Be sure to start supporting Houston’s newest professional sports team: the Houston Sabercats of Major League Rugby (MLR).
This new 15 per side Rugby Union professional league is the first step towards making the USA a major international player in Rugby Union (currently, the USA is very strong in Rugby Sevens, but not in 15 per side Rugby Union).
The team will play its inaugural season at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, home of the Sugarland Skeeters.
Their first official game, technically an exhibition, is scheduled for January 6th. The Major League Rugby schedule starts in April. One MLR game per week will be broadcasted nationally on CBS Sports Network starting at that time, including the semifinal and league championship games.
I won’t be able to see their first match on the 6th due to a personal conflict (I’m home on leave that week), but I definitely plan to see them play at least once during their MLR matches this summer.
Hopefully, they’ll be competitive right away and develop a strong local “niche” following.
I love rugby (wanted to play in a college league) felt and still feel like it’s a safer alternative than football for athletes. I just wish they could play in BBVA.
I am a huge rugby fan, grew up with it and soccer. Played both. It helped me Coach later on. Football originated from both. Please support the Sabercats. I moved to Houston in the early 80’s. Since it was not on tv I had to find a bar to watch the Six Nations tournament (then the Five nations) This involved driving to the Richmond Arms early on Saturday mornings. There is nothing like listening to the country’s anthems.
Yes, it gives you goose bumps every time you hear them.
Rugby Union or rugby played with 15 players is RUGBY. Sevens Rugby is fine but it does not come close to it.
For the ones that do not know you have the following competitions ranked by popularity
The first few is when you represent your country.
Rugby World Cup. After the Soccer World Cup and Olympics it is the third most popular sports event.
Six Nations - The oldest nations tournament - I might argue IT IS the biggest rugby event
England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales
Four Nations -
Argentina, Australia, New-Zealand and South Africa
Heineken Cup or European Club Championship
European Teams compete for the European Club title.
Club Teams competitions - Classified by most lucrative.
Top14 or French Premiership. This is where the players get paid the most. Unfortunately is has decimated the French National Team.
AVIVA Premiership or English Premiership
Guiness Pro 14 or Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Italian and South African franchises https://www.pro14rugby.org/
Super Rugby
Franchises from Argentina, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa
Unfortunately it is very difficult to watch rugby. Please feel free to post sites or cable companies that offer these competitions.
Even though I grew up in France I learned to appreciate and love the VOICE of rugby Mr. Bill McLaren
