Rugby League In Dallas Tx, Usa

[dallas dragons]

We are both in North dallas and only minutes away. Possible pitches 1) UTD courtesy of UTD union club to be shared with DARC Knights. 2) Lookout Park in Richardson to be shared with Dallas Magpies Aussie rules team. Training ground ( UTD , Frankfork Field, Lookout Park.... ). Frankfort field would be a perfect place as there is no one at all after 5.00 pm ( Except Cricket on Wednesday night ).
If thing get well under way and we have a side by spring I might as the Quins Rugby League as an opener to their home Superleague games at Glencoe park. More likely, I see a much better relationship with the Magpies and I could see a rugby league game played as an opener to Magpies game next season. For fitness reason I am starting to train with the Magpies and play Aussie rules. There is nothing like a good metro 9 game of Aussie rules to keep you fit. Moreover these guys are more open minded than Union players...., Rugby league could also keep them fit, when they do not play Aussie rules. I do keep that in mind also......

 

[hutch]

good luck in getting the rugby league teams up and running. what is the general knowledge and coverage of rugby union in texas? is it seen as primarily an upper class or private school game as it is here is australia? do they get good crowds?
rugby league could be promoted as a newer, faster and easier game to understand version of rugby over there

 

[yankeeboy]

Even amongst high schoolers, rugby (the only sort we have is union) is considered to be a "pub sport." Most high schoolers whose school's don't have teams don't really know what the game is about. There are only around 20 u-19 clubs in the whole state. My school was the first to make it a varsity sport (in theory giving it the same status as gridiron and basketball), and we regularly field a Varsity and a JV. Other clubs have trouble fielding even one team (I have helped fill numbers for two of our opponents).

At my school, rugby is seen as a way to keep in shape for football season, or as a place for you to play a sport if another rejected you. We are proud to have taken the rejects and turned them into winningest team at the school.

Class distinctions really have no impact on American sport. Sports that might have at one point been considered elitist (like lacrosse, golf, or tennis) are played by both private and public schools alike.

We do not have any crowds at all. The most people I have seen at a non-tournament U-19 rugby game was probably around 200, plus around 20 dogs. This was vs the Dallas Reds Mens 2nd Side, as a curtain raiser/closer to one of their games. Most of our games have parents, siblings, and girlfriends--that's it!

The coverage of both sports is virtually zero. There might be a result from the national Super League Union comp on the back page of the sports section, but that is it. League could be marketed as simply 'rugby,' and nobody would know the difference. To the casual obserever, there is very little difference in the sports. One of the players on my Union team even received a penalty for attempting a Play the Ball (he had only been to one practice, and we'd played League Touch)!

I think that if League were marketed well enough, it could become the second most popular sport in the American South. It is the American Redneck's dream sport-- WWE wrestling combined with Gridiron football (and it's not the XFL)!

 

[yankeeboy]

Roopy, I really don't think a North and South team setup would work. SOuth Dallas is the 'ghetto,' and I really doubt that there would be any interest in rugby.

What is much more likely would be two sevens teams at first, one in North Dallas, and another in Plano, a northern suburb of Dallas.

I'm not sure, but I think that in square miles, American cities are much larger than say, what would have the address 'Sydney' in Australia. FOr example, to drive across the city of Dallas (from Farmers Branch to Duncanville) would take 30 minutes. The city of Dallas has an area of 1000 square kilometers, almost all of it urban or suburban.

One thing I've noticed about the Magpies is their league setup. The MAAFL plays only a 6 game season, about every 3 weeks. I think the best thing to do would be to play games on Magpies off weeks, perhaps at Lookout Park.

Once the team is established and ready to play other teams, who would we play. The closest teams look to be those setting up in the AMNRL South, Chicago Condors, and any team that starts in Arizona.

An MAAFL like league, with maybe 8 teams, would be best. Games could be played monthly, with a grand final at the end of September, between the top two teams, and possibly a national championship against the AMNRL east champion.

Would it be best to join the Fledglin AMNRL West, or to try to start an AMNRL Central/South with Chicago Condors and Atlanta/Jacksonville?

