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…
USA Rugby: A Declaration for Chang(e) 10
Despite the great efforts of many, the Union finds itself wallowing in continued mediocrity; on the field, off the field, and in the boardroom. Nearly 25 years into the professional era, we continue to generate optimism only through eternal faith in our vast resources and potential, which we never seem to realize 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…
My experience at the USA Rugby 7s National Club Championships. No Expectations, Still Underwhelmed 8
The expectations of the American rugby community for our National events are at deplorable levels. There has just never been anyone to say – “Hey, let’s make this a real event, that people want to attend, because it’s fun, it’s entertaining, and it’s American Rugby”. 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…
Tony Ridnell 