This weekend is the 2011 USA Sevens Rugby Tournament /World Series. A multi-national event at Sam Boyd Stadium. And we were there for at least a few of the battles.
If you are like me and have never seen rugby, this was a great introduction to the sport. Its a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century and they play with a ball that looks much like an enlarged football. It makes our professional football players look like wimps and amateur wannabe athletes! Holy Cow. Two seven minute halves with more hits, tackles and scores than you see in any 60 minute NFL game.
Team USA showed up to play Samoa…. Can’t really say much else other than they showed. The final was 28-12. This is a sport that requires fast thinking, good hand and feet coordination, the ability to take a beating and the ability to keep moving.
This was an International event, but had a very American flair to it. Even had a playboy Bunny show up along with some guy who is losing his prized possession (The Palms) to a debt collector!!
But it was really about the fans. With shuttles constantly running the fans were changing by the game. Look quickly because as soon as the teams left the field, a new nationality of fans took over the stands. Each came to cheer and to party! With the American fans being the most colorful.
We may suck at Rugby, but we are famous for our fashion statements as a cheering section
Tickets and Information for USA Sevens Rugby
Go Ahead, Stalk Us