 

[yankeeboy]

Just as an example, here is the MAAFL set-up:

Seven clubs:
Cincinnati, Nashville, Chicago Swans, St Louis, Dallas Magpies, Atlanta, and Milwaukee.

There is a seven round comp. Each team gets 3 home games, 3 away games, and a bye. The rounds are played on Saturdays: 7 May, 21 May, 11 June, 25 June, 16 July, 13 Aug, and 27 Aug. The national tourney is to be played at Milwaukee on October 1-2.

There are 2 rep games: MAAFL vs Ontario, Saturday 2 July, at Toronto; And the International Cup in Melbourne, 3-13 August.

The USAFL All-Star game was played at the beginning of the season, on 30 April, in Dallas.

The best thing it looks like we could do for 2005 would be to play a 4 team comp with Chicago, Atlanta, and Jacksonville, if the latter two get set up. Perhaps this could be an AMNRL conference, and the teams could play in the AMNRL playoffs.

 

[dallas dragons]

The way I see the game developing, is through a metro 9 league. We will start with learning the fundamentals and play 2 sides against each other. Of course will could enter 7s tournaments with union teams. I will be checking in the next few days with the Texas Rugby Union to see if I can register a team as a 7s side only.
I will follow the example of the Magpies in terms of development. I need to have the approval and the backing of the AMNRL, hopefully they will help in setting up links and information to a future webb site. By the way UTC ( Les Catalans ) will link the Dallas Dragons to their webb site as soon as we have one here.
I do not intend to promote the game as a redneck game , we have enough of that with football, nascar, bass fishing , wrestling and other low class sports... I do not live in Collin County to be with rednecks and develop a sport for them. I think RL can interest a lot of American because of its fast pace but lets not market it a cross of bad football and wrestling.
And it is not true that rugby or lacrosse are not elitist game. Yes public schools play Rugby in North Texas but they are elitists public schools in elitists suburbs. Plano High school, Plano West, and Highland Park are not your average high schools. With half million dollars home surrounding them , they are the equivalent of prep schools like Jesuit or Hockaday in Dallas. drive by any of these schools and you will think that the student parking lots are BMW, Mercedes or Lexus dealerships. Class distinction does exist in Dallas. There are the very rich northern suburbs and then the rest of the city.
When I started to develop the Colts for the Dallas Harlequins in 1993, the players were either SMU students or Highland Park students, most of them football players. What happened is that later Highland park football coaches banned their players from playing rugby because of threat of injuries.
Rugby is very much a college sport in the USA and I will consider it elitist in that perspective. Most of the Union teams are made of expatriates ( South Africans, Kiwies, Aussies, Brits, few French, and former college students ). Rugby has no spectators and no coverage., even the Superleague games . The last superleague game between Dallas Harlequins and Belmont Shores drew a crowd of 450 ( including wifes, families, girl friends , dogs ( at least 30 ) , expats . Do not forget all the old boys surrounding the beer stand and the grill ( manned by South Africans ).
The final of the Superleague (Union )was played in Hartford in a 40,000 seat stadiums as part of a double header of a package including USA vs six Nations champs Wales. The crowd was between 18,000 and 15,000 at the beginning of the afternoon but by the end of the second half of the superleague final there were barely 3,000 spectators and not many looked interested at all on what was happening on the field ( I had to say the second half was a sad affair of rugby union, and I was even myself wondering why I was waisting my time watching it . It was a festival of knock ons, deep kicks and turn overs....I wished I was at the dentist getting a root canal instead. The worst part was when a New York player did break away in the only spectacular action of the second half, run ito the end zone with no one near him and instead of downing the ball for a try , manage to drop it and not score............ Games like this are not going to make Rugby popular in the USA.....

 

[Big Bunny]

Side stepping the redneck marketing aspect is a good thing. Class division is the last thing that any sport needs, onlt that rugby union used it to its advantage in an environment that is not so prevalent today. Whilst playing union 7's is a good way to get up to speed with the first batch of players and give them game time, I think that at the first opportunity to play rugby league with two teams of 9 it should be made the priority. 9 a side football is a game becoming a lot more popular in rugby league than 7's and it would appear to be the right model to follow.

