Rugby Sense - Episode 3
Check out the rest of the shows in the series at
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwj9sDLeoDuxylAoaQxcrRoTRbhgTzZty
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwj9sDLeoDuxylAoaQxcrRoTRbhgTzZty
Showing posts with label usa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label usa. Show all posts
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Latest and greatest at A Rugby Life
One of the biggest changes is that I am going to be saying farewell to the audio podcasts, which have long been the stable here. However, Spotlight, that was a look into the people that live and breath rugby in the US, and the State of Play, my rugby analysis show, will both live on in a new format....but more on that in a bit!
The driver for changes is a my focus on original video content and with that comes the exciting news that I will be partnering with Gif-Time Rugby Network to bring some fantastic new content to the world. Good friend and rugby co-conspirator, Gift Egbelu, and I are both advocates of US rugby media coverage, especially via video, and the move to join forces makes perfect sense for the both of us. We are both excited to be finally working together and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our handy work. With that, expect to see a lot of changes and updates over the coming months, including a new video version of Spotlight. The good news is, you won't have wait too long to check out the newest collaboration....so watch out for my next post!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Friday, August 8, 2014
AUDIO: Interview with USA Eagles and New York City 7s star Carlin Isles
Interview with USA Eagles and New York City 7s star, Carlin Isles, before he heads over the Atlantic to take part in the first World Club 7s series in Limerick, Ireland.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Lasell College Rugby: 2014/2015 Assistant Coach Roles (Men’s & Women’s)
Their men’s team competes in NERFU DIII competition against the following programs: UMass Boston, Curry College, Tufts University & Salem State. They are a very ambitious program and they have had success in their short life so far. The women’s team is brand new for 2014/2015 but have recruited an enthusiastic group of girls who have been hitting the practice field since last fall.
Practices will be held early mornings with most games on Sundays. They would like the appointed candidates to attend some practices and games but are also interested in hearing from candidates that could only assist us on game days.
Basic duties will be as follows:
- Teaching the core skills of rugby
- Coaching of the team, units (backs/forwards) and individuals
- Coaching of the scrum, lineouts, breakdown and/or back play
- Assist with team meetings / video analysis sessions
- Develop both rookie and experienced players
Sarah Richardson (Assistant Director of Student Activities) | srichardson@lasell.edu | (617) 243-2475
Robin Peers (Head Coach) | robinpeers@hotmail.com | (617) 939-6435
with details of your playing and/or coaching background. Applications will be treated on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note: this is a volunteer position.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Seeking National Championship Naming Right Sponsor for Jacksonville
They are hoping to secure a company that is based, headquartered or has strong ties to Jacksonville, and will be proud to help us drive the City of Jacksonville as the host location, however all options will be considered.
The partnership offers the Naming Rights to the National Championship game, and will be supported with branding and promotions from the USARugby League and all the teams that cover an area from Boston to Tampa, and across the USA via the Rugby community.
At minimum the event will be broadcast via a live stream around the world, and large audiences from Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand and other Rugby stronghold nations will be watching as the USA RugbyLeague Championship is shown to them live. (We are also currently discussing local TV broadcast for the Jacksonville Market)
Visual, Event POS Materials, direct marketing items, verbal, online, social media, and other branding medium are included. But the most impressive part will be the USA Rugby League Championship will be TITLE and NAMED after your company, and you will be included in 100% of all PR for the event, both in the USA, and Internationally.
There is also an opportunity for a “Presenting Level” Sponsor that will include a variety of advertising options.
Expressions of interest are invite to email Daryl "Spinner" Howland directly at spinner@jaxaxe.com or call him at 904-536-7501. The partnership will be supported with Marketing and Promotional Help from Slover Consulting (www.sloverconsulting.com)
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Georgia Tech Women’s Rugby Football Club seek Head Coach
The Georgia Tech Women’s Rugby Football Club is seeking qualified candidates to be their next Head coach. They are in search for a coach with experience in the back line to complement our existing forwards coach.
