An interesting new site called Yanks Across has begun chronicling the fortunes of Americans in British and Irish rugby.
The site today today marks its one-month “anniversary” with a portrait 1958 Heisman Trophy winner and Oxford University “Blue” Pete Dawkins. 
One anecdote:
"I'd never played rugger before and I did all sorts of things that are just not done," [Dawkins said].
Those things included shouting encouragement to his teammates during a match. During that era, the team captain was the only person expected to speak on the field and all other chatter was discouraged.
It’s well known that Dawkins “invented” the modern lineout throw by introducing the overhand spiral pass, but remarkable to learn that the one-time Army football star (and hockey vice captain, and baseball letter winner) inadvertently helped bring better on-field communication to the game.
A more typical entry:
Ex-University of Oklahoma star and USA Eagle Tyson Meek has been loaned to Derby RFC.
Derby competes in the Midlands Two East Division in the English Leagues. They currently reside in second place, two points behind league leaders Loughborough University.
Meek has been named to the replacements bench for Derby's Saturday match against Kettering.
A sense of context – understanding the game’s universal spirit and also the meaning of distinct local characteristics – is important for those who would understand the wide world of rugby beyond one’s doorstep. Yanks Across appears to be equally conversant in both the "home unions" and the American games.
Great Link! Thanks.
Posted by: hairofthedawg | 31 January 2007 at 04:51