I also think you're on the money by looking to build ties with the local AFL, because their methods are proven and appear to be a lot better supported and geared toward creating further infrastructure. Utilizing the development plans on the usfooty.com website could easily be transferred to rugby league as well.

I feel that rugby league and Victorian rules can work as a better partnership than league and union, because there is more of a synergy, the players can still be shared and there's far less jealousy than exists within the union ranks. So far the vast majority of "partnerships" with union clubs have seen rugby league as little more than a subordinate, one used only as a summer training drill and that does nothing for the games image in the long run.

 

[roopy]

We are hearing about this - but i'd like to think there are many teams forming all over America because of the Tomahawks V Kangaroos match and the success of the AMNRL.

 

[yankeeboy]

And it is not true that rugby or lacrosse are not elitist game. Yes public schools play Rugby in North Texas but they are elitists public schools in elitists suburbs. Plano High school, Plano West, and Highland Park are not your average high schools. With half million dollars home surrounding them , they are the equivalent of prep schools like Jesuit or Hockaday in Dallas. drive by any of these schools and you will think that the student parking lots are BMW, Mercedes or Lexus dealerships. Class distinction does exist in Dallas. There are the very rich northern suburbs and then the rest of the city.
When I started to develop the Colts for the Dallas Harlequins in 1993, the players were either SMU students or Highland Park students, most of them football players. What happened is that later Highland park football coaches banned their players from playing rugby because of threat of injuries.

Lacrosse may be an elitist sport, but you can't call American Rugby elitist. Any sport whose main premise for most of the players is to go to the pub, is not really elitist.

NOw, the Quins Colts are mostly based around Lake Highlands High School. It isn't a bad neighborhood, but it isn't Highland Park.

There are also teams at Bishop Dunne in Oak Cliffe, and at Cedar Hill. Not the most savory of places. And, wherever you find a rugby club, most of the clubs will have some players who really don't uphold the spirit of the game. In the case of the Quins Colts 2005 team, it seems like this is all of them. They charged our bench after they won by 50.

And BTW, I didn't mean that the Dallas Dragons would be redneck based, I meant that the sport could be marketed, and rednecks would probably be very likely to pick up the sport as the third best thing to Football and NASCAR.

Also, what does 'Dragons' have to do with UTC? I thought that their official nickname was 'Les Catalans.'

 

[Big Bunny]

Also, what does 'Dragons' have to do with UTC? I thought that their official nickname was 'Les Catalans.'

The patron saint of the Catalunya is St.George, the dragon slayer.

 

[BrisTex]

Hey guys
I'm from Australia, living in Texas. I don't think I'd be interested in playing league but I have a cousin who lives in Dallas who might be.
I think he played a bit of Rugby and also ran track at high school in Dallas so would be a good player.
Also are there any bars in Dallas that have Origin on TV

 

[dallas dragons]