The team is a collegiate women’s Division I club in Atlanta, GA and a member of SIRC- the South Independent Rugby Conference. The club is made up of a core group of third and fourth year students with a plan to have many rookies in the fall. The Georgia Tech women’s team made it to 7s and 15s Nationals this year and aim to be playing at the National level in the following years as well.
Qualified head coach candidates will have knowledge of current USA Rugby laws and have a current USA Rugby Coaching Certification (or be willing to complete a course). He or she will be expected to teach safe and proper technique to beginning level players while challenging and integrating the skills of higher-level players.
The head coach will be expected to plan and implement two-hour practices twice per week and attend matches on Saturdays and some Sundays for tournaments during the spring and fall seasons, as well as coordinate with the assistant coaches. The club are looking for individuals who conduct practice in a dynamic manner and for a coach that can guide us to becoming a Varsity team.
There will be a small stipend and travel expenses will be covered.
All interested parties, please contact president@gtwrfc.com
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
The State of Play Podcast - Episode 5: USARL
In this latest episode, I get the lowdown on the recent developments in Rugby League from USARL’s Daryl “Spinner” Howland.
You can listen to podcast via the player below as well as via iTunes, Stitcher, and Feedburner.
And as mentioned in then show, I welcome your feedback! Post your comments and questions on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ etc. using the hashtag #TheStateOfPlay
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
The State of Play Podcast - Episode 4: The NRFL
We are joined by special guest, George 'Mac' Robertson of Rugby Law LLC, the organization behind the league.
You can listen to podcast via the player below as well as via iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, and Feedburner.
And as mentioned in then show, I welcome your feedback! Please share your comments and questions on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ etc. using the hashtag #NRFL or #TheStateOfPlay
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
The State Of Play - Episode 3 - Pacific Rugby Premiership
You can listen to podcast via the player below as well as via iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, and Feedburner.
And as mentioned in then show, I welcome your feedback! Please share your comments and questions on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ etc. using the hashtag #TheStateOfPlay
Monday, March 3, 2014
The Mount Beats Lord Fairfax in first NSCRO Spring Playoff Match
Special report by Steve Cohen, NSCRO President
The NSCRO spring playoffs have begun. The weather cooperated in Middletown, VA - the home of Lord Fairfax Community College - which stands at the gateway to Skyline Drive leading to the Blue Ridge Mountains. After the winter we've had in the Mid-Atlantic area, cooperation is no rain or snow and above freezing temperature. It was a dry day with temperature in the low 40s. It was a 225 mile drive for me from Medford, NJ to attend this match.
I was there to support the efforts of Aaron Painter and Stuart Freakly, coaches of the Lord Fairfax CC rugby club, who in less than 3 years have built a fine rugby team and created a strong foundation for the future at a community college. Very few rugby clubs exist at community colleges due to the challenges of a very non-traditional student population.
Lord Fairfax CC, the Cardinals Collegiate Conference Champion, was scheduled to host the Mount St. Mary's University, the Potomac Collegiate Conference Champion, from nearby Emmitsburg, Maryland in a NSCRO Mid-Atlantic South Region Qualifier. The winner would qualify for the MAS Region Championship in Jacksonville, Florida on March 29-30 hosted by the University of North Florida RFC.
Jay Myles, the Mount's Head Coach was concerned about match readiness for his players. Both teams have had a rough time preparing due to the unusually harsh winter conditions making outdoor pre-playoff matches impossible.
The match started and the Mount went to work right away with strong mauling and ball control when center Edmund Piper made a line break for 30m and passed to winger Brady Parson to put his club up 5-0 with just 4 minutes gone. About 10 minutes later, second rower David Harrison scored from a driving maul off a lineout. Then 2 minutes after this score, another driving maul by The Mount freed scrumhalf Sean Hartig for a fine 30m run and with his conversion, the Mount was off to a quick 17-0 lead. Tyler Long broke the Mount's defense and scored and with the conversion Chance Ramey slotted the conversion, it was 17-7. However, the Mount answered with 3 more first half tries taking a solid 32-7 halftime lead. The second half found Lord Fairfax picking up the pace and mounted an attack deep into the Mount's end when Renber Hernandez broke through the defense for a try just 3 minutes into the half. Then only 5 minutes later Derrick Hayes found a gap in the normally stingy Mount defense for a try and all of a sudden the score was 32-17. With the momentum favoring Lord Fairfax, the Mount woke up and began to assert themselves. They add 3 tries in the final 20 minutes to pull away with a 49-17 win when referee Simon Smith's final whistle sounded.
