RUGBY LEAGUE NATION

 

 

Foundation Year - 1954

International Team - Tomahawks

Highest finish in World Cup - Two wins Emerging Nations World Cup (2000)

Top level domestic competition - American National Rugby League (AMNRL) has 11 teams participating along the east coast of America. (Professional competition "US NRL" due to kick off in 2010)

History - The United States first flirted with rugby league when the American All Stars toured Australia in 1953. The games had massive media coverage in Australia and drew bumper crowds at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The All Stars failed to live up to the hype and were way out of their depth failing to win a game on tour.

Rugby League started up in again in the late 1980's. The United States participated in the Tri-Country Rugby League competition. The competition included one team from the United States and three from Canada . In 1987 the United States played their first international against Canada. In that same year the State of Origin series which is usually played in Australia, had a one off game in California. The match saw Australian teams New South Wales and Queensland play each other in an effort to promote Rugby League in the States.

In 1995 the United States participated in the Emerging Nations World Cup. Grouped with Russia, Scotland and the Cook Islands the Tomahawks found the going tough. They went through the tournament without a win. On the positive side the event was a great learning experience for the national team.

In 1998 a domestic competition the American National Rugby League (AMNRL) commenced involving teams along the east coast of the United States. Today ten teams participate in the competition that goes from strength to strength.

In 2002 over 30,000 fans turned out in Moscow to see the United States take on Russia. In a game that was televised across Russia and beamed back home to America, the Bears proved too strong for the Tomahawks coming out convincing winners 54 - 10.

In 2004 after the Tri-Nations series the Kangaroos dropped into the United States on the way home to play a match against the Tomahawks. The game was played on a synthetic surface along the same lines of what is used in the NFL. The game was also modified with the 80 minutes being split over four quarters. The Australian's were in a state of shock as the Tomahawks came out firing and raced away to a handy lead by the end of the 2nd quarter. Pride was on the line for the Australian's and they came out a different team in the last two quarters clawing their way back into the game. The Kangaroos saved face against a determined Tomahawks team eventually winning the game 36 - 24.

In 2006 the United States began their campaign to qualify for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. In the Atlantic qualifying leg the United States easily defeated Japan securing a place in the repechage rounds. In 2007 the Untied States travelled to the United Kingdom to play Samoa. The winner of the game would progress through to the Repechage final. It wasn't to be for the Tomahawks as they were knocked out of the qualifiers 42 - 10 by Samoa. The Tomahawks put in a gutsy display against a Samoan side full of professional players from the NRL and Super League. The Tomahawks headed home with their heads held high knowing they came close to creating World Cup History.

The growth of Rugby League continues in the United States with Russel Crowe promoting a trial game between Leeds Rhinos and South Sydney in January 2008. Played at Jacksonville, over 12000 fans packed the UNF stadium to see Leeds defeat South Sydney in a close encounter. In 2009 the Leeds Rhinos returned to the US this time to play the Salford City Reds. Once again the American public showed their enthusiasm for rugby league with another big crowd on hand to see Leeds win again.

The recent success of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup will provide further funds to develop the sport throughout the America's. The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) will now have more funds to invest in development officers and continue assisting rugby league's growth. With the right support the United States could take the next step and qualify for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup for the first time.

In 2009 the United States have droped one place in rankings to 15th since their 2007 ranking of 14th in world seedings by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).

In late 2009 Jamaica toured to the United States to play for the inaugural Atlantic Cup. In front of over 3500 fans in Jacksonville, Jamaica went into half time ahead 12 - 10. When they went onto the field in the second half they just could not hold onto the lead with the United States clinching the Atlantic Cup defeating Jamaica 37 - 22.

In 2010 the Atlantic Cup returned to Jacksonville. This time round Canada joined the tournament along with previous participants the United States and Jamaica. The Untied States went through undefeated and took out the Atlantic Cup for the 2nd year running.

In huge developments for rugby league in the United States, a new professional competition "US NRL" has been rumoured to start up in the next few years. The United States have the potential to become one of the top nations in Rugby League. Long term this will have a positive flow on effect to the international game.

In another boost for Rugby League in the United States the Rugby League International Federation announced in late 2010 that the Untied States, Jamaica and South Africa would form part of an Atlanic qualifying leg for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. The Untied States are favourites to win and secure a place in their first ever Rugby League World Cup.

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