Many American aficionados know Alex Goff, of GoffonRugby fame, and still more know Ed Hagerty, of Rugby Magazine. But of course: Whatever else can be said of the tabloid and its driving force, they have been on scene for more than 30 years.
Back in 1990, one of Ed’s staff was in Santa Barbara to cover the USA-Argentina World Cup qualifier, and drafted me into filing a short recap of the invitational tournament. Happily the final made for good copy – Mike Saunder’s OMBAC overcame a big deficit to topple archrival Belmont Shore – and a few days later Ed called out of the blue to ask if I would head to Pebble Beach for the collegiate finals as well as the last edition of the West coast classic.
Not a few others have found themselves pitching in, Johnny-on-the-spot, as Ed pursued his monthly quest to “get the rag out.”
These days, GoffonRugby’s brand of digital journalism, as well as the country’s growing and more accessible rugby community, carry several advantages over a print monthly. Meanwhile, Ed recently re-sold Rugby Mag to Jon Prusmack, his longtime partner and the owner of the USA 7s. And so it is that the two are now joined in American International Media.
Tomorrow, they launch a new venture, eRugbyNews.com, and I am looking forward to it. Congratulations fellas.
Separately, 2006 national runnerup Brigham Young has been told it is not under suspension, though All-American coach David Smyth has been sanctioned and will not be on the sidelines this weekend, according to people familiar with the matter. Some of Utah president Mark Ormsby’s email pronouncements apparently anticipated events, including a disciplinary hearing now scheduled for as late as next week. Mr. Ormsby declined comment.
It's sure come a long way since Bickerstaff and Clegg...eh?
Posted by: Dastardly | 28 February 2007 at 09:04