Full details about NSCRO and its small college national playoffs are found at www.nscro.org.
I was there to support the efforts of Aaron Painter and Stuart Freakly, coaches of the Lord Fairfax CC rugby club, who in less than 3 years have built a fine rugby team and created a strong foundation for the future at a community college. Very few rugby clubs exist at community colleges due to the challenges of a very non-traditional student population.
Lord Fairfax CC, the Cardinals Collegiate Conference Champion, was scheduled to host the Mount St. Mary's University, the Potomac Collegiate Conference Champion, from nearby Emmitsburg, Maryland in a NSCRO Mid-Atlantic South Region Qualifier. The winner would qualify for the MAS Region Championship in Jacksonville, Florida on March 29-30 hosted by the University of North Florida RFC.
 |
| St. Marys Team Photo (Credit: NSCRO) |
Jay Myles, the Mount's Head Coach was concerned about match readiness for his players. Both teams have had a rough time preparing due to the unusually harsh winter conditions making outdoor pre-playoff matches impossible.
The match started and the Mount went to work right away with strong mauling and ball control when center Edmund Piper made a line break for 30m and passed to winger Brady Parson to put his club up 5-0 with just 4 minutes gone. About 10 minutes later, second rower David Harrison scored from a driving maul off a lineout. Then 2 minutes after this score, another driving maul by The Mount freed scrumhalf Sean Hartig for a fine 30m run and with his conversion, the Mount was off to a quick 17-0 lead. Tyler Long broke the Mount's defense and scored and with the conversion Chance Ramey slotted the conversion, it was 17-7. However, the Mount answered with 3 more first half tries taking a solid 32-7 halftime lead. The second half found Lord Fairfax picking up the pace and mounted an attack deep into the Mount's end when Renber Hernandez broke through the defense for a try just 3 minutes into the half. Then only 5 minutes later Derrick Hayes found a gap in the normally stingy Mount defense for a try and all of a sudden the score was 32-17. With the momentum favoring Lord Fairfax, the Mount woke up and began to assert themselves. They add 3 tries in the final 20 minutes to pull away with a 49-17 win when referee Simon Smith's final whistle sounded.
Full details about NSCRO and its small college national playoffs are found at www.nscro.org.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Phaidra Knight aiming for Rio and needs you support
Her campaign in currently running on Dreamfuel and offers multiple contribution tiers with a great selection of goodies. All funds raised help fund her training goals, which include working with elite coaches and nutritionists.
To help fund Phaidra, head on over to http://www.dreamfuel.me/athletes/7/campaigns/10
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Follow Northeast ODA at LV7s with Real-Time Rugby
Follow the Northeast ODA in Vegas!
Share Real-time scores, pic/videos, chat and receive alerts for changes in date/time/venue of the matches you follow. Create your own Real-time personalized scoreboard that scrolls across your home page. Create your own Followed Matches list that updates all your scores in Real-time.
Who will survive the Pool of Death, featuring reigning champion Serevi, Tiger-1823 and Northeast Development Academy?
Download Real-Time Rugby to follow the Men's and Women's Elite Brackets of the LVI and HSBC-IRB Sevens in Real-time. Engage with players and fans.
 |
| Download from Google Play |
 |
| Download from iTunes |
Buffalo Rugby Hosts Winterfest 7s
The tournament historically draws dozens of teams, from senior sides to collegiate teams to alumni groups, competing in multiple divisions (Men's A & B, Women's A & B), with a guarantee of 3 games (minimum) for all entrants.
For more information on the tournament, including how to sign up, please visit www.buffalorugby.org or contact Dave Cieslik at dmcieslik@gmail.com.
