rugby in the usa

Question
QUESTION: I am a 17 year old from England, i have played age grade county level rugby and have under 19's caps and full international caps for barbados, i also play rugby league and have played for south england under 18s team. i am 184cm and weigh 90kg I play centre and flanker and sometimes full back. Next year i am taking a gap year before going to university and i am thinking about going to the usa to play rugby and was wondering whether it is possible to get paid to play out there? If not any suggestions on where i could go where it is possible to get paid? as i want to go abroad for a year.

ANSWER: Hi Liam,

I am not going to say it can't be done but it is highly unlikely. You actually have a better chance in Japan of getting paid for a gap year like you suggest.

When coming to the states I suggest that the least you should hold out for is this: a free place to stay, a cash job, usually provided by a club member or benefactor and the generosity of the guys at the pub on Saturday night.

USA rugby is still basically amateur. It is rare that a good local player gets paid, even in the national team so not many clubs are willing to pay for just one season, the gain is too short term.

Coaches have better chances of pay here at the moment.

That said, I would be happy to ask my club if they are up for a good young player for a season. The Back Bay Sharks www.backbayrfc.com are in Southern California where even in winter you get sun burn. There a lot of clubs in the area and also San Francisco and the East Coast. Go to USA Rugby's website for mor information about the US rugby scene.

Also note: the drinking age here is 21 and depending on where you are it can be tough to get in a pub.

Cheers

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What are some good clubs to start with japan? how should i go about contacting them? how should a word the email? any general advice you can give?

Answer
Hello Liam,

The clubs in Japan are generally Corporations: Mitsubishi, Toyota, Yamaha etc. I would try searching the net for...

1. a professional rugby manager
2. see if your club or a club in your area has a player development officer. That person would be in charge of making sure potentially professional players get managed properly.
3. Look up the clubs directly via the Internet.

I don't personally have experience in the matter but treat it the same as a job interview so a CV, cover letter just like any job. There is a ton of information on line on how to get prepared for a job. You might even find a specialist site on sports CV's. Get on Google and start searching.