by Nigel Melville
Nigel Melville Direct
During the past 4 years we have been working hard to create a foundation for the game in the USA across our Youth, High School, and College pathways, we have made great progress. It's never enough for some I know, but progress whatever way you look at it. Establishing a foundation provides us with a future, imagine where we would be now if we had focused sowing these seeds in the 80's and 90's!
2011 was another busy year, the Rugby World Cup dominated much of our work, the Eagles put in some strong performances and the win against Russia was a highlight
Our IRB Development Award for Rookie Rugby was both validation and recognition for USA Rugby and the thousands of teachers, coaches and parents involved in our Youth initiatives whilst the record 11,000 fans who turned up to watch our College Premier Division final proved that the College game is making great strides towards becoming a legitimate College sport.
In addition USA Rugby events received increased broadcast, media and sponsorship exposure, we recorded a record membership year (just under 100,000) and the Sports Good Manufacturers Survey named rugby as the fastest growing team sport in America.
Presenting an Eagles shirt to the Secretary General of the United Nations brought massive exposure for USA Rugby and the Rugby World Cup both at home and around the globe as all twenty competing teams Ambassadors joined together in the UN Assembly for a picture with the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Behind the scenes, Congress and the Board have been developing plans to improve our Governance structure with the development of pilot Geographical Unions and a strong committee structure that is aligned to the playing pathway.
With an impressive resume as player, coach and administrator, Nigel David Melville took over as CEO and President of Rugby Operations of USA Rugby, the National Governing Body of the sport in America, in 2006. In addition to his full time job promoting the sport in the U.S., Melville has launched his own blog, Nigel Melville Direct, to further the discussion and his passion for what it will take to make the U.S. a great rugby playing nation.
CLICK HERE to read more on Nigel Melville
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
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Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
