Beach rugby has its niche here in the United States. The Corpus Christi Rugby Club has been hosting the 7s By the Sea for a number of years and the sport has always been popular in Southern California. However, with the emergence of a group of players and coaches taking on national team goals, beach rugby is set for even more growth.
For those aren't aware, beach rugby is played on a field smaller than a regular pitch, usually between 30-50 meters long and 20-35 meters wide. There are no goal posts and tries usually count at one point since there is no kicking. Most tournaments play by 7 a side rules but it can bee played with less. Substitutes are rolling.
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With 7s taking off in the U.S. it's expected that Beach Rugby will follow suit. We sat down with Pat Benson and Isiah Young, two administrators with the U.S. team, to talk about the sport and USA Beach Rugby.
This Is American Rugby: What is USA Beach Rugby and how did it get its start?
Pat Benson & Isiah Young: USA Beach Rugby Started in 2013, Beach Rugby is massive in Europe and the tournament we enter are all supported by the IRB. Beach rugby is growing and like the 7's brings in large crowds of people.
TIAR: Does it have any official connection with USA Rugby?
PB & IY: At the moment this has no official connection with USA Rugby but hope to get some sort of affiliation if it continues to grow like it is. All players ex-pat Americans that are based in the UK or Europe.
TIAR: What are the plans for the national team? Have they already played in tournaments?
PB & IY: As long as we can get sponsorship we aim to attend 3 major beach tournaments next year 2015. Due to sponsorship we are only able to attend the major tournament this year in Italy, this is the final leg of all beach tournaments. The USA Beach Team also plays in 7's Tournaments under the name of the Voodoo's
TIAR: What tournaments do you have planned?
PB & IY: Main Beach Tournament (July 2014) Italy This will be live feed on various channels eg Rugby Dump, Sky Sports Italy, Rugby Club TV and Total Rugby TV. There will be write up in Rugby World (Magazine)
PB & IY: Through social media (@usa_beach) we can keep you up to date with our progress and tournament successes.