PLay rugby in USA

Question
QUESTION: Good day Nick.

I want to play rugby in USA and would like to know on how to go about this. I have played for a national team several times and play in a club team as well. I play the flank (open side, but can play blind side aswell) and hooker. I wish to know what clubs are available and what visa i should apply for. I would also appreciate it if you could reply on my email  as i have limmited resources to the internet.

Thanks & Regards

Paul van Staden

ANSWER: Hi Paul,

Rugby in the USA is very very un-professional. My club the Back Bay Sharks is actively recruiting now I suggest emailing our recruiting officer Jaco Vlok (he is a South African as well) you can go to our website wwww.backbayrfc.com and email the club: [email protected] or email him directly at [email protected]

As for visas if you can get a student visa as a start that would be good. There is the green card lottery. One of our club members is an immigration lawyer his name is Richard Wilner and his firm is at: www.wilneroreilly.com

These days it is rare for a club to pay for a player. We can offer a place to stay, assistance with a car and a great place to live and play rugby. If you have no work visa we can assist with cash work if you have a proper work visa we can get you job interviews with companies of our club members. Let us know.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the reply Nick.

You say I should try for a student visa but I have to be enrolled into a curriculum to achieve this unless i can get a student visa to play rugby? I dont mind studing but will need cash to pay for the studdies etc. I will also be bringing my wife with she is currently a student and we would like for her to study and complete her masters degree in chiropractic. Do you perhaps have a email address where i can contact you personally?

Answer
Hi Paul

Feel free to contact me at [email protected]

I hate to be negative but the reality is that to come here on a permanent basis you will need to get here on your own steam (air ticket and some spending money) then either go for the green card lottery (you can start this process in SA) or hope for an amnesty ( a gamble but it could happen ) or get a company to sponser you in a specialised work field.

It is not easy for sure. The lottery is actually very good I know a number of people who have won it:

http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/