Roster limits hurt everyone...

The RFU asked for and subsequently received a ruling from the IRB concerning match replacements that stands to have a profound impact on collegiate rugby unless USA Rugby intervenes.

Ruling with accompanying narrative from the Rugby Committee

The details are a bit sketchy but it basically reaffirms that substitution rules followed in international matches carry down to all levels of adult rugby – presumably collegiate rugby in the US since USAR by-laws dictate compliance with all IRB rulings. So, coaches name 22 man rosters and must pick substitutions from that eligible pool of players. This is terrible news for collegiate rugby and here’s why:

1. A team would no longer have the ability to control a game once they’ve obtained a comfortable lead. Its fairly routine for a coach to bypass his immediate reserves and go deeper into the bench during these instances so as to get the younger, less experienced player some important playing time in the A side jumper. It builds deeper teams and better programs plus enables the coach to show a bit of compasion for the opposition when it just isn't there day.
2. A team would no longer have the ability to insert that special senior player into a match that is comfortably in hand. Every collegiate coach has multiple stories of those uniquely dedicated club members that play for four years but just don’t have what it takes to break into the A side. They show up on time to every practice, they are officers of the club, they wash jerseys and carry water during the matches but just can’t crack that top 22. However, there always seems to be that game during their last year when you have a chance to get them on the field in the second half. The sideline always comes alive and everyone on the field is trying to get the ball in their hands. It’s a program building moment. And, it doesn’t have to be when your team is out front. In 2005 we were able to get some very deserving seniors on the field in a losing effort against Cal and those guys still talk about that experience.
3. In our high school league we have implement what amounts to a mercy rule. If a team is up by 22 at halftime, with mutual agreement from the coaches, the game is called and the second half is played as a scrimmage. That allows the coaches to put kids on the field that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity plus they are allowed to exceed the maximum number of substitutes. Now, at the collegiate level, we are left with coming up with the same type of solution. However, it requires the consent of both coaches which at times is sure to be an issue at the collegiate level.

Yes, I get it. Its rugby and that’s how it’s played according to the IRB. However, this type of rule clearly is a detriment to the growth of the sport and to programs across the US.

Collegiate All Americans

The selection process has been announced for the 2009 Collegiate All American team and it appears to remain consistent with the 2008 process (Press Release). USA Rugby should be commended for the increasingly transparent process of selecting All Americans. You may not always agree with the selections but you do know how they were selected and who the selectors were. As a player you know that if you make your TU team, have a good run at the NASC then you have a shot. That's all a player can ask for... There's nothing worse than paying all that money to go to the NASC and then get the feeling that the team was selected before you even got there. Not too long ago, many felt like that was the case.