I do not like the aspect of Rugby Union where everybody gets drunk at the end of the game. Where I come from we do not do that . But is true that in the USA , the image of Rugby is tarnished by this image.
As far as the Harlequins colt I have not coached them in 10 years now , so I am not familiar with their player base anymore. In their regards , I rather emphasis that it is a sucessful program and that 4 of their players are internationals and went to the under 19 world cup in South Africa. After all they are the N#4 colt program in the USA. If their coaches let them clear the bench , they have poor control of their team and have no class. But since everyone hates the Harlequins in Texas , I am sure that everywhere they plays they are not welcomed with open arms. After all you lost 3 times to the Quins this year ( 50-12 31-3 and 13-9 ). The last time you played them they were without their internationals. I am sure that every time Jesuits plays them you guys are far less catholics for about 80 minutes.Teams do not clear a bench without some taunting from the other team....
As far as UTC is linked to he Dallas Dragon, it is simple, UTC was once the XIII catalan and for 20 years this was my club and my town ( I still have own a house there ) . If you go to France you will understand. Perpignan is XIII country.Three of the most succesfull clubs in Rugby League in the 20 century where there ( PIA, ST Esteve and XIII Catalans ). Between them they won over 40 league titles in a 100 years. Without Perpignan and the Catalans , Rugby League would have died out in France. UTC deserves everyright to be in the Superleague because they are the heart and soul of Rugby league in France. Perpigan metro area is only about 230,000 in population but their are over 20 clubs playing in the French League either in the Premier or the Second division. UTC is 1st in the premier , Pia is fourth ( only 10 miles separates both grounds). They are both playing in the semi finals this week end and their is a good chance that the grand final in a week will see Perpignan vs Pia.
I am training now with the Magpies and the way Aussies rules is developing here is the way I am going to try to develop the Dallas team. I rather have links with Aussies rules than Union right know. I am also trying to get support from David Niue and the AMNRL .
In order to succed we need to avoid the problems that Union rugby is facing. Rugby Union is in crisis here. Let us be honest the US Eagle lost to Wales 77 to 3 on Saturday ( It was a Welsh team without its best players on tour with the Lions ). The problem that I see with rugby union is that players lack commitment. Rugby for them is more an opportunity to be in a fraternity than play a game. They practices twice a week for about 4 hours but then go to the pub and drink for an equal amount of time. The facilites are inadequates ( No gym , no bathrooms, no field equipment, no clubhouse, no proper training )... Rugby Union is not progressing at all. I liked it even better when we were only a bunch of expats playing it 10 or 20 years ago, at least we believed in the game.
I do not want Rugby League to go that route, Players will have to be committed to the game and show discipline and be fit . This is the only way the game can develop and we in the future might be able to play at the level of nations like Australia or New Zealand.

 

[dallas dragons]

State Of Origin Is Available On The Fox Soccer Channel In The Usa , Thus Can Be Available In Any Bar In Dallas. The Best Place To Wathc It In Dallas Would Be On Yale Where There Are Several Bars Frequented By Local Rugby Players ( They Were Showing Super12 , 6 Nations And Some Rl Games Most Recently ).

 

[yankeeboy]

Origin II will be shown live on FSC, at 5:00 AM Central on the 15th. It will also be shown at 1:00 AM the next night, to be followed by the NRL Game of the Round from round 13.

My question was not, "Why UTC," but "Why Dallas Dragons." I was just wondering what 'Dragons' had to do with the club. Do UTC go by the nickname Dragons, or is the name simply a link to Catalunya?

In addition to UTC, will you also pursue links to St George Illawarra Dragons? I know the Dallas Magpies have an arrangement with Collingwood, who give them their jerseys when they are done with them. I would bet that SGI have plenty of 'Integral Energy' jerseys they need to get rid of, unless they already gave them to the DC Slayers.

I think that, with links to the Super League, as well as to the NRL, the Dallas Dragons will have a level of support from the developed league nations that no other RL club in the US has.

 

[dallas dragons]

Yes you are aboriginals**tely right I need to get in touch with the ST George Illawarra Dragons. That would be great If I get recycled old jerseys from either them or UTC to start with. UTC by the way is mow called LES CATALANS.
I cannot wait for State of Origin II. The first one was just fantastic. By the way I am watching St George VS NZ Warriors right now ( Fox Sports Canada ).
The most important aspect of development for me is to get the approval of the AMNRL and bet able to get some kind of official recognition here. Then find people who want to play the came with the right attitude, start with a couple of 7s sides playing each other, then as we develop become a full fledge side. The ideal will be to the first year be able to play Chicago Condors and the Phoenix side, and maybe one side from the AMNRL . If we develop the game right like the Magpies did with Aussies rules, the ideal would be that teams develop in San Antonio, Houston, Austin and at least another one here in the Metroplex. That would be fantastic.
In the meantime, I am passing the word out and tries to recruit players. I am training with the DARC/ UTD squad and the Magpies ( nothing like playing 7s rugyby and Metro 9 Aussies rules during summer ). In fact i am even seriously considering signing on with the Magpies to play in the AFL.

