Are we Talkiing Rugby, or Futbol?

[Z.I.P.]

An article appeared in last week's Economist magazine, that shining light of Anglo-American neo-liberalism, regarding the potential for Rugby to become a significant sport in the states. I was only mildly interested, having once trained for the Honolulu Harlequin's annual international tournament with the ORCAS (O'ahu Rugby Club of the Armed Services) but never taken the field. Reading the piece, the final paragraph seems to present the statement meant to bring out American reaction: “Americans like combat sports and good athletes,” says Nigel Melville, the head of USA Rugby. True. Yet they also have a penchant for sports that promote superstars and breed controversy, both on and off the field. With its emphasis on teamwork and fair play, rugby doesn’t quite fit that mould."

Perhaps that's the reason why football (or "soccer", as some refer to it) is still second fiddle in North America. Too much teamwork and fair play, not to mention too little time for commercial interruption.