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| Soldier Field, a potential venue for the All Blacks. |
Cam Dolan: No one is a bigger winner this week than Dolan. Contracts overseas, let alone in the Premiership, can be difficult to come by for Americans. Dolan's signing with Northampton is a big deal. Even if he doesn't see a lot of time this season he will be in an environment to train and grow everyday. Playing at Life is possibly the closest thing we have to that environment outside the 7s program in this country but it's no where near the same scale as what he'll get in England. Plus, it couldn't have happened to a better kid.
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Eagles: The biggest winner from Dolan's move, aside from himself, is the Eagles. As we saw in the fall tour a productive Dolan allows the U.S. to be stronger in other positions. He now can push Todd Clever into a more open role which in turn pushes either Samu Manoa or Scott LaValla into the locks. It also provides more depth at both second and back row.
Chicago & Washington, D.C.: One of those two cities is likely to land the All Blacks next year. Chicago has hosted top level rugby in the past when the U.S. hosted Wales while it's been awhile for Washington. Both places have really strong rugby communities and will turn out in droves (not that you need that when the All Blacks come to town). Whoever ends up hosting will have a great match on their hands.
Wilkinson Fans: Word has it that Jonny Wilkinson will be giving it one more year. That's big news for fans of the game. Love him or hate him Wilkinson has always brought an extra level of intrigue to every match he's played in. If Leigh Halfpenny's switch to Toulon is held up because of Wilkinson's decision it will add even more fuel to the fire that always surrounds Wilko.
U.S.A. Rugby: Give credit to U.S.A. Rugby for holding firm and insisting they are the ones to play the All Blacks next year and not a World XV. Not that a World XV wouldn't be exciting for fans but it would be a huge opportunity missed if the Eagles couldn't put themselves in the biggest match in America in recent history. It's a marketing dream in the long-term even if they don't earn as much money in the near-term. Also, credit to the coaching staff for recognizing the occasion and trying to work with overseas clubs to secure players.
Losers
New York: The biggest loser from the revelations that the All Blacks will likely play in Chicago or Washington, D.C. is New York. The city had long been rumored as host but Red Bull Arena was too small/unavailable while MetLife Stadium houses both the Giants and the Jets meaning availability was an issue. It would have been a big spectacle but that's how it is.
Falcons: The team needed the 7s Premier League in order to help get younger players up to speed. It didn't happen. Next up for the team is the Las Vegas Invitational. It will still be a tough challenge but so would have been the 7s Premier League.
LVI: It's a great tournament and we encourage all to go, but the timing of this year's tournament has left some gaps in the LVI. A quick scan on their website shows a lot of empty spaces in some high profile divisions (unless their site isn't updated). The Men's Aces division has a lot of openings while across the board their aren't that many 15s teams. Also the Elite Boy's and Women's divisions need more teams. Hopefully more teams enter.
Zebre: To say that Zebre have been horrible in their existence is an understatement. In their two year history they have only earned two positive results--a win and a draw--and have been regularly embarrassed. Their latest embarrassment came at the hands of Saracens this last week as they pummeled them 64-3.