Empire GU: Level 1 Referee Courses Schedule
All Empire GU clubs are now required to provide one (1) person to serve as a referee. That person must be certified as a referee and allocate a minimum of three (3) days throughout the year. The following are upcoming Level 1 Referee Certification courses. Additional courses will be scheduled in Central and Western New York State, and will be announced accordingly.
Saturday February 1
Christian Brothers Academy (Lincroft, NJ)
9:30a - 5:30p
Moderate activity indoors
** Please check to see if registration is still open **
Saturday March 1
Fordham Prep (Bronx, NY)
9a - 5p
Moderate activity outdoors
Please register by February 19
Register by going to USA Rugby > Referee Courses and click "Register" next to the appropriate listing.
* Forward your email confirmation to bk.rrsny@yahoo.com
Registrations after January 22 (CBA) and February 19 (Fordham Prep) may still attend but may not have course materials available. Registration may be closed early if a course fills up, so please register early.
You must be a member of USA Rugby (CIPP) to register for a course. If you are not affiliated with a club, you may register first with USA Rugby as a member of your local referee society:
Rugby Referee Society of New York - for Metropolitan NYC
New York State Rugby Referees Society - for New York State north of the Catskills
Contact Brad Kleiner at bk.rrsny@yahoo.com with any questions.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Southeastern Rugby League announces three new teams in the Southeastern United States
From Southeastern Rugby League LLC
Southeastern Rugby League LLC. (SERL) was formed 8 years ago to develop and grow Rugby League in the Southeastern USA. It also 100% owns and operates the Jacksonville Axemen. They focus on-field success and commitment to bring more Championships to the City of Jacksonville and its community of fans and supporters, will remain the priority with the Jacksonville Axemen, while assisting the development of the sport in regional cites. They also know that with the addition of teams in a closer geographical area, and the creation of new and exciting rivalries, the Axemen will continue to advance as one of the best-known brands in the Jacksonville market, and continue to offer a high level of sporting entertainment.
Due to the increased awareness of Rugby League, that they directly attribute to the fans, supporters and sponsors of the Jacksonville Axemen, the interest in the sport has grown in the southern region. A combination of the “Minor League” teams that have been operated throughout Florida over the past three years, the constant success of the Axemen, and international events that we have hosted in Jacksonville, have led to this initiative. We have no doubts that every person or business, which supported any of our teams or events, can proudly stake claim to being apart of the biggest advancement of Rugby League in the Southeastern USA.
SERL is very excited to announce that we have agreed to partner with various individuals and groups, who have identified themselves as having the desire, ability and business plan to create Rugby League teams in their own cities. We consider it a great honor to be able to assist in the application to the USA Rugby League (USARL) for full member teams to be operated in the following areas: Tampa, FL, Central Florida (Combined Daytona/Orlando), and Atlanta, GA.
Each of the three teams are finalizing their applications to the USARL, and SERL is preparing an application to have all four teams become known as the Southeastern Conference starting in the upcoming 2014 season. We would also like to confirm that an additional partnership for the Atlanta team has been developed with one of the most iconic Professional Rugby League teams in the World. An announcement from that team is expected within a few days.
Peter Illfield (USARL Chairman) has congratulated SERL on their continued efforts to focus on the growth and development of the sport in the region, and was equally excited at this announcement. “The professional operation of the Jacksonville Axemen by Southeastern Rugby League has seen them become the consistent benchmark and flagship team in the USA. Based on them taking that style of operation and vision with them into these new partnerships, the potential for Rugby League in the Southeast region is limitless. This is one of the most exciting announcements to ever happen for our sport in the USA.”
In achieving this milestone we would like to say a sincere thank you to every person who has attended an Axemen game or one of our many international events. This is also extended to those international fans who have purchased merchandise and thus supported our vision. We are equally grateful to many international teams from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and Jamaica who visited Jacksonville over the years. Thanks as well to all the media that has covered any of our past events, and to the volunteer staff and officials who make our teams safe every week. Thank you to our sponsors, past and present, big and small, as well our fellow USARL clubs, USARL Executives and all the players who commit to playing Rugby League, “The Greatest Game of All”.
