USA Rugby Super League: The popular sport of Rugby Football is the next emerging team sport in the United States, after American Rules football, basketball, baseball and ice-hockey. Since its origin in England, dating back to 1823, this full-contact team sport was first played in the US during the 1870's, and has evolved since.
With the formation of the USA Rugby in 1975, which is affiliated under the International Rugby Board (IRB), the sport of rugby league has grown individually, at all levels throughout the country, even becoming a major professional sport played at international levels.
Amongst the major national rugby league competitions played in the US, the USA Rugby Super League (simply known as ‘Super League') is renowned. Officially known as the ‘Michelob Super League' who are its sponsors, the competition is certified by USA Rugby.
The USA Rugby Super League was created in 1996 by 14 of the chief rugby governing bodies in USA, and is held is held annually. This competitive national event initially had 14 teams competing which are split into two divisions with seven teams each. The two divisions participating in this event are the Western-Pacific Conference and the Midwestern-East Conference. However, the current 2007 season involves the competition of 18 clubs, being divided into Eastern and Western division's format, which were re-introduced in 2005 after a major change during the 2002 season.
The inaugural event for the USA Rugby Super League was held in 1997 was won by Aspen defeating Old Blue, with the final score of 29-9. Over the years, other clubs joined the conferences, thus expanding and increasing the competitions between the individual clubs. After completing a decade in 2006, the prestigious competition was held in Santa Clara, California with great celebration and a pulsating finale where Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) defeated Belmont Shore with the score reading 36-33.
The clubs participating in the 2007 USA Rugby Super League from the Eastern Conference are namely:
- Boston RFC
- Boston Irish Wolfhounds
- Charlotte
- Chicago Lions
- New York Athletic Club
- Old Blue
- Philadelphia Whitemarsh
- Potomac Athletic Club
- Washington
The clubs participating in the 2007 USA Rugby Super League from the Western Conference are namely:
- Belmont Shore
- Dallas Harlequins
- Denver Barbarians
- Kansas City Blues
- Old Mission Beach Athletic Club
- Old Puget Sound Beach
- Santa Monica Rugby Club
- St. Louis Bombers
- San Francisco Golden Gate
Thus, the USA Rugby Super League, being the premier national competition in the US, has promoted the growth for the sport of rugby league immensely. It has also inspired players and fans alike, throughout the world, establishing itself as a popular recreational sport with adrenaline-packed, fast-paced action.
Thus, the Queensland Rugby League, being the premier body for rugby league in Queensland, has promoted the growth for the sport immensely. It has also inspired players and fans alike, throughout Australia and all over the world, watching their home nation rise to champions in most rugby league tournaments.
