What is your involvement with Ruby Illinois?
I have played or administered rugby for more than 50 years and was asked to serve as president of Rugby Illinois (formerly known as Illinois Youth Rugby Association). Officials (elected by our membership) and I are responsible for the management and promotion of youth rugby at elementary and high schools in Illinois.
We want to ensure Rugby Illinois effectively promotes the game of rugby to the boys and girls of Illinois. We’d like to see a continued growth in this sport as well.
Can you speak on the growth of rugby?
Rugby is a very popular sport. It is currently the fastest growing sport in the US and the number of boys and girls playing rugby in Illinois has grown by approximately 20% on an annual basis for the past decade. There are more than 400 competitive rugby games played each year by boys and girls in Illinois. Our main event is our State Championships for both boys and girls in the elementary and high school groups.
We also assist in hosting major international rugby games. We recently collaborated with the Chicago Sports Commission in staging the USA Eagles vs. New Zealand All Blacks international rugby game at Soldier Field, which was a sellout plus televised live on NBC.
What do you look for in a venue/from a CVB?
The venue for our State Championships must have controlled access with spectator seating on the main field. We have multiple games on the days we stage our three State Championships, so the venue must have a minimum of three playing fields that are approximately 120 yards long and 75 yards wide. We look for the CVB to help promote and organize our State Championship events.
Rugby Illinois would be interested in working with CVBs to identify availability of indoor space during the winter months to hold rugby outreach programs for boys and girls. Chicago used to hold a Winter Sports Festival in McCormick Place, which allowed us to continue play in the winter. We also participate in the Celtic Festival at Sears Center in Hoffman Estates and hope to have more space made available to us this year to open more doors for the opportunity to play rugby.
What is your favorite event?
My favorite event is the Rugby World Cup, which is played every four years. This year it will be played in England and the USA National Team (Eagles) will compete against 19 other countries. A new favorite event will come to fruition in 2016 when rugby will be played in the Olympic Games for the first time since the 1920s, when USA was the last winner of the rugby gold medal.
Why do you believe more people should play/be involved in rugby?
Rugby is a team sport that both boys and girls can play, no matter physical sizes. Rugby is easy to organize with no elaborate equipment and just a grass field. Because it is a popular, international sport, rugby allows players and coaches to form lifelong friendships with other rugby participants in many parts of the world.