In an effort to better explain the importance of this announcement we have listed some of the questions that have been asked during this process, and our answers.
WHO ARE THE NEW PARTNERS – With the operation of the Minor League teams that we have run in Tampa, Daytona and Orlando over the last three years, some individuals have expressed an interest in progressing the idea of creating full member teams. When we contacted a group in Atlanta who had shown interest, the vision of assisting with development as a partner came to fruition based on redirection of funding for all teams on travel needs, to regional growth needs.
Tampa - will be led by Billy Nielson and other members who have a connection with the Tampa Krewe Union team, and we hope the future sees a combined force of both Rugby codes to progress together in the Tampa area. Billy has also been involved with the Jacksonville Axemen operations and was responsible for the entry of the Tampa Inferno minor league team in 2014. The player pool that is available in the Tampa area, along with the number of expatriates from Rugby playing nations, will make the Tampa team very competitive. We must also mention that early in the Axemen operations British expatriate, Steve Towell, had gained great interest with his Bradenton Bulldogs team located just South of Tampa, and we hope this allow some of those participants to return to the sport.
Central Florida – this team will combine the progress of the Daytona Gearheads and Orlando Adrenalin minor league teams. The longest serving Axemen player, Craig Howitt, along with other former Axemen players from central Florida have long wanted a chance to run a top tier team in the area. Kenny Britt has also committed to assist in the development and operations of the team. With their combined leadership, the addition of former Axemen players who live in the area, that include Gaz Walker, Bart Longchamp, Jay Mombu, along with many from the minor league teams, they will come out as an instant favorite. It will also make for some “interesting” match ups on the field when former teammates are pit against one another in serious conference and national title battles.
Atlanta – After visits to the Atlanta by Drew Slover and Spinner Howland that allowed meeting with key members of the Atlanta Renegades Rugby Union organization, along with some key individuals who had area interest, an operations group has been formed. The Atlanta team will draw on a variety of personnel for on and off field success. Greg Frost, who is a young Australian business man living in the area will help operate the team as well as join the playing ranks. He will be joined on the field by members of the highly successful Renegades Union team, and we imagine that members of other areas teams will soon show an interest in the May training camp. There are also a number of Universities in the region who have very successful Rugby programs underway. The Atlanta Rugby League team will be open to all athletes from any area Rugby team, as well as those with other sporting backgrounds. There is also an announcement coming soon about a partnership between the Atlanta team and one of the most iconic professional Rugby League Team in the world.
Team Names and Venues will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. We are waiting on a variety of venue details, sponsor confirmations and other items before releasing all information.
WHY THE CONFERENCE VISION – All developing sports have finances as one of their largest challenges, and the largest budget item for teams operating over a large geographical area is travel. This is not only for Axemen operations having to fly to all away games, but also for all USARL teams that are required to travel to Jacksonville during the regular season, and potentially again during playoffs. At an average cost of $7,500 per game when travel, accommodation, meals, etc, are considered, the creation of a conference system will allow for the “re-allocation” of those funds to more local development goals. With five trips per year, SERL can now direct more assets to local Jacksonville progress, and also assist the new partners in the start up and operation of their teams. It will also allow for all other teams within the USARL to free up 1000’s of combined dollars, and apply them to the growth of their own teams and regions. Conference play will also spark the creation of some great new rivalries, as well as the creation of a conference Board of Directors, who can work together for overall regional growth of the sport. It is also important to recognize that the conference system is something very familiar in American sports, and it will create an additional Conference Championship for all teams, while they are competing for the National Championship. It creates potential conference wide sponsorship to increase revenue streams, and it allows for the consolidation of certain items such as the creation and online sale of merchandise in an effort to stop duplication of tasks, on already limited resources. All of the potential benefits allow for faster, overall development and growth.
HOW WILL IT WORK – The four teams in the Southeastern Conference will play a home and away schedule to determine a 1 through 4 seeding by the end of the regular season. Then with single elimination conference playoff games (1 v 4 and 2 v 3) two teams will advance to the Conference Championship game. The winner of that game will progress to the overall USARL National Championship playoff series. With final USARL 2014 competition structure to be finalized, there may also be a need for the selection of a “Wildcard” team for the playoffs that may allow for further teams to enter into national playoff contention.