 

[Play some footy]

Everyone getting together after a game is a sign of comraderie. It is meant that at the end of the day, regardless of what has happened on the field, everyone can get hang out for a few laughs afterwards. It is the norm pretty much in every country that both sides come together after the game - whether it is a drink up or not - for a bit of fun. I think this is what seperates footy from any other sport. I don't think it tarnishes the game in any way - but rather heightens its interest.

As per getting some league together down south - best of luck. Even if you boys establish some type of 7 on 7 or 9 on 9, just getting everyone out to play a bit of league is positive.

Keep with it - it will pay dividends in the end.

 

[BrisTex]

I was just wondering how you guys(yankeeboy and Dragon)got involved in League in the first place? are you guys original from Australia or USA?

In Dallas what times do most bars close?
I don't have fox soccer channel so the only way I can catch origin is at a bar.
When I've been in Austin I've noticed a lot of people playing Rugby and think it would be a great place to develop league.
I think most people in America only no about rugby union. I guess this is because it's more of a international sport and thus getting more international attention.

 

[dallas dragons]

No I am not from Australia , I hold three passports in fact , I have a French, US and South African citizenship. I developed my taste for rugby in the south of France, and played also in England and South Africa. I came to the USA to de a PHD in Political Science and I have been here since 1988. When I moved to Dallas in 1990, I jopined the Dallas Harlequins Rugby Club ( Union rugby ). Australian football appeared on the scene here in 1988. We also have a cricket club here , the Colonial Cricket club ( made of expats Poms-Aussie-Kiwies-South African-Namibians...) which started to play in the North Texas Cricket League. Now the next sport coming is Rugby League ( 2005-2006 ).
In Austin you have Rugby Union and Aussie rules. I will get their informations so you can contact them. Those guys will let you know where on 6th street he hang outs are for Rugby on big screen. Bar closes around 2.00 am here and the best ones are on lower Greenville avenue and Yale. If you cannot catch the game, I record it on a VHS and send it to you. The first one went overtime and was a thriller. The best game of the year. I do not have a Queenland RL jerseys so when I watch the game I put on my Queensland Reds jumper. I have several aussie mates here and we watch the game together, their are shark fans and wear the sharks jumpers. We also play the Rugby League game on my computer as well as AFL Live 2003 and Rugby 2005 ( I forgot cricket 2004 ).
By the way the AFL austin team will be in Dallas saturday morning , we are all going to play a metro 9 aussie rules tournament all day.

 

[dallas dragons]

I have more info for you. You can contact the Austin Crows at 512 507 50 77 . They are part of the TXAFL withe the Dallas Magpies, San Antonio Diablos and Houston Hawks. The Austin Huns can be reached at 512 459 huns and if you want to see some action their is bloodfest at Zicker park in Austin on the 25th of June . It is a seven tournament organized by the Huns and the Gentlemen of Aspen ( twice superleague champions ) as well as the Denver Harlequins will be there ( champions in 2004 ). Their bar in Austin is Nasty's , I guess you miight have a fair chance to see rugby in this bar.

 

[BrisTex]

I have more info for you. You can contact the Austin Crows at 512 507 50 77 . They are part of the TXAFL withe the Dallas Magpies, San Antonio Diablos and Houston Hawks. The Austin Huns can be reached at 512 459 huns and if you want to see some action their is bloodfest at Zicker park in Austin on the 25th of June . It is a seven tournament organized by the Huns and the Gentlemen of Aspen ( twice superleague champions ) as well as the Denver Harlequins will be there ( champions in 2004 ). Their bar in Austin is Nasty's , I guess you miight have a fair chance to see rugby in this bar.

Hey thanks for the information.
I'll definitely have to get into contact with the names you gave me.
I'm a league supporter but played union because I went to a private school that didn't offer league.
It'll be good to talk to league supporters. I'm getting sick of talking about College sports over here as that's all my mates want to talk about. This is one of the reasons I went searching for a league forum.