support for the change Congress has begun to see is vital and necessary. This group will continue to grow. You backed me in this challenge. Your support will be appreciated and welcome in our future endeavors. More…
The Virtuous Cycle of Rugby 5
To have the opportunity to serve as a director of the USA Rugby board would be a perfect storm in my life as a professional. The opportunity to work in a position that is served by both heart and mind is rare. It would never be taken for granted.
I was able to “take” a lot from the game when I played, a life that defined me. I would appreciate the opportunity to give back in the same capacity. This is the ultimate “virtuous cycle of rugby”.
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Grow the game? Let’s also Retain the Game. Rugby for Life! 4
In business, just as we discuss with Rugby in America – a primary objective is ‘growth’. In rugby we talk about ‘grow the game’. Growth is not only about adding numbers, but also retention, and in the case of rugby, retaining players. More…
Video (7.11.17) TR on “Winning” in American Rugby. On & Off the Field 5
To the Congress: Is the status quo going to get us the point where we are winners, on and off the field? More…
Video & Message to USA Rugby Congress & all Members of the American Rugby Community: 6
Transparency, Energy, Understanding of the Game on and off the field, Passion, the ability to communicate to CEOs and Children, Financial acumen and the ability to raise money, … What is it we want in the position of Chair? More…
USA Rugby Chairman Priorities/first 100 days – Tony Ridnell 5
CEO/Chair Relationship – Meet with USAR CEO Dan Payne. Align 100%. Establish tone for our relationship More…
Video: Tony Ridnell on USA Rugby Chairman job, & an Education on RIM 3
Today, I clarify that I am actively seeking this position, and it is time for an immediate transformation in the culture and performance of American Rugby, culturally, financially, and athletically. More…