WHERE WILL THEY PLAY – We are in the final stages of confirming the venue for each team. Each venue will meet the minimum standards for USARL requirements that provide a safe and comfortable environment for both players and fans. Things such as the ability for on-site food and beverage sales, ample seating and the basic amenities for fans and team operations, are all considered. In addition to those standards, we are also considering the ability of the venue to provide ample opportunity for the advertising and promotion of sponsor materials during game day operations. These include such things as suitable areas for visual advertising banners, access to public address system for sponsor and game day announcements and internet connection to consider live streaming of games. All items for the overall ability to display a professional approach to both the integrity of the game, our commitment to provide value to fans, as well as exceeding the advertising and marketing expectations of our sponsors. We will confirm venues as soon as each has a signed contract.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A FAN– As we announce further details for each team, we encourage all fans and supporters to assist us in promoting the upcoming season and to be apart of the inaugural season for Rugby League across the Southeastern region, and the USARL in general. Websites, social media accounts, venues, tickets and other action items are all in the works and we are committed to release as soon as each is confirmed.
WHAT CAN I DO AS A POTENTIAL SPONSOR – Until further notice, all sponsor questions should be directed to either Drew Slover (drew@sloverconsulting.com) OR Spinner Howland (spinnerhowland@comcast.net)
We are sourcing all levels of sponsorship for teams in ALL FOUR CITES and are also excited for potential discussion for conference wide partnerships that will cover such a large geographical market.
WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO PLAY OR ASSIST WITH A TEAM – For now send player/assistant enquiries to Spinner Howland (spinnerhowland@comcast.net) and direct contact will be confirmed with the correct team partner.
WHAT IF I HAVE A VISION OF CREATING A TEAM – You are invited to apply from any part of the country to the USARL (via www.usarl.com) to discuss expansion plans. SERL is of course hoping this progress ignites further efforts in the expansion of the “Minor League” model for anyone with the vision of progressing a pathway to full USARL member team in the Southeast Region.
Of course all teams from around the USA are welcome to some of the basic marketing materials that have been created by Slover Consulting (www.sloverconsulting.com). Axemen Co-owner Drew Slover, who owns and operates Slover Consulting, has created some incredible sponsor proposal packets, and other advantageous tools for those wishing to consider starting a team(s) in their area.
SERL is always willing to share the model for the Axemen and/or the Minor League Framework with anyone who has a desire to grow Rugby League in the USA.
Due to the increased awareness of Rugby League, that they directly attribute to the fans, supporters and sponsors of the Jacksonville Axemen, the interest in the sport has grown in the southern region. A combination of the “Minor League” teams that have been operated throughout Florida over the past three years, the constant success of the Axemen, and international events that we have hosted in Jacksonville, have led to this initiative. We have no doubts that every person or business, which supported any of our teams or events, can proudly stake claim to being apart of the biggest advancement of Rugby League in the Southeastern USA.
SERL is very excited to announce that we have agreed to partner with various individuals and groups, who have identified themselves as having the desire, ability and business plan to create Rugby League teams in their own cities. We consider it a great honor to be able to assist in the application to the USA Rugby League (USARL) for full member teams to be operated in the following areas: Tampa, FL, Central Florida (Combined Daytona/Orlando), and Atlanta, GA.
Each of the three teams are finalizing their applications to the USARL, and SERL is preparing an application to have all four teams become known as the Southeastern Conference starting in the upcoming 2014 season. We would also like to confirm that an additional partnership for the Atlanta team has been developed with one of the most iconic Professional Rugby League teams in the World. An announcement from that team is expected within a few days.
Peter Illfield (USARL Chairman) has congratulated SERL on their continued efforts to focus on the growth and development of the sport in the region, and was equally excited at this announcement. “The professional operation of the Jacksonville Axemen by Southeastern Rugby League has seen them become the consistent benchmark and flagship team in the USA. Based on them taking that style of operation and vision with them into these new partnerships, the potential for Rugby League in the Southeast region is limitless. This is one of the most exciting announcements to ever happen for our sport in the USA.”
In achieving this milestone we would like to say a sincere thank you to every person who has attended an Axemen game or one of our many international events. This is also extended to those international fans who have purchased merchandise and thus supported our vision. We are equally grateful to many international teams from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and Jamaica who visited Jacksonville over the years. Thanks as well to all the media that has covered any of our past events, and to the volunteer staff and officials who make our teams safe every week. Thank you to our sponsors, past and present, big and small, as well our fellow USARL clubs, USARL Executives and all the players who commit to playing Rugby League, “The Greatest Game of All”.
In an effort to better explain the importance of this announcement we have listed some of the questions that have been asked during this process, and our answers.
WHO ARE THE NEW PARTNERS – With the operation of the Minor League teams that we have run in Tampa, Daytona and Orlando over the last three years, some individuals have expressed an interest in progressing the idea of creating full member teams. When we contacted a group in Atlanta who had shown interest, the vision of assisting with development as a partner came to fruition based on redirection of funding for all teams on travel needs, to regional growth needs.
Tampa - will be led by Billy Nielson and other members who have a connection with the Tampa Krewe Union team, and we hope the future sees a combined force of both Rugby codes to progress together in the Tampa area. Billy has also been involved with the Jacksonville Axemen operations and was responsible for the entry of the Tampa Inferno minor league team in 2014. The player pool that is available in the Tampa area, along with the number of expatriates from Rugby playing nations, will make the Tampa team very competitive. We must also mention that early in the Axemen operations British expatriate, Steve Towell, had gained great interest with his Bradenton Bulldogs team located just South of Tampa, and we hope this allow some of those participants to return to the sport.
Central Florida – this team will combine the progress of the Daytona Gearheads and Orlando Adrenalin minor league teams. The longest serving Axemen player, Craig Howitt, along with other former Axemen players from central Florida have long wanted a chance to run a top tier team in the area. Kenny Britt has also committed to assist in the development and operations of the team. With their combined leadership, the addition of former Axemen players who live in the area, that include Gaz Walker, Bart Longchamp, Jay Mombu, along with many from the minor league teams, they will come out as an instant favorite. It will also make for some “interesting” match ups on the field when former teammates are pit against one another in serious conference and national title battles.
Atlanta – After visits to the Atlanta by Drew Slover and Spinner Howland that allowed meeting with key members of the Atlanta Renegades Rugby Union organization, along with some key individuals who had area interest, an operations group has been formed. The Atlanta team will draw on a variety of personnel for on and off field success. Greg Frost, who is a young Australian business man living in the area will help operate the team as well as join the playing ranks. He will be joined on the field by members of the highly successful Renegades Union team, and we imagine that members of other areas teams will soon show an interest in the May training camp. There are also a number of Universities in the region who have very successful Rugby programs underway. The Atlanta Rugby League team will be open to all athletes from any area Rugby team, as well as those with other sporting backgrounds. There is also an announcement coming soon about a partnership between the Atlanta team and one of the most iconic professional Rugby League Team in the world.
Team Names and Venues will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. We are waiting on a variety of venue details, sponsor confirmations and other items before releasing all information.
WHY THE CONFERENCE VISION – All developing sports have finances as one of their largest challenges, and the largest budget item for teams operating over a large geographical area is travel. This is not only for Axemen operations having to fly to all away games, but also for all USARL teams that are required to travel to Jacksonville during the regular season, and potentially again during playoffs. At an average cost of $7,500 per game when travel, accommodation, meals, etc, are considered, the creation of a conference system will allow for the “re-allocation” of those funds to more local development goals. With five trips per year, SERL can now direct more assets to local Jacksonville progress, and also assist the new partners in the start up and operation of their teams. It will also allow for all other teams within the USARL to free up 1000’s of combined dollars, and apply them to the growth of their own teams and regions. Conference play will also spark the creation of some great new rivalries, as well as the creation of a conference Board of Directors, who can work together for overall regional growth of the sport. It is also important to recognize that the conference system is something very familiar in American sports, and it will create an additional Conference Championship for all teams, while they are competing for the National Championship. It creates potential conference wide sponsorship to increase revenue streams, and it allows for the consolidation of certain items such as the creation and online sale of merchandise in an effort to stop duplication of tasks, on already limited resources. All of the potential benefits allow for faster, overall development and growth.
HOW WILL IT WORK – The four teams in the Southeastern Conference will play a home and away schedule to determine a 1 through 4 seeding by the end of the regular season. Then with single elimination conference playoff games (1 v 4 and 2 v 3) two teams will advance to the Conference Championship game. The winner of that game will progress to the overall USARL National Championship playoff series. With final USARL 2014 competition structure to be finalized, there may also be a need for the selection of a “Wildcard” team for the playoffs that may allow for further teams to enter into national playoff contention.
WHERE WILL THEY PLAY – We are in the final stages of confirming the venue for each team. Each venue will meet the minimum standards for USARL requirements that provide a safe and comfortable environment for both players and fans. Things such as the ability for on-site food and beverage sales, ample seating and the basic amenities for fans and team operations, are all considered. In addition to those standards, we are also considering the ability of the venue to provide ample opportunity for the advertising and promotion of sponsor materials during game day operations. These include such things as suitable areas for visual advertising banners, access to public address system for sponsor and game day announcements and internet connection to consider live streaming of games. All items for the overall ability to display a professional approach to both the integrity of the game, our commitment to provide value to fans, as well as exceeding the advertising and marketing expectations of our sponsors. We will confirm venues as soon as each has a signed contract.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A FAN– As we announce further details for each team, we encourage all fans and supporters to assist us in promoting the upcoming season and to be apart of the inaugural season for Rugby League across the Southeastern region, and the USARL in general. Websites, social media accounts, venues, tickets and other action items are all in the works and we are committed to release as soon as each is confirmed.
WHAT CAN I DO AS A POTENTIAL SPONSOR – Until further notice, all sponsor questions should be directed to either Drew Slover (drew@sloverconsulting.com) OR Spinner Howland (spinnerhowland@comcast.net)
We are sourcing all levels of sponsorship for teams in ALL FOUR CITES and are also excited for potential discussion for conference wide partnerships that will cover such a large geographical market.
WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO PLAY OR ASSIST WITH A TEAM – For now send player/assistant enquiries to Spinner Howland (spinnerhowland@comcast.net) and direct contact will be confirmed with the correct team partner.
WHAT IF I HAVE A VISION OF CREATING A TEAM – You are invited to apply from any part of the country to the USARL (via www.usarl.com) to discuss expansion plans. SERL is of course hoping this progress ignites further efforts in the expansion of the “Minor League” model for anyone with the vision of progressing a pathway to full USARL member team in the Southeast Region.
Of course all teams from around the USA are welcome to some of the basic marketing materials that have been created by Slover Consulting (www.sloverconsulting.com). Axemen Co-owner Drew Slover, who owns and operates Slover Consulting, has created some incredible sponsor proposal packets, and other advantageous tools for those wishing to consider starting a team(s) in their area.
SERL is always willing to share the model for the Axemen and/or the Minor League Framework with anyone who has a desire to grow Rugby League in the USA.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Major USA Rugby League Announcement, including 3 new teams, coming this Monday
3.30pm Monday on The Mike Dempsey Show, Mike Dempsey will host Spinner Howland for the exclusive release. People in Jacksonville can hear it on 1010XL radio at 92.5fm or 1010am.
Those from other parts of the USA or International locations can listen via the live stream at http://www.themikedempseyshow.
For those unable to listen at 3.30pm, an exclusive TV segment will air with Sam Kouvaris on Jacksonville Channel 4 News ( WJXT4 The Local Station ) during the 6pm hour in the sports segment.
Both Mike and Sam have been great media partners for the Axemen over the years and we are excited to partner in this release with them.
Radio - 3.30pm
TV - 6pm news hour
Then the full press release will be posted at www.usarl.com and at www.jaxaxe.com later than evening.
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